Thought Leaders

Residential Real Estate

Real Talk Real Estate: Will Homes Finally Become Affordable in 2025?

The question on everyone’s mind is whether 2025 will bring relief to homebuyers struggling with affordability. While recent fluctuations in mortgage rates have added uncertainty, many industry experts predict a gradual decline in rates next year. However, don’t expect rates to plummet too quickly. The powers that be, believe a sudden drop could trigger a wave of buyer demand that might erase inventory gains, potentially driving prices back up. I am awaiting, hopefully, a drop to the 5.5% range so I can refinance my own mortgage. In 2023, I got

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Best of Real Talk Real Estate: Refinancing Your Home Mortgage: The Comedy of Rates, Points, and Perpetual Uncertainty

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the real estate market recently, you may have noticed something strange — it’s been a bit like trying to read the stock market while blindfolded…on a roller coaster…with a squirrel in your lap. In other words, it’s wild, unpredictable, and slightly ridiculous. But, whether you’re looking to buy your dream home, refinance your mortgage, or simply get a handle on the market, there are some essential things to know. So, let’s look into the essentials of refinancing your mortgage in today’s bonkers real estate

Read More »
Residential Real Estate

Real Talk Real Estate: CSRA Real Estate Market Update: What’s Happening in Augusta and Surrounding Areas?

If you’re following the real estate market in Augusta, GA, you know it’s been an eventful year. From shifting demand to fluctuating interest rates, buyers and sellers alike are navigating a changing landscape. Here’s a snapshot of the latest trends, insights, and what I expect to see as we move toward the end of 2024. Unfortunately, interest rates have continued to rise over the past year, putting a bit of a squeeze on affordability. Nonetheless, our area remains attractive to both local buyers and newcomers, thanks to the area’s quality

Read More »
Shawna Woodward

Best of Real Talk Real Estate: Choosing the optimal closing date

When purchasing a home, one crucial question you’ll face is, “What day do you want to close?” While this may seem straightforward, selecting the best closing date requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind, particularly for those using traditional mortgage options. The Importance of a Firm Closing Date The closing date in your contract is intended to be a firm commitment for all parties involved. It sets the timeline for everyone to work towards and signifies your agreement to strive to meet this deadline. Popular

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Building Trust and Confidence in Senior Leadership

Attracting and retaining top talent continues to be a struggle for many employers, perhaps because they underestimate the value of building a sense of trust and confidence among their employees. Instilling a sense of trust and confidence in senior leadership is key to protecting the organization’s reputation and bottom line. Employees who do not trust or respect senior leaders are less likely to be engaged and productive and are more likely to seek employment elsewhere, leading to burnout for other staff, as well as costs related to turnover. Good leaders

Read More »
Residential Real Estate

Real Talk Real Estate: Buying or Selling in the Next 6 Months? Here’s the Necessary Advice You Need!

So, you’ve decided to either buy or sell a home in the next six months. Congratulations! Or should I say, welcome to the jungle? The housing market can be a wild ride, full of ups, downs, and a few plot twists. Whether you’re scouring Zillow at 3 a.m. or putting out freshly baked cookies for prospective buyers, navigating the market can feel like a full-time job. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some essential advice to keep your sanity intact. Dear Buyers, be ready to fall in love. First

Read More »
Human Resources

Is Your Company Sponsored 401(k) Ready for the New Year?

As the last quarter of the calendar year is upon us, most employers are accustomed to performing end-of-year processes to ensure their companies are optimally performing and ready for the next year. No doubt budgets for the new year are being evaluated and restated, health and welfare insurance plans are being reviewed and shopped to ensure employee benefits are maximized while minimizing premium increases, and payroll data are being scrubbed to ensure all W-2’s and 1099’s are accurate and ready to process by deadline dates. But what about your company-sponsored

Read More »
Shawna Woodward

Best of Real Talk Real Estate: Understanding Traditional Mortgage Loan Options in Georgia

Editor’s Note: Following the devastation from Hurricane Helene, perhaps you are thinking about leaving the mess behind and moving. If that’s your case, Shawna Woodward has some timely advice on mortgage loan options. Understanding the world of mortgage loans can be daunting, especially with the variety of options available to homebuyers in Georgia and the “advertised” interest rates promoted online. Understanding the different traditional mortgage loan types will help you make an informed decision that best suits your financial situation and homeownership goals. The first place to start if you

Read More »
Human Resources

Boost Your Employee Retention & Minimize Your Turnover

One of the biggest and most costly problems of business owners is employee retention. Even before the pandemic, maintaining good employees was an issue for business owners. There may be many reasons why an employee terminates their employment but how does a business maintain the “choice” employees against the other competitors?  Let’s first look at why it matters that your business may have a high turnover rate. Why Does Employee Retention Matter? Nothing influences organizational success quite like employee knowledge and expertise. Retaining employees is vital, as losing them can have a

Read More »
Human Resources

ConceptHR Corner: People make it happen!

Recently, Hurricane Helene made an enormous impact on the local and regional area creating massive damage. It was a bit humbling and overwhelming when everyone emerged from their shelter viewing the devastation as the storm had finally passed. As much as all attempted to be prepared, there was no way of knowing the enormity and severity of the situation until it occurred. Power, internet, water, gas, and food were either nonexistent or scarce, creating hardships and stress. Fear and a feeling of helplessness soon followed, affecting everyone. However, the depth

Read More »