After several years of rising home prices and volatile mortgage rates, it looks like the housing market will start to head in a more normal direction in 2025 – at least according to the latest forecasts. And if you’ve been thinking about making a move, that means the uncertainty that could’ve been throwing off your plans may be coming to a close. Here’s a look at the latest expert forecasts on two of the biggest factors expected to shape the market in the year ahead. Will Mortgage Rates Come Down? Everyone’s … [Read more...]
Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move
It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. And that flexibility gave a lot of people the freedom to move — and work — from wherever they wanted.But now, a growing number of companies are requiring employees to return to the office. And that’s leading some people to make decisions about where they live and if they need to move.How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing During the rise of remote work, a lot of employees took the opportunity to move away from expensive or crowded city … [Read more...]
Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Market
Selling a house comes with a lot of moving pieces, and the last thing you want is a deal falling apart over unexpected repairs uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. That’s why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers ever step through the door. And one way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection.What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection? A pre-listing inspection is essentially a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market. Just like the inspections your buyer will do … [Read more...]
More Buyers Are Making Moves — Is It Time To Sell?
More people are taking steps to buy a home. And, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to move, this may be the sign you’ve been looking for.For the past few years, a lot of would-be homebuyers hit pause on their plans. With rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges, buying just didn’t seem doable. But now, more of them are getting back out there. That’s because they’re getting used to the fact that this may be the new normal for the market – especially as forecasts show mortgage rates may be starting … [Read more...]
Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons
When searching for a home, you don’t want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose from than there would normally be in the market. And those added choices come with some pretty incredible benefits. Talking to your agent is the best way to see if this type of home makes sense for you.Here’s a quick rundown of some things your agent will walk you through – including a few of the top perks of buying a newly built home today and some potential things you’ll want to … [Read more...]
Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?
Some HighlightsA study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why.Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership. What’s your #1 reason for wanting to buy? … [Read more...]
Do You Know How Much Your Home Is Worth?
Over the past few years, you’ve probably seen a whole lot of headlines about how home prices keep going up. But have you ever stopped to think about what that actually means for your home?Home prices have risen dramatically over the past five years — far more than usual. And if selling has been on your mind, this could mean a bigger-than-expected payday when you list. So, how much has your home’s value really changed? Let’s break it down.The Rapid Rise of the Past 5 YearsTypically, home prices go up by about 2-5% a … [Read more...]
Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know
Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market.What Is an ADU?According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include its own areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms independent of the main … [Read more...]
Are Investors Actually Buying Up All the Homes?
Are you trying to buy a home but you feel like you’re up against deep-pocketed Wall Street investors snatching up everything in sight? Many people believe mega investors are driving up prices and buying up all the homes for sale, and that’s making it hard for regular buyers like you to compete.But here’s the truth. Investor purchases are actually on the decline, and the big players aren’t nearly as active as you might think. Let’s dive into the facts and put this myth to rest.Most Investors Are Small, Not Mega … [Read more...]
How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower Rates
Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen? According to the latest forecasts, experts say rates will decline, but not by as much as a lot of people want.The good news? Even if they don’t drop substantially, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable.How Much Will Rates Drop?A few months ago, experts were forecasting mortgage rates could dip below 6% by the end of the year. But recent projections suggest that may not happen after … [Read more...]
