If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, the time to start prepping is now. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is coming up fast.A recent Realtor.com study analyzed years of housing market trends (excluding 2020 since it was an outlier) and found that April 13–19 is expected to be the ideal window to put your house on the market this year:“. . . we’ve identified April 13-19 as the best week to list for sellers . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home is likely … [Read more...]
Your Roadmap to Homeownership
Some HighlightsBuying a home isn’t just a transaction – it’s a journey. And like any great adventure, having a solid roadmap makes all the difference. From building your dream team to getting pre-approved, house hunting, and signing the papers on closing day – each milestone is an achievement. Your journey starts here. Connect with an agent so you have help every step along the way. … [Read more...]
The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now
If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes.Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making, and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one of them.1. Pricing the Home Too HighAccording to a … [Read more...]
The Secret To Selling? Using an Agent To Get Your House Noticed
In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they're doing.According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use … [Read more...]
How Home Equity Can Help Fuel Your Retirement
If retirement is on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about your next chapter. And you probably want to make sure you’re set up to feel comfortable financially to live the life you want in retirement.What you may not realize is you likely have a hidden goldmine of cash you’re not thinking about — and that’s your home. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that home values have gone up nearly 60% over the last 5 years alone (see graph below):And that appreciation gave your net worth a … [Read more...]
What To Save for When Buying a Home
Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process.Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead.1. Down PaymentSaving for your down payment is likely top of mind. But how much do you really need? A common misconception is that you have to put down 20% of the purchase price. But that’s not necessarily the case. Unless it’s specified by your … [Read more...]
Mortgage Forbearance: A Helpful Option for Homeowners Facing Challenges
Let’s face it – life can throw some curveballs. Whether it’s a job loss, unexpected bills, or a natural disaster, financial struggles can happen to anyone. But here’s the good news. If you’re a homeowner feeling the squeeze, there’s a lifeline that many people don’t realize is still available: mortgage forbearance.What Is Mortgage Forbearance?As Bankrate explains:“Mortgage forbearance is an option that allows borrowers to pause or lower their mortgage payments while dealing with a short-term crisis, such as a job … [Read more...]
Why More Sellers Are Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Some HighlightsMore homeowners are realizing they need an agent’s help in this complex market – and that’s why a record-low number of people are selling without a pro by their side.Without an agent’s help, tackling pricing, staging and repairs, paperwork, negotiation, and more can be a real headache.Selling without a pro isn’t worth the hassle. Connect with an agent to see if you’d work well together. … [Read more...]
Only an Expert Agent Can Give You an Accurate Value of Your Home
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home.Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an … [Read more...]
Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents
Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market.That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own.Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below):And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a … [Read more...]
