Some HighlightsThere’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive.And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. Most first-time buyers qualify and the typical benefit is $17,000.To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out … [Read more...]
Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today
Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below):And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a … [Read more...]
You May Have Enough Equity To Downsize and Buy Your Next House in Cash
Some HighlightsHave you been holding off on downsizing? If so, you should know your equity could make your move possible.Homeowners today have so much equity that a record number are buying their next house in all cash. And that has some big benefits like making their offer more appealing, potentially closing faster, and not having a mortgage payment.To find out how much equity you have in your current house, connect with a local agent. Because it may be enough to fuel your move. … [Read more...]
Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now.
When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling stuck, and maybe even a little embarrassed.And here's what most agents won’t tell you. Over 70% of homeowners who re-list with a different agent sell their house. Re-list with the same agent? That stat drops to only 50%, according to the latest data … [Read more...]
Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?
After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better. Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary based on where you live. And that’s why you need an agent’s local market expertise.Here’s a quick rundown of the current inventory situation, so you know what’s happening and what to expect.Significant Growth Across the NationNationally, the number of … [Read more...]
The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective
Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below):While everyone remembers what happened around the housing crash of 2008, that was the exception – not the rule. It hadn’t happened before, and hasn’t since. … [Read more...]
Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan.They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why so many first-timers are using them to make their purchase.Whether you’re dreaming of ditching rent, planting roots, or just … [Read more...]
The Big Difference Between a Homeowner’s and a Renter’s Net Worth
Some HighlightsHomeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in our country and it’s easy to see why.As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time, you gain equity – and that helps grow your net worth. That’s why a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40X greater than a renters.But you should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it. If you want to build a plan to get there, connect with a local agent. … [Read more...]
The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell
Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.What Is Home Staging?It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything … [Read more...]
Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?
A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in time. And as the market finds its footing again, it’s time to reset expectations.Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those … [Read more...]
