Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday?According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term income.And that’s where real estate comes in.Why Real Estate? Here’s What It Can Do for YouIf you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a second home can be a powerful tool for your future retirement. It could help … [Read more...]
3 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today
Some HighlightsPrices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes.There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people who buy new homes tend to get lower rates in this market thanks to the incentives builders can offer.Connect with an agent if you want to see the new builds available in and around your area. … [Read more...]
The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)
Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in.“I’ll never save enough.”“I need a small fortune just to get started.”“I guess I’ll just rent forever.”Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck.Here’s the thing: a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just isn’t true. And once you know the facts, you might realize you’re a lot closer to owning a home than you think.Let’s break it all down and bust some big down payment … [Read more...]
What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?
According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed.Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is out of reach for you right now, even if that’s not necessarily true. So, let’s look at what the data really says about credit scores and homebuying.There’s No One Magic NumberThere’s no universal credit … [Read more...]
Home Price Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025
Some HighlightsWith all the headlines circulating recently, you may be wondering what’s next for home prices? Here’s what the expert forecasts say.Home prices are still forecast to rise nationally this year, just at a much slower pace. But price trends are going to vary by area.To have a quick conversation about what's happening in your local market, connect with a real estate agent. … [Read more...]
Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets
Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets.What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale and not as many buyers. That means homes sit longer, buyers have more negotiating power, and prices tend to soften as a result. It’s … [Read more...]
Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025
If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you.Will Home Prices Fall?Many buyers are hoping home prices will come down soon. And recent headlines about prices dipping in some areas are making some people believe it's just a matter of time before there’s a bigger drop. But here are the facts.While home price … [Read more...]
The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See
Foreclosure headlines are making noise again – and they’re designed to stir up fear to get you to read them. But what the data shows is actually happening in the market tells a very different story than what you might be led to believe. So, before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to look at the full picture.Yes, foreclosure starts are up 7% in the first six months of the year. But zooming out shows that’s nowhere near crisis levels. Here’s why.Filings Are Still Far Below Crash LevelsEven with the recent … [Read more...]
The Latest Mortgage Rate Forecasts
Some HighlightsIf you’re tempted to delay your move in hope that mortgage rates will come down, you may want to rethink that strategy based on the latest forecast.Experts say mortgage rates are projected to stay in the 6s this year. So don’t expect a big drop.If you want to talk about what this means for your move, connect with a real estate agent. As forecasts change, having an expert who can keep you updated is essential. … [Read more...]
Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now
Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why.There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 1 in 5 homes for sale right now is new construction. So, if you’re not looking … [Read more...]
