Some HighlightsYou may be sitting on the sidelines wondering if it’s better to buy now or wait. But buying before the spring rush may be a game-changing decision.Moving this winter can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiating power, and lower prices.If you’re able to buy now, stay ahead of the game and outrun the competition. To tackle your homebuying plans this year, connect with a local agent. … [Read more...]
The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper
There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner.If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you.What’s a Fixer-Upper?A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring … [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...]
Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market
The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget.But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’re been … [Read more...]
The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year
Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down … [Read more...]
Time in the Market Beats Trying To Time the Market
Some HighlightsAre you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this.Forecasts show prices will climb for at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise.If you're able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it'll be worth it in the long run. Connect with an agent if you're ready to talk through ways we can make it happen. … [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...]
Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now
A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into … [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...]
3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring
Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.1. Less … [Read more...]