Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you.But here’s the thing you need to know about renting.While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning – it can … Continue reading...

Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don't know about one of its core benefits.According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below):That means 7 out of every 10 Veterans could be missing out on a key homebuying advantage.That’s why it’s so important for Veterans, and anyone who cares about a Veteran, to be aware of this program. As Veterans United … Continue reading...

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.Terms Every Homebuyer Should KnowOnce you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those big … Continue reading...

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But don’t worry. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Here’s why.Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford after the rates adjusted. But now, lenders are more cautious, and they evaluate whether you … Continue reading...

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It’s Your Buying Opportunity

Maybe you’ve heard the number of homes for sale has reached a recent high. And it might make you question if this is the start of another housing market crash.But the reality is, the data proves that’s just not the case. In most areas, more inventory isn’t bad news. It’s actually a sign of the market returning to a more stable, healthy place.What’s Going on With Inventory?Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, inventory just hit its highest point since 2020, shown with the white line in the graph below.But what you need to realize is, at the same time, inventory levels still haven’t … Continue reading...

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

When buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs. But you may not be thinking about homeowners association (HOA) fees. While you won’t necessarily have these, you should know it’s a possibility, depending on where you decide to live.A homeowners association is basically an organization that oversees a housing community (including shared spaces) and sets and enforces rules for things like upkeep. Some buyers love the perks that come with an HOA, others may see the fees as an extra expense. The key is knowing … Continue reading...

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Some HighlightsAre you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you.Mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly. There will be more homes available for sale. And as inventory rises, home price growth will moderate.Want to know what this could mean for your plans? Connect with a local agent and talk through it together. … Continue reading...

Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you're wondering:Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home?Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt?Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily.Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student … Continue reading...

Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive.What Are Concessions and Incentives?When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive. A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal. An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises and … Continue reading...

Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Some HighlightsOnce your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more.That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step.An inspection is your chance to avoid costly headaches and get peace of mind. Connect with an agent to talk about other ways to make your offer stand out. … Continue reading...