What You Really Need To Know About Down Payments

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 downpaymentresource.com. … Continue reading...

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. … Continue reading...

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.​ … Continue reading...

Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Some HighlightsWhether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. ​Because not all of them will be worth it.Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to recoup the costs. Connect with a local agent so you know which projects are actually worthwhile.​ … Continue reading...

Real Estate Is Voted the Best Long-Term Investment 12 Years in a Row

Some HighlightsIn a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has once again been voted the best long-term investment. And it’s claimed that top spot for 12 straight years now.That’s because homeownership is one of the top ways to build your wealth, even with home price growth moderating and ongoing economic uncertainty.If you’ve been trying to decide if it makes sense to buy a home today, connect with an agent to talk about the programs that can help you become a homeowner. … 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...

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...

Your Home Equity Could Make Moving Possible

Some HighlightsThanks to recent home price appreciation, homeowners have near record amounts of equity – and you may too. On average, homeowners have $311K worth of equity.Once you sell, you can use it to fund your down payment on your next home or maybe even to buy a smaller house in cash. If you want to find out how much equity you have, connect with an agent. Because it may make a move a lot more feasible than you'd think.​ … Continue reading...

You Finally Have More Options for Your Move

Some HighlightsIf you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ​There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month.With more options come more possibilities. Connect with an agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.​ … Continue reading...

If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling

Some HighlightsUnfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.​Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation.The best way to avoid this mistake? Connect with an agent to make sure your house is priced to pull people in, not push them away. … Continue reading...