With the cost of just about everything going up these days — groceries, gas and utilities — you might be feeling like now just isn’t the time to take on any home projects. But remember, you don’t need to tackle a full-on renovation to make a big impact.And if you don’t know where to start [...]

There’s a lot of noise out there about what an economic slowdown could mean for the housing market. And if it leaves you feeling a little uneasy, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing.If you’re worried about what a potential recession could mean for the value of your home, or your homebuying power, your trusted [...]

Over the past year, a lot of people put their moving plans on hold. Affordability weakened, and it was harder to find a home in budget, especially when inventory was so low. But things are shifting in a big way. Today, a rare balance is emerging — more choices when you buy, but still strong [...]

A lot of people want to buy a home, but they feel stuck in “wait and see” mode. Maybe you’re one of them. You’re holding your breath, hoping prices will fall or rates will come back down. But while you’re waiting, the market is moving — without you.The reality is, trying to time the market [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life.Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home [...]

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 [...]

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value [...]

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 [...]

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move. There is one place you can turn to for answers you want the most. And that’s the experts.Leading housing experts are starting to release [...]

As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says:“. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off [...]

With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about [...]

Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock.But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth.Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home?Unless your [...]

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 [...]

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market [...]