Blog
Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?
If you’re still worried about having to deal with a bidding war when you buy a home, you may be able to let some of that fear go. While multiple-offer situations haven’t disappeared entirely, they’re not nearly as common as they used to be. In fact, a recent survey shows agents reported only 1 in... Read More
From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again
If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next. Sometimes it only took hours. You had to drop everything to go and see the house, and if you hesitated even slightly, someone else swooped in and bought it... Read More
Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff
Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year (6.55%). While that may not sound like a... Read More
The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High
When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it’s a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is... Read More
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... Read More
The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked
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... Read More
Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again
It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great. Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you... Read More
What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target
Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home. Take a look at the graph below. It uses data... Read More
The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market
The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009. And maybe you’re reading that and thinking: oh no, here we go again. That’s because you remember the housing crash of the late 2000s and you’re... Read More
4 Things To Expect from the Spring Housing Market
Spring is in full swing, and the housing market is picking up along with it. And if you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, here’s the inside scoop on why this spring may be a great time to make your move. 1. There Are More Homes for Sale After... Read More