Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in.

“I’ll never save enough.”

“I need a small fortune just to get started.”

“I guess I’ll just rent forever.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re not out of luck.

Here’s the thing: a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just isn’t true. And once you know the facts, you might realize you’re a lot closer to owning a home than you think.

Let’s break it all down and bust some big down payment myths while we’re at it.

Myth 1: “I need to come up with a big down payment.”

This one stops a lot of people in their tracks. A recent poll from Morning Consult and NeighborWorks shows 70% of Americans think they need to put at least 10% down to buy a home. And 11% aren’t sure what’s required at all (see graph below):

The truth? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical down payment for first-time buyers has been between 6% and 9% since 2018. But there’s more to the story. If you qualify for an FHA loan, you may only need to put 3.5% down. And VA loans typically don’t require a down payment at all. So, there are options out there that can make a difference for some buyers.

Myth 2: “It’ll take forever to save up for a down payment.”

Sure, saving can take time. But it may not have to be as long as you think. In many states, reaching your goal can happen faster than you might expect, especially when you know your budget and have a clear savings plan.

According to a new study, the amount of time varies depending on where you live. The map below shows, on average, how many years it takes to save up for a 10% down payment based on typical home values and income levels in each state (see map below):

But remember, in most cases, you won’t even need a down payment as large as 10%. Plus, no matter how much money you end up putting down, it won’t all have to come out of your pocket. Here’s why.

Myth 3: “I have to do it all on my own.”

This is one of the biggest myths of all. The reality is, there are thousands of down payment assistance programs out there, and the same poll from Morning Consult and NeighborWorks shows 39% of people don’t even know about them. That means many potential homebuyers could already be closer to homeownership – they don’t realize it.

These assistance programs are designed to help people like you who are ready to own a home but need a little support getting started. As Miki Adams, President at CBC Mortgage Agency, explains:

“With high interest rates and soaring home prices, down payment assistance is more essential than ever.”

Bottom Line

If you’ve been putting off buying a home because the down payment feels like too much to tackle, let’s talk. You may not need as much as you think, and there are plenty of resources out there, so you don’t have to do it alone. You need an expert to point you in the right direction.

If a down payment wasn’t holding you back, would you be ready to start your home search?

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 out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one.

Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do.

Overpricing Comes at a Cost

And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough choices:

1. Drop the price: Cutting the price might help get more eyes on the house again, but it can also trigger red flags. Buyers may wonder what’s wrong with it. And that’s going to impact any offers you get after the price cut.
2. Take it off the market: Some sellers give up on the idea of selling right now. The worst part about this is it means putting their future plans on the back burner. That dream of more space, downsizing, or relocating? On pause.
3. Rent it out: Others go the landlord route, but managing tenants and navigating leases isn’t always the simple fallback it seems. Renting can work, but it’s often a lot more hassle than people expect.

None of those options were part of the original plan. And honestly, none of them are where you should end up if you wanted to sell. Here’s a look at how a local agent’s expertise can help you avoid these headaches. Let’s use price cuts as an example.

Where You Live Makes a Difference

While the number of price cuts is up nationally, data shows some parts of the country are seeing far more of them than others. It all comes down to how much inventory has grown in that area (see map below):

As Realtor.com explains:

“Regionally, price reductions in June were significantly more common in the South and West (23% of listings) than they were in the Northeast (13% of listings), reflecting the inventory divergence across these regions.”

That means pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What’s happening nationally might not reflect what’s happening in your zip code, and that’s why you shouldn’t try to determine your list price on your own.

How a Great Agent Helps You Nail the Price

A skilled agent doesn’t just toss out a number. As Zillow says:

“Well-priced homes are more likely to sell quickly, but pricing your home to sell quickly and for maximum dollar requires strategy and knowledge of your local market. You need to have a clear-eyed view of your home in relation to the competition, and knowledge about whether you’re in a buyers or sellers market. It also helps to know what buyers in your area can afford.” 

And that’s all knowledge your agent will have. They study your local market, compare recent sales, and factor in your goals and buyer behavior. Based on what’s happening where you live, sometimes the best play will be pricing right at current market value. Other times pricing a little lower actually will spark more offers and ultimately get you a better final sale price.

So don’t skimp on the strategy or on your agent. With their local market know-how, you’ll be able to sell quickly, even in a shifting market.

Bottom Line

Overpricing can lead to tough choices you never want to face. But with the right price, and the proper guidance, you can skip the stress and sell with confidence. Let’s connect so you have a pricing strategy that works for today’s market and gets you where you want to go.

According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers are either unaware of the credit score lenders require or overestimate the minimum needed.

Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is out of reach for you right now, even if that’s not necessarily true. So, let’s look at what the data says about credit scores and homebuying.

There’s No One Magic Number

There’s no universal credit score required when buying a home. And that means there’s more flexibility than most people realize. Check out this graph showing the median credit scores recent buyers had among different home loan types:

Here’s what’s important to know. The numbers vary, and there’s no one-size-fits-all threshold. And that could open doors you thought were closed for you. The best way to learn more is to talk to a trusted lender. As FICO explains:

“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .”

Why Your Score Still Matters

When you buy a home, lenders use your credit score to assess your financial reliability. They want to see if you typically make payments on time, pay back debts, and more.

Your score can impact which loan types you may qualify for, the terms on those loans, and even your mortgage rate. And since mortgage rates are a significant factor in how much house you’ll be able to afford, that may make your score feel even more important today. As Bankrate says:

“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”

That still doesn’t mean your credit has to be perfect. Even if your credit score isn’t as high as you’d like, you may still be able to get a home loan.

Want To Boost Your Score? Start Here

And if you talk to a lender and decide you want to improve your score (and hopefully your loan type and terms too), here are a few smart moves according to the Federal Reserve Board:

• Pay Your Bills on Time: This is a big one. Lenders want to see that you can reliably pay your bills on time. This includes everything from credit cards to utilities and cell phone bills. Consistent, on-time payments show you’re a responsible borrower.
• Pay Down Your Debt: The less you use your available credit, the better. Focus on keeping this number as low as possible. That makes you a lower-risk borrower in the eyes of lenders – making them more likely to approve a loan with better terms.
• Review Your Credit Report: Get copies of your credit report and work to correct any errors you find. This can help improve your score.
• Don’t Open New Accounts: While it might be tempting to open more credit cards to build your score, it’s best to hold off. Too many new credit applications can lead to complex inquiries on your report, which can temporarily lower your score.

Bottom Line

Your credit score doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify for a home loan. But a better score can help you get better terms on your home loan. The best way to know where you stand and your options for a mortgage is to connect with a trusted lender.​

If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you.

Will Home Prices Fall?

Many buyers are hoping home prices will come down soon. Recent headlines about prices dipping in some areas are leading some people to believe it’s just a matter of time before there’s a bigger drop. But here are the facts.

While home price growth is slowing down, that doesn’t mean we’re headed for a crash. As NAHB explains:

“House price growth slowed . . . partly due to a decline in demand and an increase in supply. Persistent high mortgage rates and increased inventory combined to ease upward pressure on house prices. These factors signaled a cooling market, following rapid gains seen in previous years.”

However, experts say that even with this slowdown, prices will still rise at the national level this year. The average of 8 leading forecasters shows prices are expected to go up 1.5-2% in 2025 (see graph below):

That means, if you’re waiting for a significant drop, experts agree that’s not in the cards.

Keep in mind that while some markets are already seeing prices come down slightly, the average dip is only -3.5%. That’s a far cry from the nearly 20% decline the market experienced during the 2008 crash.

Plus, those small changes are easily absorbed when you consider how much home prices have climbed over the past few years. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows prices are up 55% nationally compared to just 5 years ago.

The takeaway? Prices aren’t crashing. They’re expected to keep climbing – just not as quickly these days. And some may argue they’ll be closer to flat by the end of this year. However, this is likely to vary by market, with some local fluctuations. So, lean on a pro to see the latest price trends for your area.

Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Another common thought among today’s buyers is, ‘I’m just going to wait for rates to come down.’ But is that a smart strategy? According to Yahoo Finance:

“If you’re looking for a substantial interest rate drop in 2025, you’ll likely be left waiting. The latest news from the Federal Reserve and other key economic data point toward steady mortgage rates on par with what we see today.”

In other words, avoid trying to time the market or waiting for a drop that may not materialize. Most experts say rates will remain in the 6s, and current projections have them settling in the mid-6% range by the end of this year (see chart below):

And that’s not a significant change from where they are right now. So, if you need to move, let’s discuss how to make it happen and what to watch out for. Because, while rates may not be as low as you want them to be, you don’t want to put your needs on the back burner, hoping for something the data shows is unlikely to happen.

Working with an expert who is closely monitoring all the economic factors that can influence mortgage rates is going to be essential this year. That’s because changes in factors such as inflation and other key drivers could impact how rates move going forward.

The Takeaway for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying, selling, or considering both, this market requires a strategy, not guesswork. Prices are still rising nationally (just more slowly), and rates are projected to stay pretty much where they are, so the bigger picture is one of moderation – not a meltdown.

Bottom Line

If you want to make a move, your best bet is to focus on your situation – not what the headlines say – and work with a real estate pro who knows how to navigate the shifting conditions in our local market.

Let’s discuss what’s happening in our area to create a plan that works for you.

If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you.

Will Home Prices Fall?

Many buyers are hoping home prices will come down soon. Recent headlines about prices dipping in some areas are leading some people to believe it’s just a matter of time before there’s a bigger drop. But here are the facts.

While home price growth is slowing down, that doesn’t mean we’re headed for a crash. As NAHB explains:

“House price growth slowed . . . partly due to a decline in demand and an increase in supply. Persistent high mortgage rates and increased inventory combined to ease upward pressure on house prices. These factors signaled a cooling market, following rapid gains seen in previous years.”

However, experts say that even with this slowdown, prices will still rise at the national level this year. The average of 8 leading forecasters shows prices are expected to go up 1.5-2% in 2025 (see graph below):

That means, if you’re waiting for a significant drop, experts agree that’s not in the cards.

Keep in mind that while some markets are already seeing prices come down slightly, the average dip is only -3.5%. That’s a far cry from the nearly 20% decline the market experienced during the 2008 crash.

Plus, those small changes are easily absorbed when you consider how much home prices have climbed over the past few years. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows prices are up 55% nationally compared to just 5 years ago.

The takeaway? Prices aren’t crashing. They’re expected to keep climbing – just not as quickly these days. And some may argue they’ll be closer to flat by the end of this year. However, this is likely to vary by market, with some local fluctuations. So, lean on a pro to see the latest price trends for your area.

Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Another common thought among today’s buyers is, ‘I’m just going to wait for rates to come down.’ But is that a smart strategy? According to Yahoo Finance:

“If you’re looking for a substantial interest rate drop in 2025, you’ll likely be left waiting. The latest news from the Federal Reserve and other key economic data point toward steady mortgage rates on par with what we see today.”

In other words, avoid trying to time the market or waiting for a drop that may not materialize. Most experts say rates will remain in the 6s, and current projections have them settling in the mid-6% range by the end of this year (see chart below):

And that’s not a significant change from where they are right now. So, if you need to move, let’s discuss how to make it happen and what to watch out for. Because, while rates may not be as low as you want them to be, you don’t want to put your needs on the back burner, hoping for something the data shows is unlikely to happen.

Working with an expert who is closely monitoring all the economic factors that can influence mortgage rates is going to be essential this year. That’s because changes in factors such as inflation and other key drivers could impact how rates move going forward.

The Takeaway for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying, selling, or considering both, this market requires a strategy, not guesswork. Prices are still rising nationally (just more slowly), and rates are projected to stay pretty much where they are, so the bigger picture is one of moderation – not a meltdown.

Bottom Line

If you want to make a move, your best bet is to focus on your situation – not what the headlines say – and work with a real estate pro who knows how to navigate the shifting conditions in our local market.

Let’s discuss what’s happening in our area to create a plan that works for you.

Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes can make the process more stressful or even result in financial loss.

Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups and how an agent helps you steer clear of them.

1. Overpricing Your House

It’s completely natural to want top dollar for your house, especially if you’ve put a lot of work into it. But in today’s shifting market, pricing it too high can backfire. Investopedia explains:

“Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract buyers and stays on the market for longer.”

And your house sitting on the market for a long time could lead to price cuts that raise red flags. That’s why pricing your home right from the start matters.

A great real estate agent will look at what other homes nearby have sold for, the condition of your house, and what’s happening in your market right now. That helps them find a price that’s more likely to battractbuyers, and mpossiblyeven mmultiple offers

2. Spending Money on the Wrong Upgrades

The housing market has nearly half a million more sellers than buyers, according to Redfin. That means you have more competition as a seller and may need to do a bit more to prepare your house for sale. However, not all projects will be worth it. If you spend Money on the wrong projects, it could cut into your profit.

A local real estate pro knows what buyers in your area are looking for, and they can help you figure out which projects are worth it and which ones to skip. Even better, they’ll know how to highlight any upgrades you make in your listing, so your house stands out online and gets more attention.

3. Refusing To Negotiate

Now that inventory has grown, it’s essential to stay flexible. Buyers have more options, and with it comes more negotiating power. U.S. News explains:

“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”

That’s where your agent comes in. They’ll help you understand what buyers are looking for, what’s typical in today’s market, and how to find a mutually beneficial solution. Sometimes, making a small compromise can keep the deal moving and help you move on to your next chapter faster.

4. Skipping Research When Hiring an Agent

All of these mistakes are avoidable with the help of a skilled agent. So, you want to be sure you’re working with the right partner. Still, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of sellers choose the first agent they speak with.

Many homeowners may skip essential steps, such as reading reviews, checking the sales history, and interviewing a few agents. But that’s a mistake. You want someone you know you can rely on – someone with a good track record. The right agent can help you price your house correctly, market it effectively, and sell it quickly (and possibly for more Money).

Bottom Line

Selling a house doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you have an experienced agent by your side. Let’s connect so you have an expert to help you avoid these common mistakes and make the most of your sale.

What’s one thing you’d want expert advice on before putting your house on the market?

Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why.

There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), approximately 1 in 5 homes for sale currently are new construction. So, if you’re not looking at newly built homes, you’re missing out on a significant portion of what’s available.

With more new homes on the market, builders are motivated to sell their existing inventory. As a result, many are taking steps to draw in buyers.

Builders Are Cutting Prices

According to Buddy Hughes, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

“Almost 40% of home builders reduced sales prices in the last month . . .”

That means builders are being realistic about today’s market and adjusting to what buyers can afford. It’s their way to keep their inventory moving.

So, builders may be more willing to negotiate price than you’d expect – and that means your dollar may go further if you buy a newly built home. Lean on your agent to see what’s available and what incentives builders are offering in and around your area.

Builders Are Offering Lower Mortgage Rates

Here’s something most people don’t know. Currently, buyers of brand-new homes often secure better mortgage rates than those purchasing existing homes.

That’s because many builders are also offering rate buydowns to make their homes more attractive and keep sales moving. They’re willing to chip in to lower your rate, so you’re more likely to buy one of their homes.

Data from Realtor.com shows that, in 2023 and 2024, buyers of newly built homes got a mortgage rate around half a percent lower compared to those who bought existing homes (see graph below):

That kind of savings adds up and makes a significant difference when you’re determining your monthly budget.

So, if you haven’t found something you love yet, it’s time to add newly built homes to your search. You may find that what you’ve been looking for is already out there; it’s just in a new home community.

Bottom Line

With more choices, the potential to negotiate on price, and possibly even better mortgage rates, these options are a bright spot in today’s housing market.

If you haven’t considered a newly built home yet, what’s holding you back?

Let’s talk about it and see if it’s worth checking out new builds in and around our area.