This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people plan to buy a home this year. That’s a record high for this survey (see graph below):

Here’s why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to return to the market.

That doesn’t mean the floodgates are opening and there will be a massive wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this does signal there’ll be more activity this year than last.

At least some buyers who put their plans on hold over the past few years will jump back in. Whether they’re feeling more confident about moving, have finally saved up enough to buy, or can’t wait any longer, this is the year they aim to take the plunge.

According to that same NerdWallet survey, more than half (54%) of those potential buyers have already started looking at homes online.

That’s a good indicator that several buyers will be looking during the peak homebuying season this spring. So, if you find the right agent to ensure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, you can get it in front of them.

Bottom Line

More people will move this year, and with the right strategy, you can ensure that your house is among the first they consider.

What do you think these buyers will love most about your house?

Let’s discuss it and ensure it’s front and center in your listing.

Over the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering if they’d ever get a shot at owning a home. But here’s some welcome news: that whirlwind pace of home price growth is slowing down.

Home Prices Are Rising at a Healthy Pace

Home prices are increasing at the national level but at a much more moderate, regular pace. For example, in November, the year-over-year increase in home prices was just 3.8% nationally, according to Case-Shiller. That’s a far cry from the double-digit spikes that occurred in 2021 and 2022 (see graph below):

This normal home price growth might make home-buying more attainable for many buyers. You won’t face the same sticker shock or rapid price jumps that made it hard to plan your purchase just a few years ago.

At the same time, steady growth means the home you buy today will likely appreciate over time.

Prices Vary from Market to Market

While the national story is one of moderate price growth, it’s important to remember that all real estate is local. Some markets are seeing more vigorous growth, while others are cooling off or even seeing slight declines. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes:

“Regionally, variations persist, as some affordable areas – including smaller metros in the Midwest — remain in high demand and continue to see upward home price pressures.”

Meanwhile, other regions saw slight month-over-month decreases in November, according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data (see graph below):

What does this mean for you? It’s crucial to understand what’s happening in your local market. A national average can’t tell the whole story. That’s where working with a local real estate agent can help. They have the tools and expertise to give you the complete picture of what’s happening in your area and how to plan for that in your move.

Bottom Line

Home prices are growing more manageable, and working with a local real estate agent can help you navigate the ups and downs of your specific market.

How have changing home prices impacted your plans to buy? Let’s talk about it.

There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner.

If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you.

What’s a Fixer-Upper?

A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing.

While fixer-uppers need a little TLC, here’s why they may be worth considering, especially right now:

1. They Usually Have a Lower Price Point. Because of the repairs involved, these homes are usually less expensive upfront than move-in-ready options. According to a survey from StorageCafe, fixer-uppers come with price tags that are about 29% lower, making them a solid choice if you’re having trouble finding anything in your budget.
2. Less Competition. When you’re ready to make an offer, you’re less likely to deal with competition from other buyers who are focused on move-in-ready homes.
3. Build Equity Faster. From choosing how to redo the floors to picking which cabinets you want in the kitchen, a fixer-upper allows you to design a space that fits your needs and style. And with smart renovations, you can increase your home’s value faster and potentially see a big return on your investment.

As The Mortgage Reports notes:

“If you’re a house hunter who’s not afraid of sweat equity, buying a fixer-upper could be your ticket to homeownership. Doing so could lead to big savings, even in some of the nation’s largest and most popular housing markets. Plus, adding the right features could help your investment.”

What To Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper

The possibilities that come with a fixer-upper are exciting, but there are a few things to think about first.

• Do You Have a game plan? Consider if you have the time, skills, or budget to tackle renovations. Be honest about what you can handle yourself, what you’ll need to hire out, and if a fixer-upper is truly a good fit for your lifestyle. Remember, you’ll likely be living in a construction zone at least for a little while.
• Prioritize the Repairs and Upgrades: Don’t stress yourself out thinking you’ve got to do all the work upfront. Space out renovations over time in a way that makes sense for your budget and what’s most important to tackle first.
• Location Matters: You want the money you’re spending to fix up a house to be worth the investment. So, make sure the home is in an area with increasing home values and amenities locals love, like parks and restaurants.
• Get a Home Inspection: Hiring an inspector to do a thorough inspection before you buy is a must. What they find will help you understand what needs to be updated, renovation costs, and if it’s a project you want to take on.
• Budget for Surprises: Renovations rarely go as planned. So, be sure to set aside extra money to cover things like extended repair timelines, an increase in the cost of materials, or other unknowns that may come up.

Talk to a Lender About Financing Options: There are some renovation mortgages designed for homes that need a little work. But they may have requirements like spending and timeline limits, so talk to a trusted lender to understand the fine print.

Bottom Line

Fixer-uppers aren’t for everyone, but if you’re open to doing a bit of work, they can be a great way to overcome today’s affordability hurdles and find something in your budget.

With the right mindset and careful planning, you could turn a less-than-perfect house into the perfect home for you.

If you found a fixer-upper that fits your budget and goals, would you consider taking the plunge? If so, let’s connect to explore what’s out there.

Having the right strategies and expectations is key if you want to sell your house. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in more homes for sale or in buyers being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes.

Here’s a quick rundown of sellers’ three most common missteps and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one.

1. Pricing the Home Too High

According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree the #1 thing sellers struggle with right now is setting the right price for their house (see graph below):

And more often than not, homeowners tend to overprice their listings. If you aren’t up to speed on what’s happening in your local market, you may give in to the temptation to price high so you can have as much wiggle room as possible to negotiate. You don’t want to do this.

Today’s buyers are more cautious due to higher rates and tight budgets, and a price that feels out of reach will scare them off. And if no one’s looking at your house, how will it sell? This is precisely why more sellers are having to make price cuts.

To avoid this headache, trust your agent’s expertise from day 1. A great agent will be able to tell you what your neighbor’s house just sold for and how that impacts the value of your home.

2. Skipping Repairs

Another common mistake is trying to avoid doing work on your house. That leaky faucet or squeaky door might not bother you, but minor maintenance issues can be red flags to buyers. They may assume those little flaws are signs of more significant problems — and it could cost you when offers come in lower or buyers ask for concessions. As Investopedia says:

“Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain. . . Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all. If you haven’t attended to minor issues, such as a broken doorknob or dripping faucet, a potential buyer may wonder whether the house has larger, costlier issues that haven’t been addressed either.”

The solution? Work with your agent to prioritize anything you must tackle before the photographer arrives. These minor upgrades can pay off big when it’s time to sell.

3. Refusing To Negotiate

Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you want to see. Don’t take it personally. Instead, focus on the end goal: selling your house. Your agent can help you negotiate confidently without letting emotions cloud your judgment.

At the same time, with more homes on the market, buyers have options — and with that comes more negotiating power. They may ask for repairs, closing cost assistance, or other concessions. Be prepared to have these conversations. Again, lean on your agent to guide you. Sometimes, a tiny compromise can seal the deal without derailing your bottom line. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:

“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to 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.”

The Biggest Mistake of All? Not Using a Real Estate Agent

Do you notice anything? Partnering with an agent helps prevent each of these mistakes from happening. That makes selling your house without an agent’s help the biggest mistake.

Bottom Line

Start with the right plan and agent to avoid these common mistakes. Let’s connect so you don’t fall into any of these traps.

The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget.

But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a lot lately, and that’s true for existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers and why they may make it easier to find the home you’re looking for.

1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale

Data from Realtor.com says the number of existing homes for sale improved by an impressive 22% in 2024. And experts say your pool of options is expected to get even better this year. Forecasts show inventory is projected to grow another 11-15% by the end of this year (see graph below):

Here’s why this is so good for your search. If you haven’t seen a house with all the features you need, know that you’ll have more options as the number of homes for sale grows. That means a better chance of finding a home that checks all your boxes. As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“It could be a particularly good time to get out into the market . . . you’re going to have more choice. And that’s not something that buyers have really had much over the past several years.”

2. There Are More Newly Built Homes on the Market

According to data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 31.1%, or roughly 1 in 3, homes on the market are newly built. That’s more than the norm (see charts below). But don’t worry, that’s not because builders are overdoing it – it’s just that they’re trying to catch up after years of underbuilding.

And the best part is, since builders have been focusing on smaller homes with lower price points, you may find that new builds are less expensive than expected. So, while many people write off new construction because it’s easy to assume the costs are way higher, lately, that price gap isn’t as big as you’d think. As CNET says:

“If you live in an area where there’s a lot of new construction happening . . . you might be able to purchase a new house for a price similar to or even less than a pre-owned one.”

If you haven’t been able to find a home within your budget, it’s time to ask your agent about new builds. If you don’t, you may have been cutting your pool of options by about a third.

Bottom Line

More choices could be the key to achieving your homebuying home-buying025. Contact us to see what’s available in and around our area.

What features are you looking for in your next home? Let me know, and I’ll assemble the homes you’d love.

Have you been wondering whether to keep renting or buy a home? It’s a big decision, and let’s be honest—renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a house seems out of reach.

But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.

Maybe you’re feeling that way, too—concerned about where renting might leave you but still unsure if you can buy right now. If you can make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.

Let’s explain why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond and how it can help set you up for the future.

Buying Builds Wealth Over Time

Buying a home lets you turn your monthly housing costs into a long-term investment. That’s because, as shown in data from the Census and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), home prices tend to increase over time (see graph below):

Rising home prices directly benefit homeowners. That’s because when you own a home, you build equity — meaning your ownership stake in your home grows as you pay down your mortgage and your home’s value appreciates. And that, in turn, makes your net worth grow, too.

Maybe that’s why, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 79% of buyers believe owning a home is a good financial investment.

Renting Comes with Rising Costs

Renting may feel more affordable in the short term, especially with today’s home prices and mortgage rates. But the reality is that rent almost always goes up over time, too. Look at the data, and you will see that play out. According to Census data, rents have significantly increased over the decades (see graph below):

If you decide to rent, you’ll likely face growing expenses each time you renew or sign a new lease – and that’ll happen without building any wealth in return. Plus, those rising costs may make it harder to save up to buy a home.

Renting vs. Buying: The Long-Term Impact

When you own a home, your payments are an investment in your future. Conversely, renting means your money is gone for good — it helps your landlord build equity, not you.

Renting works for those not ready (or able) to buy today. But if you can make the numbers work, purchasing a home builds equity and sets you up for long-term financial success. So, even though renting may seem easier now, it can’t match the benefits of homeownership.

Bottom Line

If you can afford it, consider homeownership as part of your financial plan. It’s an investment you won’t regret.

Do you want to see what starter homes are available in our market? Let’s connect today to explore your options.

In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.

It makes sense. How your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they’re doing.

According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):

• Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents can access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.
• Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign may seem simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch the attention of people driving or walking by. And when it does, they’ll help spread the word to friends and family who are looking to buy that there’s a house for sale in the area. It also displays your agent’s contact information, making it easy for interested buyers to get in touch.
• Having an Open House – An open house is a great way to create a sense of competition and urgency among buyers, leading to stronger offers. And since you’ll only need to leave once for many buyers to visit, it makes the process easier for you, too. Plus, an open house helps your agent get real-time feedback about what buyers love and what they’re not as sold on.
• Showcasing on Your Agent’s Website – Having your house on your agent’s website presents it professionally to buyers. And odds are, people visiting your agent’s website are serious and ready to make a move, so this is a smart way to get in front of motivated buyers.
• Social Networking – Posting your house on social helps get your home in front of buyers who may not have seen it with traditional marketing. It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones.
• Providing Virtual Tours – For buyers who are relocating from out of town, virtual tours allow them to check out your house anytime from wherever they are. This helps reach more potential buyers who cannot see your home in person.
• Using Video – Video is an excellent way for your agent to show off some of the top features of your house, like your kitchen, large closets, outdoor entertainment areas, and other key details that could attract buyers.
• Sending Emails – Sending out information about your house to your agent’s expansive database is another way they’ll get it in front of even more people. Great agents may even send emails teasing that your house is coming to the market to boost interest and excitement before it officially has an open house.

Here’s what it comes down to. Most good agents will write a description of your house for the listing and pair it with high-quality photos. But a great agent will do so much more than that.

They’ll not only lean on their expertise but also put in the time and effort to make sure your house makes an impression on buyers and, ultimately, sells.

Bottom Line

As a seller, working with a creative local real estate agent is a smart way to ensure your house grabs the attention of the right buyers. Let’s chat if you’re ready to sell and want to talk about strategies we can use to sell your house.

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.

Some options can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited, or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore two solutions that could help get you into your first home, regardless of the market.

1. FHA Loans

If your down payment savings and credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:

• Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.
• Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing. This means that when traditional loans aren’t an option, you may still be able to get an FHA loan.

The first step is to contact a lender who can help you explore your options and determine whether you qualify.

2. Homeownership Assistance Programs

And if you need a more budget-friendly down payment, that’s not your only option. Did you know over 2,000 homeownership assistance programs are available across the U.S., according to Down Payment Resource? And more than 75% of these programs are designed to help buyers with their down payment. Here’s a bit more information about why these could be such powerful tools for you:

• Financial Support: The average benefit for buyers who qualify for down payment assistance is $17,000. And that’s not a small number.
• Stackable Benefits: To make it even better, in some cases, you may be able to qualify for multiple programs at once, giving your down payment an even a more significant boost.

Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resourc,e confirms a little-known fact:

“Some of these programs can be layered. And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program.”

Suppose you want to learn more or see what you qualify for,; leanon the pros. A trusted real estate agent and a lender can guide you through the process, explain the help, and connect you with resources to make buying a home a reality.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to stop wondering if buying a home is possible and start exploring solutions, let’s connect.