It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate. There’s no question about it. It’s the main reason why so many homeowners have delayed their move in recent years. But here’s something to consider. While your low rate might be ideal, it doesn’t make up being too cramped, having a staircase your knees can’t handle anymore, or being 1,000 miles from your family. And those real-life needs are...

There’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 your...

Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph...

Have 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, let's...

When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling stuck, and maybe even a little embarrassed. And here's what most agents won’t tell you. Over 70% of homeowners who re-list with...

After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better. Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary based on where you live. And that’s why you need an agent’s local market expertise. Here’s a quick rundown of the current...

Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know. It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below): While everyone remembers what...

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan. They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why...

Homeownership 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 renter's. 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...

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that. What Is Home Staging? It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to...