May 2025

Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Because not all of them will be worth it. Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to recoup the costs. Let’s connect so you know which projects are actually...

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if...

The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door. But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices. So, how do you...

Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don't know about one of its core benefits. According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below): That means 7 out...

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life.  The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout...

Infographic showing real estate as America's top long-term investment for 12 consecutive years, according to Gallup. A bar graph ranks investment choices: real estate (37%), gold (23%), stocks/mutual funds (16%), savings accounts/CDs (13%), bonds (5%), and cryptocurrency (4%). A quote from First American’s Senior Economist explains homeownership’s role in building long-term wealth. Bottom section includes contact info for Paul Garrison, JPAR® Real Estate.

Real Estate Is Voted the Best Long-Term Investment 12 Years in a Row

In a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has once again been voted the best long-term investment. And it’s claimed that top spot for 12 straight years now. That’s because homeownership is one of the top ways to build your wealth, even with home price growth moderating and ongoing economic uncertainty. If you’ve been trying to decide if it makes sense to buy a home today, let’s connect and talk...

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But...

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It's Your Buying Opportunity

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It’s Your Buying Opportunity

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 market returning to a more stable, healthy place. What’s Going on With Inventory? Based on the...

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

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 an organization that oversees a housing...

You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

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 in today’s market. Even if they have a stable job and a solid plan, buying can still...

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