Articles by: Raise the Bar Team

Affordability Crisis or Housing Crash? Ryan Serhant & Barbara Corcoran Weigh In

Affordability Crisis or Housing Crash? Ryan Serhant & Barbara Corcoran Weigh In

If you’ve been holding out for a housing market rebound, two of the biggest names in real estate—Ryan Serhant and Barbara Corcoran—are here to tell you that while the market isn’t crashing, it is changing.  Buying or selling a home today looks very different than it did just a few years ago. But that doesn’t mean opportunities don’t exist—it just means you need to know what to look for.  Let’s break down their expert takes […]

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Thinking About Buying a Home? Read This First!

Thinking About Buying a Home? Read This First!

The decision to buy or rent isn’t just about today’s costs—it’s about your future plans, financial stability, and lifestyle goals.  According to ATTOM’s 2025 Rental Affordability Report, in most U.S. markets, homeownership costs less of a person’s wages than renting a comparable property. But does that mean buying is always the right choice? Not necessarily. In this guide, we’ll break down what the data says, when buying makes sense, when renting is the better option, […]

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How to Budget for Home Repairs and Avoid Unexpected Costs

How to Budget for Home Repairs and Avoid Unexpected Costs

What if I told you that, over 30 years, the average homeowner will spend over $180,000 on repairs and maintenance? Sounds crazy, right? But when you break it down, it’s simple math: Homeowners spend an average of $6,087 per year on unexpected fixes, according to a recent survey conducted by Real Estate Witch. That’s more than most people’s annual property taxes or homeowners insurance. From HVAC failures to foundation cracks, home repairs aren’t just expensive—they’re […]

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How to Save Money in the Rental Market

How to Save Money in the Rental Market

If you’re a renter, you’ve probably felt the sting of rising rental prices at some point.  According to Zillow, single-family home rents are now 20% higher on average than apartment rents—the widest gap ever recorded. While the market has its challenges, there’s good news: by understanding your rights and exploring your options, you can make smart choices that protect your wallet and your peace of mind. Let’s break down what you need to know about […]

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How to Attract More Buyers for Your Home

How to Attract More Buyers for Your Home

2025 homebuyers have made one thing clear: they want move-in-ready properties. According to a recent Bright MLS survey, more than 56% of prospective buyers say that move-in-ready condition is their top priority.  If selling is in your plan this year, here’s what you need to know about buyer priorities and how to prepare for them. What Makes Move-In-Ready Homes So Appealing? With high home prices, limited (yet rising) inventory, and elevated mortgage rates shaping the […]

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Should You Sell or Stay? How Home Equity Can Help You Decide

Should You Sell or Stay? How Home Equity Can Help You Decide

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve watched your home’s value rise over the past few years. Thanks to record-high equity levels, many homeowners are sitting on what feels like a financial jackpot. But with the housing market shifting and 2025 on the horizon, you might be wondering:  Should I sell my home and cash in on my equity, or stay put and make the most of what I have? Here’s how to use your […]

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5 Tips to Secure the Best Mortgage Rate in any Market

5 Tips to Secure the Best Mortgage Rate in any Market

Since September, mortgage rates have been on a rollercoaster. They first dipped into the low 6% range only to climb past 7% by the end of October.  Yikes.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. These rate fluctuations can make home buying feel like a guessing game. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” rate to make your homeownership goals happen.  The truth is, buyers can find opportunities no matter where rates land. […]

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Homeowner Pitfalls to Avoid in 2025

Homeowner Pitfalls to Avoid in 2025

With the start of a new year, resolutions often focus on what we should do—exercise more, save money, or finally tackle that home project. But what about the things we shouldn’t do? For homeowners, avoiding certain pitfalls can be just as important as setting ambitious goals. This “Reverse Resolutions” list is here to guide you through what NOT to do in 2025. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned pro, keeping these don’ts in […]

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The $27,000 Real Estate Gap: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

The $27,000 Real Estate Gap: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in 2025, there’s something you should know: buyers and sellers aren’t seeing eye to eye on price. According to a recent survey by Clever Real Estate, there’s a $27,000 gap between what buyers think they’ll pay and what sellers expect to get. Buyers are budgeting an average of $386,507, while sellers are eyeing $413,976. So, what’s behind this pricing mismatch, and what does it mean for […]

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5 Ways Your Life Will Change After Becoming a Homeowner

5 Ways Your Life Will Change After Becoming a Homeowner

Homeownership is amazing—but it’s also a total lifestyle shift from the rental days. From surprise plumbing issues to finally being able to pick paint colors, there’s a whole lot that changes.  If you’re considering making the leap, understanding these shifts can prepare you for what lies ahead and ensure a smoother transition to homeownership. 1. Wealth-Building Equity Owning a home means transitioning from monthly rent payments that don’t contribute to your future to mortgage payments […]

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