When it comes to selling your home, one of the biggest questions sellers have is: “Do open houses still work?” With so many digital tools available, from virtual tours to high-resolution photos, it might seem like open houses are a thing of the past. But in 2024, we’re seeing a comeback. If you’re thinking of selling your home, here’s why open houses might still be one of your best strategies—especially with buyer demand and seller […]
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Thinking about updating your home? You’re not alone. Over the past five years, 94% of homeowners completed a major renovation project. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a full bathroom remodel, staying on top of the latest trends can help you make smart decisions that add value and enjoyment to your home. But here’s the catch—78% of those renovations came with budget overruns, and many also encountered unexpected delays and even regret. Today, […]
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For the first time since 2020, housing affordability improved year over year. This is largely due to a drop in mortgage rates, which have dipped from 7.07% to 6.09% over the past year. While this is undoubtedly great news for home buyers, affordability remains a challenge for many. According to recent data, U.S. buyers now need to earn around $115,000 annually to afford the typical home, down 1.4% from last year. Yet, the average U.S. […]
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No matter how many elections you’ve lived through, each one can feel a bit like a wildcard when November draws near and you’re wondering whether you should make a move—or wait until the dust settles. Generally speaking, presidential elections have only a small and temporary impact on the housing market. That said, it’s natural to be curious as to how an election could impact your decision to buy or sell a home this year. So, […]
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When it comes to long-term investments, Americans have a clear favorite: real estate. According to a recent Gallup poll, 36% of Americans believe real estate is the best long-term investment, outpacing stocks (22%), gold (18%), savings accounts (13%), bonds (4%) and cryptocurrencies (3%). Why is that the case? Let’s dive into why so many people believe that owning property is the ultimate way to build wealth over time. The Popularity of Real Estate as a […]
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By now, you’ve probably heard about the news: the Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates for the first time in four years. But what does that really mean for home buyers and sellers? You might be wondering how this impacts mortgage rates, home prices, or your ability to make a move in today’s market. Understanding these changes could be your key to making smart real estate decisions—so let’s break it down. A Closer Look at […]
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There’s nothing like the moment when you’ve found your dream home. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make moves to finalize everything as quickly as possible. And while timeliness is important, it can lead to mistakes that end up costing you thousands. Here are the four biggest mistakes people make when securing a mortgage loan. Mistake #1—Not Shopping Around for Mortgage Offers It’s tempting to go with the first mortgage offer […]
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The past few years have been tough for buyers. And if you think back to before the pandemic, you’ll likely remember hearing that spring was always the ideal time to buy a home. After all, that’s when the majority of homeowners list their homes for sale, and more homes on the market means more options for buyers. This fall, however, marketing conditions are aligning in favor of homebuyers in many markets, creating a unique window […]
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Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about what’s next for home prices, especially with 2024 shifting gears in some markets. But what about the future of the market? Listen, no one has a crystal ball, but experts have released early predictions for home prices in 2025. Let’s dive in. The Big Picture: National Home Price Predictions for 2025 It’s hard to believe 2024 is more than halfway over! Looking ahead to 2025, experts predict […]
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Thinking about sprucing up your home? Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to enhance your living space, remodeling can be a great investment. But not all projects offer the same return—especially since home repair costs have risen 40% since 2019. We know remodeling costs today can be disheartening, but the experts at Zonda, a housing market research firm, just released their 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, and it’s packed with insights to […]
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