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 […]
Read MoreHome Seller Insights & Tips
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 […]
Read MoreLessons on Homeownership from Zillow’s Chief Economist
Recently, we came across a podcast featuring Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist. Much of the conversation was what you might expect—housing market predictions for 2025, what Zillow got wrong about 2024, and a breakdown of trends shaping real estate across the country. In other words, the kind of data we live for. But as the conversation wrapped up, Olsen was asked a question that shifted the focus: “What does homeownership mean to you?” Her response? […]
Read MoreTop Trends and Wild Cards to Watch in the 2025 Housing Market
The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be an interesting one—steady growth, more inventory, and a bit of breathing room for buyers. But let’s be real: behind every steady forecast lies a handful of wild cards that could shift the game. From unexpected mortgage rate swings to federal policies that could either boost supply or throw a wrench in the system, there’s plenty to keep an eye on this upcoming year. Let’s break it […]
Read MoreSelling a House: More Stressful Than Saying ‘I Do’?
Selling a home is considered more stressful than planning a wedding. Yes, you read that right! According to a recent study by Opendoor, selling a home is 35% more stressful than planning to exchange vows. And for many homeowners aged 55 and over, selling a home is often intertwined with major life transitions, adding another layer of emotional complexity. This statistic might surprise some, but it highlights the significant emotional and logistical hurdles involved in […]
Read MoreHow to Maximize Your Home Sale Profits
Let’s face it—between repairs, closing costs and commissions, the costs associated with selling your house can add up fast. Case in point: homeowners reported spending $54,616 when selling their homes, according to a recent survey from Clever Real Estate—an amount that was surprising to 42%. Despite the costs, the majority (64%) made a profit on the sale of their home, with the median profit totaling $100,000. With the right strategy, you can maximize your profits […]
Read MoreOpen Houses vs. Digital Tours: Why Both Matter in 2024
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 […]
Read MoreHome Renovation Trends to Watch in 2024: What Homeowners Need to Know
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, […]
Read MoreHow the 2024 Presidential Election Might Affect the Housing Market
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, […]
Read MoreWhy 36% of Americans Choose Real Estate for Long-Term Wealth
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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