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 More
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 More
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 More
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 More
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 More
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 More
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 More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Buying a home is a major milestone, but it’s not always the right time for everyone. It’s important to remember that a home purchase is a long-term investment, and making this decision without proper financial planning can lead to significant stress. For more insights on the long-term benefits of real estate investment, check out our last blog. The truth is, knowing when not to buy a home is just as crucial as knowing when to […]
Read More