Homebuyer Insights & Tips

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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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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Lessons on Homeownership from Zillow’s Chief Economist

Lessons 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? […]

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Top Trends and Wild Cards to Watch in the 2025 Housing Market

Top 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 […]

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Should You Wait for Spring? The Perks of Buying in the Off-Season

Should You Wait for Spring? The Perks of Buying in the Off-Season

You might be thinking, Am I missing out on options if I don’t buy a home during the peak season? While it’s true that spring and summer typically bring an influx of listings, they also bring more competition and, in turn, higher prices. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home sales peak during the warmer months and then decline in the fall and winter. This seasonal shift creates opportunities that most buyers overlook, […]

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