Homebuyer Insights & Tips

5 Ways Your Life Will Change After Becoming a Homeowner

January 7, 2025 0 comments

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 […]

Lessons on Homeownership from Zillow’s Chief Economist

January 2, 2025 0 comments

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? […]

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

December 19, 2024 1 comment

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 […]

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

December 5, 2024 0 comments

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, […]

Why Buying a New Construction Home Could Be Your Best Move

November 19, 2024 0 comments

You may have noticed an uptick in construction and newly built homes. But it’s not just a trend we’re seeing here in Northern Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle. In fact, about one-third of single-family homes for sale today are newly constructed, a dramatic increase from pre-pandemic levels. Let’s dive into why new construction homes are dominating the market and what you should keep in mind if you’re thinking about buying one. The Rise of New […]

How Climate Change is Shaping Where Homebuyers Are Looking

November 7, 2024 0 comments

Are climate risks part of your home search checklist? If not, you might be missing critical information that impacts your long-term investment. The Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2024 shows that a growing number of buyers are considering factors like flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures when choosing where to buy. In fact, nearly three-quarters (73%) of buyers said climate risks affected their home search. Let’s dive into how climate change is influencing homebuyers in 2024 […]

91% of Buyers Were Surprised About Closing Fees – Don’t Be One of Them

November 5, 2024 0 comments

If you’re about to buy a home, you might think you’ve budgeted everything. But are you prepared for all the fees that come with closing? Nearly 91% of buyers in the Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2024 said they encountered at least one unexpected cost during the closing process. Let’s break down these fees and help you avoid the same pitfalls so your closing day goes as smoothly as possible. 1. The Loan Origination Fee […]

How Buyers are Adapting in Today’s Housing Market

October 17, 2024 0 comments

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. […]

How the 2024 Presidential Election Might Affect the Housing Market

October 15, 2024 0 comments

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, […]

Lower Rates, More Options: Fall Offers Opportunities for Buyers

October 1, 2024 2 comments

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 […]