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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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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For most homeowners, selling a home feels less like a straightforward transaction and more like taking on a second job. A job that doesn’t just demand your money but also your most precious resource: time. In fact, according to recent data, selling a home can consume over a third of your waking hours, turning your life upside down. So, if you’re wondering how to sell a home without sacrificing your personal time (or sanity), keep […]
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The 2020s housing market continues to defy expectations. National home prices have surged over the past four years, surpassing growth experienced in entire previous decades. This rapid climb has many wondering – is this a sustainable trend, or are we due for a correction? Today, we are diving into the historical data and exploring what this means for you. 2020s Home Price Growth: Surpassing Expectations National home price growth in the early 2020s has already […]
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A little backstory: Back in March, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed to a settlement deal. The organization agreed to both a monetary settlement as well as real estate practice changes aimed at providing more transparency regarding how real estate agents are paid. But how exactly does that change things for you? There are two main differences you may be hearing about: Headlines might make these changes seem overwhelming. And while some of the […]
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You may not feel it yet, but the housing market is shifting. In July, the market shifted from a strong sellers’ advantage to more balanced neutral territory, according to Zillow’s latest market report. So, what does this mean for you? Let’s dive in.
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