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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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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For the first time in over three years, existing home sales increased year over year, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.96 million in October. So, what exactly does this mean? So glad you asked! Even though 2024 is shaping up to have the fewest home sales on record, the rise in sales this October could be a sign that the housing market is starting to recover. After a long stretch of slowing home […]
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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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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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