What if your next home did not come with a mortgage payment? It may sound unlikely, but for many homeowners, it is more realistic than you think. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly three out of ten homes purchased today are bought with cash. That share is significantly higher than it was before the pandemic (see graph below). So how are so many buyers making all cash...
Renting can seem like the simpler option at first. There is no large down payment, no unexpected repair costs, and no long term commitment tying you down. But then the rent increases. And it increases again. Over time, what once felt flexible can start to feel expensive, especially when you realize you are not building any equity. That cycle can leave many renters feeling stuck. There is also a lot...
There’s finally some good news for anyone who’s felt priced out or stuck on the sidelines. Buying a home is starting to feel more affordable again. Monthly mortgage payments have begun to ease, and the pressure buyers have been dealing with over the last few years is slowly starting to lift. Now, that doesn’t mean affordability challenges have disappeared overnight. But after such a difficult...
The real estate market is sending a clear signal as we move into the heart of the year: buyer momentum is back. Recent data shows that purchase applications have posted one of the strongest starts to a year in several years, rising 18% year over year. This is a meaningful indicator, especially after a period where many buyers chose to pause, watch, and wait. So what does this actually mean? And why...
If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to drop, the good news is that it is already happening. Recently, rates reached an important milestone, dipping into the 5 percent range for the first time in about three years. Today, rates are sitting in the low 6 percent range, and experts expect them to remain near this level throughout the year. Here’s why this matters for you as a homebuyer. Why...
Buying a home in today’s competitive Southern California real estate market takes more than scrolling listings online. It requires local expertise, strategic guidance, and real advocates who understand both the market and your goals. For Katie Stumpf, working with Holly and Chris of Holly & Chris Luxury Homes made all the difference, resulting in a smooth, confident, and successful home-buying...
If a move is on your radar for 2026, there is more working in your favor than there has been in quite some time. After a period when many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with greater balance, more options, and clearer opportunities for those planning a move. This is not because the market has suddenly become easy, but because several key conditions are beginning to shift. Here is...
New home construction is giving buyers something they have not seen much of lately. It offers a real chance to get both the home they want and the deal they need. More newly built properties are hitting the market, and builders are offering incentives that make these homes more affordable than many people realize. This combination does not come around often, and it is putting buyers in a surprisingly...
If you want to find the best deal in today’s housing market, here is the key. Focus on homes that have been on the market for a longer period of time. When a listing sits for a while, sellers often become more realistic and more open to negotiation. This is where savvy buyers are finding great opportunities that others overlook. The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Cut This Year Realtor.com...
After years of high mortgage rates and cautious buyers, the housing market is finally showing signs of renewed activity. More homeowners are listing their properties, and buyers are starting to engage again. For the first time in a long while, there is noticeable movement in real estate. It is not a dramatic surge, but it is a clear shift that could set the stage for a stronger housing market in...