Mortgage rates are still a hot topic, and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came in weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. As a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year at 6.55%. While that may not seem like a huge shift, many buyers have been waiting for rates to ease. Even a modest drop like this gives hope that we...
According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers either don’t know what credit score lenders are actually looking for or assume it needs to be higher than it really is. That’s a big deal, because it means many potential homebuyers may be holding back unnecessarily, thinking they don’t qualify. You might even be one of them. But the truth is, the requirements may be more accessible than you think. Let’s...
Thinking about selling your home? It's easy to run into a few common mistakes that can make the process more stressful or even lead to lost money. The good news is that these pitfalls are simple to avoid when you know what to look out for. Here’s a closer look at the most frequent missteps sellers make and how working with the right agent can help you stay on track. 1. Overpricing Your House It’s...
If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you assumed getting approved for a mortgage would be too difficult, it might be time to take another look. The good news is that while lending standards remain solid and responsible, qualifying for a mortgage is gradually becoming more achievable especially for buyers with strong financial profiles. Many lenders are beginning to ease up on some of their...
Here’s an important update for you. The housing market is moving toward a healthier, more balanced state — and while that might not sound exciting at first, it’s actually a positive development. This shift is expected. It just feels different because we've all gotten used to the fast-paced, highly competitive seller’s market of the past few years. That said, there’s still plenty of...
Thinking about selling your home on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO)? You’re not alone—it’s something many homeowners consider. However, with today’s changing market conditions, more and more sellers are realizing it may not be worth the gamble. In fact, the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that fewer homeowners than ever are choosing to go it alone...
With more homes on the market, buyers now have greater choices when it comes to making their next move. That means it's important to be intentional about how your home is presented — and staging can be a powerful tool to help you stand out. What Is Home Staging? Home staging isn’t about turning your space into something out of a design magazine. It’s about creating a warm, inviting environment that...
If you’ve been searching for a home recently, you’ve probably felt the pressure of today’s mortgage rates. With both rates and home prices on the rise, many buyers are exploring different loan options to help make homeownership more attainable. One option growing in popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs. If the term brings back memories of the 2008 housing crash, you’re not alone. But...
When you're in the market for a new home, your focus is likely on mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and closing costs. But one thing that might not be top of mind is homeowners association (HOA) fees. While not every home comes with them, it’s important to know they’re a possibility—especially depending on the neighborhood you choose. A homeowners association is a group that manages...
With home prices rising and mortgage rates fluctuating, it’s no surprise that many people are wondering what the rest of the year will bring — and whether now is a smart time to make a move. The good news? You don’t have to guess. Trusted industry experts are sharing their latest market projections, and the outlook may be more encouraging than you think. Leading housing analysts have begun...