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Keller Williams Valley Realty | The Paula Clark Group Blog

Monday, March 17, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment

Want to know two reasons this spring might finally be your time to buy? Inventory has grown and sellers may be more willing to negotiate as a result. That means you’ve got more options and more power than buyers have had in years. Let’s break it down.
1. You Have More Homes To Choose From
The number of homes for sale this February was higher than it’s been in any of the past five Februarys – and that’s great news for your home search. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show the supply of homes on the market has grown by 27.5% in just the last year:
More choices for your search is a good thing – and experts also say that inventory is projected to continue rising this year, which is even better. It means it should be easier to find something that checks your most important boxes. But that’s not all this does for you. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realt ...

Thursday, March 13, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

Is the Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With so few homes for sale and so many people who wanted to purchase them, buyers faced tough competition just to get an offer accepted. But now, inventory is rising, and things are starting to shift in many areas.
So, is the market finally balancing out? And does that mean buyers will have it a bit easier now? Here’s what you need to know.
What Makes It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market?
It all comes down to how many homes are for sale in an area compared to how many buyers want to buy there. That’s what ultimately determines who has the most leverage.
A Seller’s Market is when there are more buyers than homes available, so sellers hold the power. This leads to rising prices, multiple offers, and homes selling quickly – often above the asking price – because there isn’t enough to go around.
A Buyer’s Market is when there are more home ...

Thursday, March 13, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job?
Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts.
The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here's some information that can give you a bit of perspective, so you don’t have these concerns.
Focus on What You Can Control
Since homeownership is new to you, you’re probably feeling like it’s hard to know what to budget for. And that can be a bit scary. You’ll have the mortgage, home insurance, and maintenance to think about – maybe even lawn care or homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. It’s easy to let the dollar signs be overwhelming. ...

Thursday, March 13, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Point So Far This Year

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of high mortgage rates, you might want to take another look at the market. That’s because mortgage rates have been trending down lately – and that gives you a chance to jump back in.
Mortgage rates have been declining for seven straight weeks now, according to data from Freddie Mac. And the average weekly rate is now at the lowest level so far this year (see graph below):
While that may not sound like a significant shift, it is noteworthy. Because the meaningful drop from over 7% to the mid-6’s can change your mindset when it comes to buying a home. Especially when the forecasts said we wouldn’t hit this number until roughly Q3 of this year (see graph below):
Why Are Rates Coming Down?
According to Joel Kan, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), recent economic uncertainty is playing a role in pushing rates l ...

Thursday, March 13, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”
That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.
Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace
The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts are saying prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.
While we’re no longer seeing the steep spikes of previous years, experts project a steady and sustainable increase of around 3-4% per year, nationally. And the good news is, this is a ...
Keller Williams Valley Realty | The Paula Clark Group
Paula Clark
123 Tice Blvd.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
551-500-4487
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The data relating to the real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange Program of the NJMLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Paula Clark - Keller Williams Valley Realty are marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Some properties listed with the participating brokers do not appear on this website at the request of the seller. Listings of brokers that do not participate in Internet Data Exchange do not appear on this website. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Last date updated: March 24, 2025 Source: New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. “2025 New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.”
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