Thursday, February 6, 2025 / by Paula Clark
There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner.
If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you.
What’s a Fixer-Upper?
A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing.
While fixer-uppers need a little TLC, here’s why they may be worth considering, especially right now:
They Usually Have a Lower Price Point. Because of the repairs involved, these homes are usually less expensive up front than move-in-ready options. According to a survey from StorageCafe, fixer-uppers come with price tags ...
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Thursday, February 6, 2025 / by Paula Clark
If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes.
Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making, and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one of them.
1. Pricing the Home Too High
According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree the #1 thing sellers struggle with right now is setting the right price for their house (see graph below):
And more often than not, homeowners tend to overprice their listings. If you aren’t up to speed on what’s happening in your local market, you may give in to the temptation to price high so you ca ...
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Thursday, February 6, 2025 / by Paula Clark
The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget.
But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’re been looking for.
1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale
Data from Realtor.com says the number of existing homes for sale improved by an impressive 22% in 2024. And experts say your pool of options is expected to get even better this year. Forecasts show inventory is projected to grow another 11-15% by the end of this year (see graph below):
Here’s why this is so good for your sear ...
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Thursday, February 6, 2025 / by Paula Clark
Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.
But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.
Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you'd even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.
Let’s break down why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond, and how it can help set you up for the future.
Buying Builds Wealth Over Time
Buying a home allows you to turn your monthly housing costs ...
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Thursday, February 6, 2025 / by Paula Clark
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