Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.
It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.
It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when you sell – especially in today’s market.
A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that aren't staged at all (see below):
The best part is, odds are you don’t have to stage your whole house to make an impact. According to NAR, here’s where buyers’ agents say staging can make the biggest difference (see graph below):
As you can see, agents who talk to buyers regularly agree, the most important spaces to stage are the rooms where buyers will spend the most time, like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen.
While this can give you a good general idea of what may be worth it and what’s probably not, it can’t match a local agent’s expertise.
Agents are experts on what buyers are looking for where you live, because they hear that feedback all the time in showings, home tours, walkthroughs, and from other agents. And they'll use those insights to give their opinion on your specific house and what areas may need a little bit of staging help, like if you need to:
A lot of buyers can use the agent’s know-how as the only staging advice they need. But, if your home needs more of a transformation, or it’s empty and could benefit from rented furniture, a great agent will be able to determine if bringing in a professional stager might be a good idea, too. Just know that level of help comes with a higher price tag. NAR reports:
“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers' agent personally staged the home.”
A local agent will help you weigh the costs and benefits based on your budget, your timeline, and the overall condition of your house. They’ll also consider how quickly similar homes are selling nearby and what buyers are expecting at your price point.
Staging doesn’t have to be over-the-top or expensive. It just needs to help buyers feel at home. And a great agent will help you figure out the level of staging that makes the most sense for your goals.
Which room in your house do you think would make the biggest impression on a buyer?
Get an agent to walk through your home with you and go over what will make your house stand out.
A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in time. And as the market finds its footing again, it’s time to reset expectations.
Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those rates were a result of emergency economic policies during the height of a global pandemic. Now that the economy is in a different place, we’re seeing mortgage rates in the high 6% to low 7% range.
And while experts currently project a slight easing in the months ahead, most industry leaders agree: rates are not going back to 3%.
Instead, many forecasts suggest mortgage rates will settle in the mid-6% range by the end of the year, pending any major economic shifts. As Kara Ng, Senior Economist at Zillow, says:
“While Zillow expects mortgage rates to end the year near mid-6%, barring any unforeseen shocks, that path might be bumpy.”
Basically, waiting for 3% rates might mean waiting longer than you’d expect – and missing out along the way. Instead of putting off homebuying indefinitely, make a plan to get there and focus on what you can control: your budget, your credit, and working with a trusted professional who can explain exactly what’s happening in the current market – and how to navigate it.
Your local real estate agent and a trusted lender make all the difference in this process. The experts have insights into down payment assistance programs, alternative financing options, negotiation strategies, and overall – the experience you need on your side to understand creative ways that will make your plans work.
And here’s the biggest thing to keep in mind. Since rates are projected to ease slightly later this year, if that happens, it could bring some more buyers back into the market. Acting now gives you a head start, especially with more homes on the market than we’ve seen in years.
Think about it: if mortgage rates do come down, what do you think everyone else is going to do? That’s right – they’ll jump back in too.
Getting ahead of that rush could put you in a stronger position to find the right home with less competition. Realtor.com sums it up well:
“Staying out of the market in hopes of a rate drop that never comes can lead to missed opportunities . . . Rising home prices, rent increases, and inflation might outpace any future savings on interest. And if rates do fall sharply again, buyers could face an entirely different challenge: surging competition.”
Those 3% rates everyone remembers from a few years ago were the exception, not the rule.
Now that they’re settling into new territory, it’s a good time to adjust your expectations and learn more about where things are heading as this market shifts.
A local real estate agent and a trusted lender will be your best resources, always keeping you up-to-date and informed, so you can make sense of your options and build a game plan that works for you.
Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right now?
But here’s one thing that doesn’t get enough airtime. Real estate has always been about the long game. And when you look at the big picture, not just the latest clickbait headlines, it’s easy to see why so many people say it’s still the best investment you can make – even now.
According to the just-released annual report from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for the 12th year in a row. That’s over a decade of beating out stocks, gold, and bonds as America’s top pick.
And this isn’t new. Real estate usually claims the #1 title. But here’s what’s really interesting. This year’s results came in just after a rocky April for the stock and bond markets. It shows that, even as other investments had wild swings, real estate has held its ground. That’s likely because it gains value in a steadier, more predictable way. As Gallup explains:
"Amid volatility in the stock and bond markets in April, Americans' preference for stocks as the best long-term investment has declined. Gold has gained in appeal, while real estate remains the top choice for the 12th consecutive year."
That says a lot. Even though things may feel a bit uncertain in today’s economy, real estate can still be a powerful investment.
Yes, home values are rising at a more moderate pace right now. And sure, in some markets, prices may be flat in the year ahead or even dip a little – but that’s just the short-term view. Don’t let that cloud the bigger picture.
Real estate has a long track record of gaining value over time. That’s the kind of growth you can count on, especially if you plan to live in that home for a long time.
That’s part of why Americans continue to buy-in to homeownership – even when the headlines may sound a little uncertain. As Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First American, says:
“A home is more than just a place to live—it’s often a family’s most valuable financial asset and a cornerstone to building long-term wealth.”
Real estate isn’t about overnight wins. It’s about long-term gains. So, don’t let the uncertainty in a shifting market make you think it’s a bad time to buy.
If you’re feeling unsure, just remember: Americans have consistently said real estate is the best long-term investment you can make. And if you want more information about why so many people think homeownership is worth it, reach out to a local real estate agent.
Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again.
Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in):
You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you should know. You could be missing out on some of the best options in today’s housing market.
1. Builders Are Building Smaller Homes
Builders know that buyers are struggling with affordability today. So, instead of building big houses that may not sell, they’re building smaller ones that will. According to the Census, the average size of a newly built single-family home has dropped considerably over the past few years (see graph below):
And as size goes down, the price often does too. Smaller homes use fewer materials, which makes them less expensive to build. That helps builders keep prices lower so more people can afford them.
2. Builders Are Offering Price Cuts and Incentives
In May, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 34% of builders lowered their prices, with an average price drop of 5%. That’s because they want to be sure they’re selling the inventory they have before they build more.
On top of that, 61% of builders also offered sales incentives – like helping with closing costs or buying down your mortgage rate. These are all ways builders are making their homes more affordable, so these homes sell in today’s market.
If you're trying to buy a home right now, be sure to talk to your agent to find out what builders are doing in and around your area. They can find new home communities, as well as builders who are offering incentives or discounts, and hidden gems you might not uncover on your own.
Plus, buying a newly built home often means there are different steps in the process than if you purchase a home that’s been lived in before. That’s why it’s so important to have your own agent who can explain the fine print. You want a pro in your corner to advocate for you, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure your best interests come first.
You could get a home that’s brand new, with modern features, at a price that’s even lower than some older homes. Talk with a local real estate agent about what you’re looking for and see if a newly built home is the right fit for you.
If buying a home is on your to-do list, what would stop you from exploring newly built options?
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?
With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you.
But here’s the thing you need to know about renting.
While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning – it can really cost you more over time.
In fact, a recent Bank of America survey found that 70% of aspiring homeowners worry about what long-term renting means for their future. And they’re not wrong.
Owning a home may seem way out of reach, but if you make a plan now and steadily work toward it, homeownership comes with serious long-term financial benefits.
Buying a home isn’t just about having a place to live – it’s a step toward building your future wealth.
Why? Home prices typically rise over time, which means the longer you wait, the more expensive it is to buy. And even in some markets where home prices are softening today, the overall long-term trend speaks for itself (see graph below):
And as home values rise, so does your equity when you’re a homeowner. That’s the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. So, with every mortgage payment, that equity grows. Over time, that becomes part of your net worth.
Today, the average homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40X greater than that of a renter. That’s a shocking difference, and the dollars in the visual below don’t lie (see graph below):
And it’s one of the big reasons why Forbes says:
“While renting might seem like [the] less stressful option . . . owning a home is still a cornerstone of the American dream and a proven strategy for building long-term wealth.”
So, short-term, why does renting feel like a simpler choice? Lower monthly payments, less responsibility, no strings attached. But long-term? It can sting.
For decades, while home prices have been rising, rent has gone up too. And while rent has held rather steady more recently, history shows the overall trend is up and to the right. That makes saving for a home more complicated than ever (see graph below):
That kind of financial uncertainty has a real impact. In the same Bank of America survey, 72% of potential buyers said they worry rising rent could affect their current and long-term finances.
Because rent doesn’t build wealth. It doesn’t come back to you later. It pays your landlord’s mortgage – not yours.
So, whether you rent or own, you’re paying a mortgage. The question is: whose mortgage do you want to pay?
Think of it this way. Renting means your money is gone once you pay it. Owning means your payment builds equity – like a savings account you can live in. Sure, buying comes with responsibility. But it also comes with the kind of reward that grows over time. And that’s why you need a solid plan to get there.
As Joel Berner, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, explains:
“Households working on their budget will find it much easier to continue to rent than to go through the expenses of homeownership. However, they need to consider the equity and generational wealth they can build up by owning a home that they can’t by renting it. In the long run, buying a home may be a better investment even if the short-run costs seem prohibitive.”
Renting may feel more do-able today. But over time, it could cost you more – without helping you build anything for your future.
If homeownership feels out of reach today, you’re not alone. And the first step toward getting out of the rental trap is to set a plan. Connect with an agent to set your specific goals and explore your options – so you’re ready when the time is right.
A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door.
But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices.
So, how do you still come out on top? It all starts with one thing, pricing your house right from the start. Today, that matters more than ever – and it can make or break your sale.
A recent survey from Realtor.com shows 81% of home sellers believe they’ll get their asking price or more. But the actual sales data shows there’s a growing gap between what sellers expect and what buyers are actually willing to pay.
In fact, an annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 44% of recently sold homes went for less than the asking price. And 1 in 3 sellers had to cut their price at least once before the home sold. It’s a sign that expectations may be a little out of step with today’s reality.
Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that asking prices (blue line) are higher than actual sales prices (green line) by a wider and wider margin:
This tells you something important: not all buyers are willing to pay what many sellers are asking. That doesn’t mean you can’t sell for a great price – but it does mean you need to start with a price that reflects what people are willing to pay in today’s market.
Pricing your house high initially may seem like a smart move, so you have more room to negotiate. But the reality is, an overpriced home can sit on the market and turn buyers away.
Buyers are smart. And when they see a house that’s been sitting for a while, they start to wonder what’s wrong with it. That can lead to fewer showings, less interest, and eventually, a price cut to re-ignite attention. As Realtor.com explains:
“By getting the right price early on, you can increase the odds buyers will be interested in the home. In turn, this decreases the chances the home will sit on the market for a lengthier timeline, also reducing the odds you’ll need to lower the listing price.”
The longer a house sits, the harder it can be to sell.
To avoid making this mistake, it’s important to lean on an agent who knows what’s happening locally when you set your asking price.
Your agent will look at recent local sales, buyer trends, and inventory levels to find that pricing sweet spot for your neighborhood – because it’s going to be different based on where you live.
And here’s something else to keep in mind, home prices have climbed more than 57% over the past five years. So, even if you price a bit below the number you had your sights set on, you’ll likely still be in a great position profit-wise.
With a local real estate agent’s help, you’ll attract more attention, avoid seeing your house sit on the market too long, and maximize your chances of getting a strong offer.
In today’s market, the right price works. As Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, explains:
“. . . the best properties, well priced are selling quickly in most of the country.”
The market has changed, but your opportunity to sell hasn’t. You just need the right pricing plan. Talk to a local real estate agent to go over what’s happening with prices in your area and determine what price would help your house sell quickly and for top dollar.
For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don't know about one of its core benefits.
According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below):
That means 7 out of every 10 Veterans could be missing out on a key homebuying advantage.
That’s why it’s so important for Veterans, and anyone who cares about a Veteran, to be aware of this program. As Veterans United explains, VA home loans:
“. . . come with a list of big-time benefits, including $0 down payment, no mortgage insurance, flexible and forgiving credit guidelines and the industry's lowest average fixed interest rates.”
These loans are designed to make buying a home more achievable for those who have served. And, by extension, they also give their families the opportunity to plant roots and build equity in a home of their own. Here are some of the biggest advantages for this type of loan according to the Department of Veterans Affairs:
If you want to learn more, your best resource for all the options and advantages of VA loans is your team of expert real estate professionals, including a local agent and a trusted lender.
VA home loans offer life-changing assistance, and a trusted lender and agent can help make sure you understand the details and are ready to move forward with a solid plan.
Do you know if you’re eligible for a VA home loan? Talk to a trusted lender who can help you see if you’d qualify.
If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life.
The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.
Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those big conversations happen, you’ll feel informed, in control, and able to make the best decision for your unique situation. As Redfin puts it:
“Having a basic understanding of important real estate concepts before you start the homebuying process will give you peace of mind now and could save you a fortune in the future.”
Here’s a breakdown of a few key real estate terms and definitions you should know, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and First American.
Appraisal: A report providing the estimated value of the home. Lenders rely on appraisals to determine a home’s value, so they’re not lending more than it’s worth.
Contingencies: Contract conditions that must be met, typically within a certain timeframe or by a specified date. For example, a home inspection is a common contingency. While you can waive these to try and make your offer more competitive, it’s generally not recommended.
Closing Costs: A collection of fees and payments made to the various parties involved in your home purchase. Ask your lender for a list of closing cost items, including attorney’s fees, taxes, title insurance, and more.
Down Payment: This varies by buyer, but is typically 3.5-20% of the purchase price of the home. There are even some 0% down programs available. Ask your lender for more information. Chances are, unless specified by your loan type of lender, you don’t need to put 20% down.
Escalation Clause: This is typically used in highly competitive markets. It’s an optional add on in a real estate contract that says a potential buyer is willing to raise their offer on a home if the seller receives a higher competing offer. The clause also includes how much a buyer is willing to pay over the highest offer.
Mortgage Rate: The interest rate you pay when you borrow money to buy a home. Consult a lender so you know how it can impact your monthly mortgage payment.
Pre-Approval Letter: A letter from a lender that shows what they’re willing to lend you for your home loan. This, plus an understanding of your savings, can help you decide on your target price range. Getting this from a lender should be one of your first steps in the homebuying process, before you even start browsing homes online.
You don't need to have all these terms memorized, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Brushing up on the basics now means fewer surprises later – and more clarity when you buy a home.
What unfamiliar real estate term or phrase have you come across that wasn’t on this list?
Connect with an agent to talk it through so you have a solid understanding of what it means and where it may show up in the homebuying process.
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