Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own.

Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it:

“Homeownership isn’t primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators.”

Here’s what owning a home can mean for you, especially right now.

Freedom To Make It Yours

When you're a homeowner, you don’t need to ask permission to paint a wall, hang a gallery of your favorite art, or redo the floors. You have the freedom to create a space that reflects who you are, all the way from the light fixtures to the paint colors.

Pro Tip: Just be mindful about exterior changes, if you buy a home in a community that has a homeowner’s association (HOA). There may be some approvals you’d need to get for select outdoor changes.

More Privacy, More Peace

Owning your home can give you a sense of peace you didn’t even realize you were missing. It’s a comfortable place where you feel secure and can relax, enjoy your privacy, and unwind after a long day.

Room To Grow

Whether it’s starting a family, setting up a home office for your new career, or finally building that home gym in the garage so you can hit your fitness goals, owning gives you the space to live life on your terms.

A Stronger Sense of Community

When you own, you’re not just passing through, you’re putting down roots. That often leads to stronger ties with your community, more connection to your neighborhood, and a deeper feeling of belonging where you live. That’s very different from the temporary nature of renting.

A Feeling of Accomplishment

There’s something powerful about getting the keys and walking into your own front door for the first time. It’s more than pride, it’s personal satisfaction. A quiet and meaningful sense of “I did this.”

Sure, it’s not always easy for first-time homebuyers right now. The market today requires patience, strategy, and sometimes a little creative problem-solving. But it’s still worth it. As Realtor.com says:

“Buying a home is a major commitment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

When you get those keys in your hand, when you realize this place is where your life gets to unfold, it clicks. The stress, the waiting, the planning – all of it led you home.

Bottom Line

There are a lot of things out of your control right now. But building a life in a space that’s truly yours? That’s still possible with the right strategy and expert help. Talk to a local agent about how to make it happen. 

What would it mean for you to finally have a place to call your own?

Are you thinking about buying a home, but not sure if now’s the right time? A lot of people are waiting and wondering what the market’s going to do next. But here’s something only the savviest buyers realize:

This summer might actually be the best time to buy in years. Here are three big reasons why.

1. You Have More Negotiating Power

After several years of sellers having all the leverage, things are starting to shift. Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that right now, there are more sellers active in the market than buyers:

Take a look at what happened back in 2021 through roughly 2023. In that time period, there were far more buyers (the blue line) looking to buy than homes for sale (the green line). That’s what drove the intense competition, bidding wars, and the exponential price growth the market saw back then.

Now, the market has shifted, and buyers are regaining their negotiating power as a result. With more sellers than buyers, sellers may be more willing to pay for repairs, cover some of your closing costs, or lower their asking price. The return of this kind of normal balance is a sign of a much healthier, more sustainable market. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“ . . . with housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers in nearly every region of the country are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”

And just in case you're worried there are too many homes on the market, here's what you should know. Overall inventory is still lower than normal, so you don’t have to worry about a nationwide oversupply or a crash.

2. You Have More Choices

The number of homes for sale has improved a lot. Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, more homes were listed this May than in May 2024 or May 2023 (see graph below):

And more homes for sale means more choices. There’s a good chance your perfect match just hit the market – or it will soon. So, it’s a great time to explore what’s out there. As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“With more fresh inventory hitting the market, buyers have better opportunities to find a home that fits their needs."

3. You May See More Flexibility on Price

With more homes for sale, they’re not selling at the same frenzied pace they were just a few years ago.

Since homes are taking more time to sell, some sellers are choosing to lower their asking prices to draw buyers back in or speed up the process. And that's to-be-expected. According to Realtor.com, 19.1% of listings had a price cut this May (see graph below):

That’s the fifth straight month where more sellers have reduced their price. And, as of May, the volume of price cuts is back at normal levels. This is yet another sign of the return to a more balanced market.

While you shouldn’t expect a big discount, you may find sellers are a bit more flexible right now. As a recent article from The Street says:

“Although sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market over the past few years, houses are now staying on the market for longer, shifting negotiating power back to homebuyers.”

Just remember, most sellers still aren’t adjusting their prices – just the ones who overpriced to start with. So, this isn’t a sign of a crash, it’s a sign of some sellers having outdated expectations in a shifting market.

Bottom Line

This summer brings a powerful combo for buyers: more homes to choose from, less competition, and sellers being more flexible on pricing. If you’re ready to make a move, connect with a local real estate agent. They’d love to help you take the next step.

What would finding the right home this summer mean for your next chapter?

It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate. There’s no question about it. It’s the main reason why so many homeowners have delayed their move in recent years. But here’s something to consider.

While your low rate might be ideal, it doesn’t make up being too cramped, having a staircase your knees can’t handle anymore, or being 1,000 miles from your family. And those real-life needs are pushing more sellers off the fence despite today’s rates.

Data shows the share of homeowners with a mortgage rate below 3% is dropping as more people move. And, as a result, the share of homeowners taking on a mortgage rate above 6% is rising, too (see graph below):

The Biggest Reasons People Are Moving Right Now

Why are some homeowners willing to take on a higher rate? A survey from Realtor.com helps shed light on that. It shows 79% of homeowners considering selling today are doing it out of necessity. And that same survey says most of the necessary reasons people are moving are non-financial in nature (see graph below):

Do any of these reasons resonate for you, too?

• You Need More Space: Whether it’s a new baby, children needing their own rooms, or having your parents move in so it’s easier to take care of them, outgrowing your space can happen fast.
• You Need Less Space: The kids are out of the house now and you’re craving a life that’s a little simpler. Downsizing can be a major relief: fewer rooms to clean, less to maintain, and lower utility bills, too.
• You Want to Be Closer to Family: Whether it’s to help with grandchildren or care for aging parents, sometimes the pull of being near loved ones outweighs the math.
• A Relationship in Your Life Has Changed: Divorce, separation, or moving in together after a marriage or new partnership – all can create the need for a fresh start and a new place to call home.
• Your Job Is Taking You Somewhere New: If you finally landed your dream job or your partner’s company is relocating, you may need to move too.

What About Mortgage Rates?

Yes, experts expect mortgage rates to ease, but slowly. The latest projections show only modest declines this year – not the 3% you may be hoping for (see graph below):

So, while waiting for a big drop in rates might sound strategic, it could just mean more time feeling stuck in a space that no longer fits. And for many, that waiting game has already gone on long enough.

According to Realtor.com, nearly 2 in 3 potential sellers have been thinking about moving for over a year. If you’re one of them, maybe it’s time to ask:

How much longer are you willing to press pause on your life?

Bottom Line

Maybe your current house fit your life five years ago. But that “for now” house you bought in 2020? It just can’t deliver on what you need in 2025. And that’s not just okay, it’s normal.

Mortgage rates are part of the equation, for sure. But the bigger question is:

What kind of home do you need to support the life you’re living now?

Talk to an agent about what’s changed, and what kind of move would actually take your life forward.

Some Highlights

• There’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive.
• And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. Most first-time buyers qualify and the typical benefit is $17,000.
• To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out downpaymentresource.com.

Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.

According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below):

And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice.

A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who don’t plan to use an agent have doubts about whether that’s actually the right decision.

And here’s why. The market is changing – not in a bad way, just in a way that requires a smarter, more strategic approach. And having a real estate expert in your corner really pays off.

Here are just two of the ways an agent's expertise makes a difference.

1. Getting the Price Right in a Market That’s Evolving

One of the biggest hurdles when selling a house on your own is figuring out the right price. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good or selling your house for what your neighbor’s sold for a few years back – you need to hit the bullseye for where the market is right now. Without an agent’s help, you’re more likely to miss the mark. As Zillow explains:

“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”

Basically, they know what’s really selling, what buyers are willing to pay in your area, and how to position your house to sell quickly. That kind of insight can have a big impact, especially in a market that’s balancing out.

2. Handling (and Actually Understanding) the Legal Documents

There’s also a mountain of documentation when selling a house, including everything from disclosures to contracts. And a mistake can have big legal implications. This is another area where having an agent can help.

They’ve handled these documents countless times and know exactly what’s needed to keep everything on track, so you avoid delays. And now that buyers are including more contingencies again and asking for concessions, your agent will guide you through each form step by step, making sure it’s done right and documented correctly the first time.

3. Selling Your House Quickly Even in a Shifting Market

Now that the number of homes for sale has grown, homes aren’t selling at quite the same pace they were. But you can still sell quickly if you have a proven plan to help your house stand out.

Just remember, homeowners don’t have the same network or marketing tools an experienced agent does. So, if you want the process to happen fast, you’ll likely want a pro by your side. 

Bottom Line

Having the right agent and the right strategy is key in a shifting market. Connect with a local pro so you don’t have to take this on solo – and so you can list with confidence, knowing you’ve got expert guidance from day one.

Some Highlights

• Have you been holding off on downsizing? If so, you should know your equity could make your move possible.
• Homeowners today have so much equity that a record number are buying their next house in all cash. And that has some big benefits like making their offer more appealing, potentially closing faster, and not having a mortgage payment.
• To find out how much equity you have in your current house, connect with a local agent. Because it may be enough to fuel your move.

When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling stuck, and maybe even a little embarrassed.

And here's what most agents won’t tell you. Over 70% of homeowners who re-list with a different agent sell their house.

Re-list with the same agent? That stat drops to only 50%, according to the latest data from REDX. That’s like leaving the fate of your sale to a coin toss. And that’s not good enough.

REDX data also shows that only 1 in 3 homeowners with expired listings actually make that change. That means most sellers either give up or repeat the same mistakes, so they get the same disappointing outcome. You deserve better.

Same house. Different strategy. Completely different results. 

Let's break down what might’ve gone wrong – and how a fresh perspective can help you have a winning strategy this time.

1. It Was Priced Too High

Today, homebuyers are feeling the squeeze of higher mortgage rates, so even a slightly overpriced home will get overlooked. And once your listing starts to go stale, it’s hard to regain momentum.

Missing the mark on pricing is a costly mistake – and too many homeowners are doing that very thing right now.

What we need to do now: We need to analyze the latest sales in your area to make sure you’re hitting the right number. This includes taking a hard look at real-time buyer behavior, and any feedback you got from open houses or showings your first time around. Pricing at, or even just below, current market value is a winning play because it drives more buyers to your listing – and that amps up the competition for your home.

2. It Didn’t Show Well

You only get one shot at a first impression. If the listing photos didn’t pop, the house wasn’t staged well, or it wasn't updated, most buyers will skip over it without ever scheduling a showing. And even if buyers did show up, small things like scuffed walls, outdated light fixtures, or a wobbly doorknob can turn them away.

What we need to do now: Let’s walk through your house with fresh eyes to see if there are any areas that may have been sticking points inside and out. Sometimes taking down old drapery, some light staging, or even a fresh coat of paint can completely change how a buyer feels about the home.

3. It Didn’t Get the Right Exposure

If your home didn’t sell, chances are it wasn’t getting the visibility it deserved. Generic flyers and a few online photos aren’t enough anymore. Today’s top agents are using highly targeted digital marketing, social media strategies, custom video content, and more to get your listing in front of the right buyers at the right time.

What we need to do now: We have to do more than just put your house online and hope it sells. Together, we can come up with a real plan to maximize its exposure. With the right pricing, staging, and marketing, your house will sell quickly. Here’s a real-world example (see graph below):

4. You Weren’t Willing To Negotiate

In this market, sellers who aren’t open to negotiating on things like closing costs, inspection repairs, or other concessions are often left behind. And if your last agent didn’t set that expectation with you, that's a real shame.

What we need to do now: Be willing to meet buyers where they are. The goal is to get the deal done – and sometimes that means getting creative to help buyers cross the finish line. Home values have increased by over 55% over the last five years, so you likely have enough wiggle room to offer some perks without sacrificing your bottom line.

Bottom Line

If your house didn’t sell and your listing has expired, you don’t need to give up. You just need a better plan. And maybe, a better partner.

Over 70% of homeowners who switch agents sell their house the second time. That’s not a coincidence. That’s strategy.

If you're ready for a proven approach, talk to a local agent so you know what to do differently – and why doing different things actually works. It’s time to get your move back on track.

After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better.

Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary based on where you live. And that’s why you need an agent’s local market expertise.

Here’s a quick rundown of the current inventory situation, so you know what’s happening and what to expect.

Significant Growth Across the Nation

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is rising – and that’s true in all regions of the country. That’s shown in this data from Realtor.com. In each of the four regions, inventory is up at least 19% compared to the same time last year. In the West, it’s actually up almost 41% year-over-year (see graph below):

There are two main reasons for this increase:

• More sellers are listing their homes. Many homeowners have been waiting for mortgage rates to drop before making a move. Now, some have decided they can’t wait any longer. May had more new listings than any May in the past three years.
• Homes are taking longer to sell. That means listings are staying on the market longer, which increases the total number of homes available. In May, the typical home took 51 days to sell – much closer to what’s more typical for the market.

More homes for sale helps the market become more balanced. For the past few years, sellers have had the upper hand. Now, things are shifting. Nationally, it’s not a full-on buyer’s market yet, but it’s heading toward a healthier place, especially for homebuyers. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“The number of homes for sale is rising in many markets, giving shoppers more choices than they’ve had in years . . . the market is starting to rebalance.”

How Much Growth We’ve Seen Varies by Area

But, how long it’s going to take to achieve true balance is going to vary by area. Some parts of the country are seeing inventory bounce all the way back to normal levels, while others haven’t grown quite that much yet.

Let’s take a look at another graph. This time, we’ll compare the current data (what you already saw) to the last normal years in the housing market (2017-2019).

In this comparison, the green shows which regions are back at more typical levels for inventory based on the growth we’ve seen lately. The red shows where things have improved, but are still well below the norm (see graph below):

Here’s what that means for you. Across the board, you have more options now than you would’ve just one year ago. And that’s a really good thing. More choices means it should be a bit easier to find a home you love.

But not all markets are the same – some will take a bit longer to get back to more typical levels. So, lean on a local agent to find out what the inventory situation looks like where you want to live. They’ll be able to tell you how much growth they’ve seen locally and how to tailor your home search based on what’s available in that area. This is just one of the reasons a local agent’s perspective matters. 

Bottom Line

Inventory is getting better, but how long it takes to get back to normal is going to be different based on where you’re looking to buy. Talk with a local real estate agent about what’s happening in your local market and how it affects your next move.

What’s one thing you’ve noticed lately that makes the market feel different than it did a year or two ago?

Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.

It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below):

While everyone remembers what happened around the housing crash of 2008, that was the exception – not the rule. It hadn’t happened before, and hasn’t since. There were many market dynamics that were drastically different back then, too. From relaxed lending standards to a lack of homeowner equity, and even a large oversupply of homes, it was very different from where the national housing market is today. So, every headline about prices slowing down, normalizing, or even dipping doesn’t need to trigger fear that another big crash is coming.

Here’s something that explains why short-term dips usually aren’t a long-term deal-breaker.

What’s the Five-Year Rule?

In real estate, you might hear talk about the five-year rule. The idea is that if you plan to own your home for at least five years, short-term dips in prices usually don’t hurt you much. That’s because home values almost always go up in the long run. Even if prices drop a bit for a year or two, they tend to bounce back (and then some) over time.

Take it from Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub:

“. . . there’s the ‘five-year rule of thumb’ in real estate—which suggests that most buyers can buffer themselves from mild short-term declines if they plan to own a property for at least that amount of time.”

What’s Happening in Today’s Market?

Here’s something else to put your mind at ease. Right now, most housing markets are still seeing home prices rise – just not as fast as they were a few years ago.

But in the major metros where prices are starting to cool off a little (the red bars in the graph below), the average drop is only about -2.9% since April 2024. That’s not a major decline like we saw back in 2008.

And when you look at the graph below, it’s clear that prices in most of those markets are up significantly compared to where they were five years ago (the blue bars). So, those homeowners are still ahead if they’ve been in their house for a few years or more (see graph below):

The Big Picture

Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen a staggering 55%, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). So, a small short-term dip isn’t a significant loss. Even if your city is one where they’re down 2% or so, you’re still up far more than that.

And if you break those 5-year gains down even further, using data from the FHFA, you’ll see home values are up in every single state over the last five years (see map below):

That’s why it’s important not to stress too much about what’s happening this month, or even this year. If you’re in it for the long haul (and most homeowners are) your home is likely to grow in value over time.

Bottom Line

Yes, prices can shift in the short term. But history shows that home values almost always go up over five years. So, whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, remember the five-year rule, and take comfort in the long view.

When you think about where you want to be in five years, how does owning a home fit into that picture?

Connect with an agent to discuss how to get there.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan.

They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why so many first-timers are using them to make their purchase.

Whether you’re dreaming of ditching rent, planting roots, or just wanting a place that’s truly yours, an FHA home loan could be the path that gets you there sooner than you think.

Buying Your First Home Probably Doesn’t Feel Easy Right Now

While the motivation to buy a home is still there for many people, affordability is a real challenge today. According to a survey from 1000WATT, potential first-time buyers say their top two concerns are saving enough for their down payment and making the monthly mortgage payments work at today’s home prices and mortgage rates (see graph below):

That’s Where FHA Loans Come In

FHA loans help many first-time buyers overcome these challenges.

In fact, according to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the average first-time buyer using an FHA loan puts down just $16,000. That’s a big difference from the $77,000 they’re putting down with the typical conventional mortgage (see graph below):

Essentially, buyers who use an FHA loan may not have to come up with as much cash up front. But the perks don’t stop there. You may also be able to pay less monthly, too.

That’s because, a lot of the time, the mortgage rate on FHA loans can be lower. Bankrate says:

“FHA loan rates are competitive with, and often slightly lower than, rates for conventional loans.”

So, if you’re thinking about buying your first place, an FHA loan may be worth exploring.

Because of the potential for lower down payment requirements and maybe even a lower mortgage rate, it could help with the two most common hurdles first-time buyers face today – saving enough money upfront and affording the monthly payment.

A trusted lender can walk you through the details, compare your options, and help you figure out what loan type makes the most sense for your situation.

Bottom Line

With the right loan and the right guidance, homeownership may be more achievable than you think.

Do you want to talk more about your options? A trusted lender is there to help.