Before You Fall in Love with a House, Do This First.
Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved. Because here’s what not enough people know. If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – you don’t want to wait until later on in the process to tackle this step. No matter what you’ve heard, pre-approval isn’t about commitment. It’s about clarity. And here are the two big ways pre-approval sets you up for success. You Know Your Numbers Up Front During the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score, and more. And once you have that number, your search becomes a lot more focused. With a mortgage pre-approval, you know what you can borrow, so it’s easier to figure out your ideal price point, and what you can actually afford. And that clarity is key. Because if you just start browsing online and just guess at your price point, you run the risk of falling for a house that’s outside of your price range – or missing out on ones that aren’t. You want this number to be clearly defined before your search. Here’s why. You Can Move Quickly When You Find the One This is how a lot of home searches go today. You scroll through listings just to see what’s out there, and then it happens. You fall in love with something you’ve seen online. If you’re already pre-approved? You’re probably in great shape. But if you’re not… Instead of being able to jump on that house and quickly make an offer, you have to scramble to get a lender, gather the financial documents, and then submit the necessary pre-approval paperwork first. And while you’re waiting to hear back from your lender, someone else who’s more prepared could beat you to the house. As Bankrate explains: “The best time to get a mortgage preapproval is before you start looking for a home. If you find a home you love but don’t have a preapproval in hand, you likely won’t have time to get preapproved before you need to make an offer . . .” And that’s avoidable, with the right prep. Because while you can’t control when the right home shows up, you can be ready for it. Think of it like showing up to the starting line with your shoes tied and your warm-up done – while everyone else is still looking for parking. It’s not about rushing your timeline. It’s about removing the delay between finding the right home and being able to move on it. One Thing You Need To Know About Pre-Approvals Speaking of timing, pre-approvals do have an expiration date. So, be sure to ask your lender how long it’s good for. The Mortgage Reports explains: “Mortgage preapproval letters are typically valid for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. However, a preapproval can be updated and extended if the lender re-checks your information.” Doing the right prep and knowing this information can make the whole process a lot smoother. You don’t have to be ready to buy to be ready to buy. Getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you’re committing to buy right now. It just means you’ve taken a step to understand your numbers. And when a home catches your attention, you’re prepped and good to go. Bottom Line Ask yourself this: if your perfect home popped up tomorrow, would you be ready to make a move? If the answer is no and you want to buy, it may be time to get pre-approved. You don’t feel behind before your search even officially kicks off.
Don’t Let Home Prices Headlines Fool You
Spend about 5 minutes online searching for news about the housing market, and odds are you’ll see something pop up about home prices. You may even stumble onto social media influencers saying we’re headed for a crash. Let’s get you the context you need. The truth is prices are going to vary depending on where you live. But they’re not crashing. Here’s what you need to know. The Local Perspective: Home Price Trends by Area The biggest thing feeding into the confusion online is how different home price trends are by area right now. Take a look at this data from ResiClub and Zillow (see graph below). About half of the largest metros are seeing prices go up. The other half are seeing some declines. Unfortunately, the online chatter only focuses on the markets where prices are down – and that makes it sound like something bigger is happening. But, as you can see in this graph, that’s only one side of the story. The full picture is different. The National Perspective: Moderate Price Growth As a country, when you average it all together to get a true baseline, one thing becomes clear, home prices are still net positive at the national level. According to the Redfin, national home prices were up about 1% year-over-year in February. So, what we’re seeing right now isn’t a collapse. It’s a market that’s normalizing after a period of unusually fast growth. And that impacts some local markets more than others – particularly those where prices rose too far, too fast during the pandemic. A true crash, like what happened in 2008, would mean prices dropping sharply across the entire country. That’s just not what the data shows today. And it’s not where things are going either. Experts Agree This Isn’t 2008 In fact, Fannie Mae surveyed over 100 housing market experts to ask their opinions on where prices are headed from here. And the experts agree, nationally, prices are expected to keep rising over the next five years: That rise will be moderate, particularly this year, but the trend is clear. Nationally, prices are forecast to grow every year now through at least 2030 – and that’s normal. Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist, at Redfin explains: “House prices aren’t going to fall on a national scale any time soon—and that’s actually a good thing. It’s normal for house prices to rise gradually over time . . .” That’s why even in the select areas where prices have dropped slightly this year, the decline is expected to be temporary. According to that same quarterly Fannie Mae survey mentioned above, 85% of the experts say the markets that are seeing mild declines right now will return to positive price growth before the end of 2027. The main takeaway? This isn’t a crash. And prices aren’t expected to fall nationally. If anything, the few areas experiencing declines are expected to rebound in the next year or so. Bottom Line It’s easy to get caught up in headlines that make it sound like something big is about to happen. But don’t be fooled. The housing market isn’t crashing. It’s just shifting. The key is understanding what’s actually happening in your market, so you can make the right move for you. Connect with a real estate agent if you want the local perspective.
This’ll Change What You Think About Investors in Today’s Housing Market
There’s a lot of noise out there right now about investors in the housing market. Some headlines make it sound like big Wall Street firms are buying up everything in sight. And if you’re trying to purchase a home yourself, that can make it feel like the odds are stacked against you. But when you take a closer look at the data, a very different picture starts to come into focus. Most Investors Are Just Everyday Owners For starters, when you hear the word investor, you probably picture big corporations. And that misconception is a large part of what’s feeding into the myth that they’re buying up all the homes. Most investors aren’t big companies, at all. They’re everyday people just like you. They’re someone who owns a second home (like a vacation house at the river), a neighbor who has 1 or 2 rentals, or even a homeowner who tried to sell their home, didn’t get the price they wanted, and decided to rent it instead. And when all of these groups are lumped together in the headlines, the number of investors sounds high – especially if you’re operating under the assumption all investors are big investors. But here’s what the numbers really show when you drill down. Institutional Investors Are a Small Slice of the Housing Market Large institutional investors, those big companies buying homes, actually make up a very small share of the overall housing market. According to BatchData, the largest investors (those with 1,000+ homes) own just 0.4% of the 86 million single-family homes in the country. And their share of the market is actually shrinking. Data from Parcl Labs shows big investors are selling 4 homes for every 1 they’re buying right now (see visual below): That means they’ve actually added almost 1.7k homes back into the market lately. What This Means for You The story is clear. Instead of aggressively buying up homes, most of these companies are stepping back, which means less competition from them than you might expect. If you were someone who thought they were dominating the market, let that give you some peace of mind. Most of the competition you’ll face is from other everyday buyers – people just like you. And with most large investors stepping back, there may be more opportunity in the market than you think. Bottom Line It’s easy to assume big investors are taking over the housing market, but the data tells a different story. If you want an expert’s opinion on what investor activity looks like in our area, talk to a local agent. Because odds are, it’s not as big a factor as you may think.
The Best Week To List Your House Is Just Around the Corner
While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast. Based on their analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18. And here’s why this window stands out as being particularly seller-friendly: Buyers Are More Active. According to the research coming out of Realtor.com, homes listed during this week typically get about 16.7% more views than in a normal week. And in a market where buyers have options, getting that extra attention can set the tone for your entire sale. Sales Happen Faster. Realtor.com also explains the added demand from buyers sets you up for a faster process. While homes have been taking longer to sell lately, homes up for sale this week were on the market for 17% less time than usual. And that’s a difference you’ll be able to feel. A Better Price for Your House. Since the number of homes for sale has grown, it’s normal for buyers to ask for credits, repairs, and price adjustments today. But, during this early Spring window, about 18.9% fewer homes do a price cut. That gives you a better chance of getting your full asking price. More Profit in Your Pocket. According to the study, well-prepped homes listed this week can command a price that’s about $5,300 more than the average week (and $26,000 more than homes at the start of the year). And what seller doesn’t want more eyes on their house, getting an offer in hand sooner (rather than later), and their best shot at selling for top dollar? What You Need To Do To Get Ready If you’re already thinking about selling and you want to take advantage of this sweet spot, your next step is shockingly simple. Just talk to a local agent. Their expertise on your area is going to be key over the next few weeks. Because these trends are going to vary by state, city, and even neighborhood. And your agent will use that insider knowledge to help you figure out what you need to do now to get your house ready. Including: What you’ll want to spruce up before listing How to prioritize any repairs (and contractors that can help) Quick wins that’ll have a big impact What buyers care most about today For some sellers, that’s a few easy fixes they can knock out in the next couple of weeks. A fresh coat of paint. Some new mulch. Or some light Spring cleaning. For others, it’s worth taking another month or so to make some minor updates before listing. And that’s okay. Because while this mid-April window may give sellers an advantage, it’s not your only opportunity to sell. Zillow says the best time to list is in May. And that means the golden window for sellers isn’t closing after this one week. It’s open all season long. Bottom Line Getting your house on the market in mid-April may give you an extra edge, but the bigger opportunity is the Spring season as a whole. The real question is: Do you know what you need to do before you can list? Because it’s officially go-time for any seller planning a Spring move. If you want your house to hit the market this week (or even this season), talk to a local agent about what it’ll take to get it ready.
You Can’t Control What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates. But You Can Control This.
Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan. But there are still things you can do to get the best rate possible in today’s market. It starts with having the right information. So, what’s causing the bumps in rates? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down. Mortgage Rate Volatility Is Normal Data from Freddie Mac shows the recent volatility. After trending down for well over a year, there was a rise this month (see graph below): While it’s easy to be distracted by the changes, here’s what you need to remember. It’s normal for rates to bounce around a bit here and there. For example, if you look back at the graph, you’ll see that even within the past year there have been times like this when rates inched up. We’re in one of those moments right now and you need to be aware of that. Especially when there’s economic uncertainty or big global events happening, volatility like this is expected. As Investopedia explains: “Mortgage rates don’t move in isolation. When global events inject uncertainty into financial markets . . . that can ripple through to borrowing . . . mortgage costs can respond quickly to geopolitical developments. As long as uncertainty remains elevated, rate swings may continue.” And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t a wise move. You can’t control what happens with mortgage rates. But there are still things you can do to help you get the best rate possible in today’s market. And here’s where to focus your effort. Your Credit Score Your credit score plays a big role in the rate you qualify for. Even a small improvement can make a noticeable difference in your monthly payment. As Bankrate puts it: “Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.” So, make sure you do what you can to keep your credit score up. If you’re not sure what your score is or how you can improve it, talk to a trusted loan officer. Your Loan Type There are also different types of home loans – and each one can have unique requirements, benefits, and rates for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) explains: “There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose.” That’s why it’s so important to explore your options with a lender. You may even want to talk to multiple lenders to see how the options vary. Your Loan Term The length of your loan matters too. Most lenders typically offer 15, 20, or 30-year loans. Freddie Mac offers this advice: “When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.” Again, to figure out what makes the most sense for your budget and long-term goals, have a lender walk you through all your options. Bottom Line Thinking about buying right now? The best advice is to accept that you can’t control where rates are going to go from here. What you can do is work with a trusted lender and take steps that’ll help you get the best rate possible. So, if you want to move today, talk to an agent and a lender to make it happen. You just need to control the controllables and focus where it counts.
The Remodel You’ve Been Dreaming About May Be Closer Than You Think
That kitchen you’ve been mentally redesigning… The bathroom that really needs a refresh… Or the outdoor space you keep saying you’ll get to someday… What if you already have what you need to finally make it happen? Because a growing number of homeowners are realizing just that. Homeowners are expected to spend over $522 billion on home improvements by the end of 2026 – and they’re not draining their savings accounts to get it done. Many are using their home equity. And if you’ve owned your home for 10+ years, there’s a chance you could use your equity to fund some home upgrades too. Let’s break down what you need to know first. What Is Equity? And How Does It Help? Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. And according to Cotality, the average homeowner has about $313,000 worth of equity today. That’s more than enough to finally knock some projects off your list. And more people are realizing they can use that to give their home a little TLC. Research coming out of Meridian Link says home improvements are the top thing people are using their equity for today. Top Motivations for Equity-Based Borrowing: Funding home improvements (45%) Using it to pay down other debts / debt consolidation (16%) Investing in other properties (16%) Maybe it makes sense for you to do the same. But here’s what’s important. Just because you can use your equity doesn’t mean you have to. It also doesn’t mean every project makes sense. What Projects Are Actually Worth It? If you’re going to go this route, you’ll want to focus on upgrades that actually pay off. A good renovation should be something that improves the value of your home. Because, even if you’re not planning to sell soon, you want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success when you do. And an agent is the best resource as you weigh your options. They know what other homeowners are doing and what buyers in your area like. And that can be really helpful as you narrow down your project list. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts it: “Being able to help sellers prioritize home improvements and maximize their net on the sale is a key value real estate agents offer.” Here’s a quick rundown of the projects with the best potential to recoup your costs according to NAR (see graph below). While it’s a good starting point, just remember it can’t match the expertise an agent can provide. As you can see, there’s a wide range of projects on that list. Yes, some are bigger-ticket items, like kitchens or baths. But others are smaller updates with surprisingly strong ROI. A new front door is a great project. But it’s not something to use your equity for. But revamping your kitchen? That’s where your equity can come in and lighten the load. Where To Go from Here Whether the project you’ve been thinking about is on this list or not, chat with an agent to make sure it’s worth the time, money, and effort before calling in any contractors. Because the goal isn’t to do everything, it’s to invest where it counts. And if you want to use your equity to get one of the bigger projects done, meet with a financial advisor too. Because you’ll want to make sure you’ll maintain a good loan-to-value (LTV) threshold even after using your equity. That way you have all the information you need to make your decision. Bottom Line Whether you’re selling next year or just giving your house some TLC, the right home improvements today can set you up for success tomorrow. And the best part? Your equity may be the key to making it happen. What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it? Have a quick conversation with an agent to find out if it’s the right decision for your home.
Affordability Has Improved in All 50 States
For the past few years, affordability has been what’s stopped a lot of buyers in their tracks. Maybe it stopped you, too. At some point you probably did the math, looked at the monthly payment, and decided to pause your search and wait for things to get better. But here’s something you may have missed while you’ve been sitting on the sidelines. Over the last year, housing affordability has improved in all 50 states. Yes, you read that right. It’s gotten better in every single state. That’s based on new research coming out of First American. And while housing is still fairly expensive compared to historical standards, the pressure buyers felt over the last few years is finally starting to ease. Some Areas Are Seeing Bigger Improvements The first thing you need to know is that this isn’t just happening in one region or in a small handful of cities. The trend is happening almost everywhere. Sure, individual states, cities, and even neighborhoods are going to vary – sometimes by a lot. But overall, more buyers are able to buy again. And in 48 of the top 50 metros, affordability has improved over the past year. That same research breaks down which cities are seeing the biggest gains: Just in case you’re wondering: why these areas? It’s simple. In many cases, it comes down to the number of homes for sale. When buyers have more choices, it creates a healthier balance in the market and that can help bring affordability back within reach. With homes up for grabs, it opens the door a bit wider for buyers to negotiate with sellers for credits, price cuts, and more. And it gives you more chances to find a house that works for your needs and budget. It may make more of a difference than you think. None of this means affordability challenges have completely disappeared. Buying a home is still a big financial decision. But the trend is moving in a direction many buyers have been waiting for. As Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, puts it: “The housing affordability crisis is showing signs of easing . . . opening the door for more Americans to make the jump to homeownership.” Bottom Line If you were holding off on buying, this could be exactly the signal you’ve been waiting so long for. To find out how much affordability’s improved in your area, connect with a local real estate agent.
3 Must-Do’s for First-Time Home Buyers
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wrecking because it’s something you’ve never done before. And trying to think of everything you need to do can feel like a lot. But here’s the key. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Just tackle it one thing at a time. Here’s a simple list of 3 main things you should focus on to help you get started. 1. Assemble Your Team: Don’t Do This Alone Buying a home is a team sport. And having the right professionals by your side can make a world of difference. Here’s who you need to find: A local real estate agent is your guide from the first showing to closing day. They’ll make sure you understand all the details along the way, so you feel confident in your decision. A trusted lender will walk you through loan options, monthly payments, and what’s realistic for your situation. That information is something you’re going to want early on. 2. Prep Your Finances: Set the Foundation First This is what determines what you can afford, how competitive you’ll be, and how confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to get ready: Check your credit score. Your credit score impacts the loan options you’ll qualify for and even the mortgage rate you’ll get. Knowing this number early gives you time to work on raising your score, if you want to. Save for your down payment and closing costs. Most buyers focus on the down payment, but closing costs matter too. Having savings set aside for both helps you avoid last-minute stress and surprises. Look into assistance programs. Many first-time buyers qualify for programs that’ll give their homebuying savings a boost. This can make buying possible sooner than you expect. Talk to a lender about mortgage options. Fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, and conventional loans all work differently. Understanding the options helps you choose what fits your goals best. Get pre-approved. A pre-approval tells you what a lender would be willing to give you for your home loan. This’ll help you figure out your price range and set you up to move fast when the right home comes along. Figure out your budget. Your mortgage is just one part of homeownership. Budgeting for your utilities, home insurance, and everyday expenses and maintenance will help make sure your payment feels comfortable, not stressful. 3. Gather Your Documents: Save Time (and Stress) When you’re officially ready to kick off the buying process, lenders are going to need to verify your income, assets, and financial history. Having these documents ready-to-go upfront can speed up the process and reduce back-and-forth. Here’s what Bankrate says you need to prep: W-2s and tax documents (past 2 years). These show income stability and help lenders verify your earnings over time. Recent pay stubs (generally the past 1–2 months). Pay stubs confirm your current income and employment status. Bank statements (past 2–3 months). These show your savings, spending patterns, and where your down payment funds are coming from. Investment account statements (past 2-3 months). If you’re using investments as part of your financial picture, lenders may ask for these as well. Copy of your driver’s license. This verifies your identity and is required for loan processing. Residential history (past 2 years). Lenders use this to confirm stability and background information. Statements for any outstanding debts (past 2 months). Student loans, auto loans, and credit cards affect your debt-to-income ratio, so lenders will want to know about them. Proof of supplemental income. Bonuses, commissions, side work, or child support may count toward your income if documented properly. Note: the exact time frames and list of documents may vary lender to lender. This is just a general rule of thumb to help you get the ball rolling. Bottom Line Buying your first home doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. It just requires a plan. If you start with your finances, organize your documents, and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll be in great shape when the time comes to make a move. And if you want more information on anything in this list or just need help getting started, reach out to an agent.
The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)
You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market. And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control. Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem. The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below): And that makes sense. Because today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple of years ago: options. Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Today A few years back, when buyers felt rushed or boxed in due to the limited number of homes for sale, they were more willing to overlook issues. But in today’s market, skipping essential repairs is one of the fastest ways to lose a deal. Now that there are more homes to choose from, buyers can be more selective. If a house feels risky, outdated, or like it’s hiding expensive surprises, they’re a lot more likely to walk away. So, what do you have to fix? Just ask an agent. How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge A local agent will be able to walk through your house and offer advice on what to tackle based on your specific home, your market, and what buyers are prioritizing in your area. They’ll also have first-hand knowledge about some of the biggest turnoffs for buyers today. And you can use that expertise to prevent future headaches. For example, according to Zillow, these are some of the issues buyers will care the most about: Roof leaks or damage: sagging, leaking, etc. Plumbing problems: standing water, leaks, water damage, etc. Electrical concerns: outdated or exposed wiring, missing GFCI outlets, etc. HVAC issues: non-functioning units Pest or insect damage: termite colonies, etc. Hazardous materials: lead, mold, asbestos, etc. Safety/code violations: missing smoke detectors, windows stuck closed, etc. Structural problems: cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, etc. Odds are not all of this even applies to your house. Maybe only 1-2 things do. Or maybe none of them do. It just depends. But an agent will have the tools and resources to help you figure it out and stay one step ahead. The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection To buyers, these aren’t cosmetic issues. They’re trust issues. And that’s what you need to watch out for today. Once buyers start wondering “what else might be wrong,” it’s hard to recover momentum. That’s why some agents are even recommending a pre-listing inspection as a sneak peek into what buyers will see on their own inspection. With that insight, you can: Fix concerns before you list, or disclose issues upfront Avoid having to respond or negotiate under pressure Stop scrambling to find contractors with availability before your closing date But remember, you don’t have to fix everything. You just have to be strategic about what you do tackle, so you and your buyer aren’t caught off guard. And that’s why you need an agent who can: Decide if a pre-listing inspection is worth it where you live Recommend a trusted inspector (if you decide to get one) Look at the results with you to identify true dealbreakers in your market Help you decide what to fix or what to credit Make sure you avoid over-spending or under-preparing Bottom Line One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers today is inspection issues – and that’s something you can control. You just need to be proactive about high-impact repairs before you list. If you want help figuring out where to focus, connect with an agent.
One Key Sign We’re Not Headed for a Wave of Foreclosures
Foreclosures are ticking up. And that may make your mind jump straight to thoughts of 2008 – specifically to what happened to the market during the housing crash. So, let’s do exactly what your brain already wants to do, and see if there’s any connection there. The simple truth is foreclosure filings are rising. But they’re nowhere near crisis levels. And that’s not where they’re headed either. Here’s why. Take a look at serious delinquencies – loans where the homeowner is more than 90 days late on their mortgage payments. While those have increased slightly, data from the New York Fed shows they still remain low. And they aren’t anywhere close to levels seen when the market crashed (see graph below): Right now, about 1% of mortgages are seriously delinquent. That’s only 1 in 100. In the years around the crash, they were up around 9%. That’s 1 in 11. That’s a big difference. And it’s important to remember not all delinquencies even become foreclosure filings. Some homeowners who are falling behind will work out repayment plans with their banks and lenders because banks don’t want to see a wave of foreclosures either. That’s why foreclosure numbers are even lower than delinquencies. ATTOM shows only 0.3% of all homes are currently going through a foreclosure filing. And those won’t even all go to a full foreclosure. That’s not a wave. That’s a ripple at most. If People Are Falling Behind on Payments, Why Aren’t There Even More Foreclosures? And maybe you’re wondering, if people are struggling financially, why aren’t there more foreclosures? Here’s the easiest way to answer that. When households feel financial pressure, they tend to prioritize their mortgage payment above almost everything else. Because the last thing they want to lose is their home. Data from the New York Fed shows serious delinquencies have risen more for credit cards and auto loans (the blue and green lines). But mortgage delinquencies and home equity lines of credit (borrowing against the value of your home) aren’t seeing the same big uptick (the yellow and orange lines). They’re a lot more stable overall. In other words, people may fall behind on other debts, but they fight hard to keep their homes. And, in today’s housing market, they’re also in a strong equity position to do so. Home Equity Changes Everything Many people have built significant equity over the past several years. And that creates options. As Daren Blomquist, VP of Market Economics at Auction.com, explains: “Distressed homeowners… many times they still have equity in their homes. There’s an opportunity for them to sell that home, avoid foreclosure, and walk away with equity.” That’s a major difference from 2008. Back then, many homeowners owed more than their homes were worth. And selling wasn’t an easy solution. Today, for many people, it is. And even in situations where equity isn’t enough, homeowners are encouraged to contact their loan servicer early to explore alternatives to foreclosure. Bottom Line Are foreclosure filings rising slightly? Yes. Are they anywhere near crash territory? No. And homeowners today have far more equity and flexibility than they did during the crash. If you’re concerned about what you’re seeing in the headlines, the best move isn’t panic, it’s perspective. And the data right now says this isn’t 2008 all over again.
If Your House Isn’t Getting Offers, Read This.
Online searches for “can’t sell house” just hit an all-time high according to Google Trends. So, if your house has been sitting on the market without any bites, you’re not the only one. But it’s also not the end of the road. Homes are selling every day, so you can turn this around. You just need to take another look at your approach. If you’re feeling this pain, know this: an online search engine isn’t where you should go for your answers. It’s much better to talk to your agent. Because a search engine doesn’t know your market or your house. But your agent does. While a quick search or an AI platform may give you some tips on what to try, only an expert agent can actually diagnosis what’s going on – and how to fix it. For example, your agent knows most homes that struggle to sell today are usually being held back by one (or more) of these three things. 1. Presentation: Buyers Will Compare Everything When inventory was tight a few years ago, buyers overlooked imperfections because they had to, or they’d lose out to another bidder. Now? That’s no longer the case. Today’s buyers scroll through dozens of listings in just minutes. They compare condition, updates, lighting, finishes, layout, and more – all side by side. If your home feels dated, cluttered, or in need of repairs, buyers will notice and it’ll knock your house right off their list of contenders. This doesn’t mean you need a full renovation. But it does mean first impressions matter again. To compete today, you need curb appeal. Clean spaces. Neutral colors. Professional photos. If there are scuffs on the walls, obvious repairs, or too many outdated features, it could be what’s holding you back. 2. Pricing: If the Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling This is maybe the hardest one to hear, but what your neighbor sold their house for a few years ago isn’t necessarily the same price you’ll get today. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, says: “For sellers, the days of pricing aggressively and expecting instant offers are largely over. Homes that are well-priced and well-presented will still sell, but pricing discipline matters more than it did during boom years.” Buyers are budget-conscious right now. If your home is priced based on outdated expectations instead of current demand, buyers may still look at your house online… but they likely won’t write an offer. Or, they’ll make an offer that you think is too low. Pricing too high for this market is one of the top things sellers miss the mark on today. And those who aren’t willing to meet the market where it is or entertain offers may feel stuck. 3. Access: If Buyers Can’t See It, They Can’t Buy It It sounds obvious but limited showing availability can kill your momentum. If your house isn’t easy to see because you’re restricting showings to evenings only, no weekends, or requiring a 24-hour notice, you’re cutting your buyer pool down by more than you may realize. And the more friction you create, the fewer buyers walk through the door. In a market where buyers have more options, the last thing you want to do is give them a reason to skip your house. Availability matters because if no one sees it, no one buys it. Don’t Let Search Results Decide Your Next Step When your house isn’t selling, it’s tempting to spiral and wonder if it’s the market or if something’s wrong with your house. But instead of searching for answers online, here’s what to do. Sit down with your agent and ask three honest questions: What are buyers looking for in today’s market? What feedback are we getting from showings? Why do you think my house hasn’t sold yet? That conversation will bring a lot more clarity than any search engine results. Bottom Line If your listing feels stuck, it’s not a sign you shouldn’t sell. It’s the market giving you feedback. And feedback is powerful when you use it. Start with a real conversation with a real agent about what’s working and what’s not. Your agent will be able to tell you which small adjustments could totally change the momentum. Because in this market, the sellers who adapt are the ones who move.
Should You Wait for Lower Rates?
Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and thought, “Great. I missed it,” you’re not the only one. A lot of buyers are treating the 5s like some kind of magic number. As if moving from 6.1% to 5.99% suddenly changes everything. And from a mindset perspective, it does feel different. But here’s the part most people don’t actually run the math on. The Payment Difference Isn’t What You Think Let’s say you’re looking at a $500,000 home loan. At 6.1%, generally speaking, your principal and interest payment is roughly $3,030 per month. At 5.9%, it’s about $2,966 per month. That’s a difference of only $64 a month. Not $300. Not $500. Sixty dollars. Let that sink in for just a moment. Yes, over time that $64 a month can add up. But it’s far from the dramatic swing many buyers imagine when they say they’re “waiting for the 5s.” The psychological impact of seeing a 5 in front of your rate can feel big. The financial impact? It might be something you don’t even notice when it’s all said and done. Experts Aren’t Predicting a Big Drop Another important piece to think about: most housing economists aren’t forecasting a long-term return to 5% territory anytime soon. While rates will move up and down, likely hitting the high 5s here and there, the broader expectation is for mortgage rates to hover in the low 6% range this year, not stay in the 5’s or decline much more. While it certainly could happen, the reality is, waiting for a deep drop may not deliver the payoff you’re hoping for, if you’re holding out The Bigger Question to Ask Instead of asking, “Did I miss the 5s?” A better question is: “Does today’s payment work for me?” If the monthly payment fits comfortably in your budget, and you’ve found a home that meets your needs, the difference between 6.1% and 5.9% likely isn’t the deciding factor. It might be one of them, but it shouldn’t be everything. And remember, mortgage rates aren’t permanent. If they drop meaningfully later, refinancing is always an option. But you can’t refinance a home you didn’t buy. Waiting Might Feel Safe, But It Isn’t Always Strategic It’s natural to want the best possible rate. Everyone does. But sometimes buyers overestimate how much a rate in the high 5s will change things in today’s market. Don’t miss the fact that rates have already come down. A year ago, they were in the 7s. Now? They’re hovering in the low 6s. And for a lot of people, that percentage point difference that’s already here is the real game changer. If you paused your plans when rates were higher, now may be the right time to re-run your numbers. Not because rates are “perfect.” But because the monthly payment math might work better than you think, even with rates in the low 6s. Before assuming you’ve missed your moment, take another look at the numbers. You may find it never disappeared. Bottom Line If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for that magic five number for rates, that strategy may not pay off as much as you’d expect. Connect with an agent or lender so you can double check the math at your price point. You may realize payments are already within your range.
Spring Sellers Have an Edge. Here’s Why.
Homeowners looking to sell usually want three things: plenty of interested buyers, strong offers, and a short timeline. Spring is the season that most often delivers all three. So, if a move has been on your mind this year, this is the window where momentum tends to work in your favor. Here’s what makes this season so powerful for sellers. 1. More Buyers Will Be Looking Typically speaking, in the housing market, there’s no more popular time to move than the Spring. Historically, data coming out of ShowingTime proves that’s when buyer activity peaks each year. Take a look for yourself (see graph below): And this year, there’s more than just the seasonal trend working in your favor. Mortgage rates are also sitting near 3-year lows – and that combination matters. More buyers + improving affordability = more eyes on your house. That doesn’t mean the market will return to the frenzy of the pandemic – far from it. But it does mean more buyers will be ready to re-enter the market. And that’s good for you. As Redfin says: “Homebuying demand is improving . . . and mortgage-purchase applications are sitting near their highest level in three years. . .” You should make sure your house is listed so you can take advantage of the uptick in demand. Because more activity means one thing: more opportunity to get a deal done. 2. You May Get More Offers With more buyer demand, it makes sense that you may get more offers on your house. And history shows that’s usually true. If we look at the data for the last three years from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and take the averages for each month, it’s clear sellers in the Spring get more offers (see graph below): Now, don’t expect the excessive bidding wars that were so famous in 2020 and 2021. But it does mean, seasonality could help you out this Spring. As Realtor.com explains: “Spring typically brings out more buyers who are ready to make a move before summer. Listings see more views, showings, and offers during this season.” And that could be really good for your bottom line. 3. Homes Usually Sell Faster There’s one more predictable pattern that happens pretty much every Spring based on research from Realtor.com. Homes sell faster (see graph below): On average, homes sell 20 days faster in the Spring compared to the Winter. That’s almost 3 weeks shaved off your timeline. And that’s a difference you can feel. Since homes have been taking longer to sell lately, listing your house during what’s usually the most active time of the year means you’re setting yourself up to move as quickly as possible. And isn’t that what sellers really want? The faster your home sells, the earlier you can move on to what’s next for you. If you’re eager to go on to your next chapter, need to downsize, or you’ve run out of space, Spring may be your best time to sell. Bottom Line Spring doesn’t guarantee a sale. Strategy still matters. But this season gives you something valuable: momentum. More buyers. More activity. More opportunity. The real question is: if you’re going to sell this year, why not do it when the odds are in your favor? Talk to an agent about what selling this season could mean for your house and your timeline.
Are Home Prices Dropping? Here’s the Real Story.
You’ve probably seen posts on social media talking about how “home prices are falling.” And when you see something like that, it’s normal to wonder: Is this the start of a crash? What does this mean for my house? Let’s clear this up right away. This is not a crash. And your home is not suddenly losing a lot of value. The National Story – Prices Are Still Going Up Here’s what often gets left out of what you’re seeing online. While some markets are experiencing slight declines, they’re the minority. Most places are still seeing prices rise or at the very least, hold steady. That’s why, at the national level, home prices are still rising, just at a slower pace. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Home prices continued to rise in the fourth quarter of 2025. National median prices rose 1.2% year over year to $414,900.” That’s not the rapid growth of a few years ago, but it’s not a downturn either. And just to really drive this home, here’s a look at the data from NAR at a regional level, so you can see that the negative narrative spun up online isn’t the whole truth (see graph below): Home prices are up (or at least holding steady) in the Northeast, Midwest, and South. The West has seen some small declines in certain markets, but “small” is the key word. There is no wave of falling prices across the country. Instead, there are just a few pockets adjusting after several years of what’s typically considered unsustainable or exponential growth. Yes, Some Markets Have Come Down, But Look at the Bigger Picture. Okay, but what about the places where prices have declined? According to ResiClub and Zillow, that’s not a cause for major concern. When you zoom out and look at those same markets over the past five years, the story changes (see graph below): In the areas with recent declines, home values are still significantly higher than they were just five years ago. That’s a direct reflection of how much home values have gone up. Online chatter tends to shine a spotlight on the few areas that are down. But the bigger picture shows most homeowners are still in a very strong position. Of course, every market, and every home, is different. But broadly speaking, home values are holding steady. And this isn’t a sign of widespread trouble in the market. Bottom Line Despite what you may be seeing online, home prices are rising or holding steady in most parts of the country. If you’re curious what your home is worth today, take a look at the numbers with a local real estate agent. Because context, and local expertise, matter more than what you’re seeing online.
The Hidden Advantage Repeat Buyers Have Right Now
What if you didn’t have a mortgage payment on your next house? It may sound a little unrealistic. But for a number of homeowners, it’s actually doable. Nearly 3 in 10 homes purchased today are bought in cash, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s far more than the pre-pandemic norm (see graph below): So, how are so many buyers pulling that off? The answer is simple: home equity. Back in 2020-2021, mortgage rates and the number of homes for sale were both at all-time lows. And that combination pushed home prices up, fast. If you owned a home during that time, it likely gained significant value – maybe even enough to buy your next house in cash. NAR explains: “. . . rising home equity has armed many existing homeowners with the financial leverage to make cash offers, allowing them to convert years of price appreciation into immediate purchasing power.” Here’s why you may want to go that route yourself, if you have enough equity to do it. 1. Your Offer Becomes More Attractive Sellers value certainty. And an all-cash offer removes one of the biggest unknowns in a transaction: financing. As Rocket Mortgage explains: “Cash offers are attractive to sellers. Sellers often prefer to work with cash buyers if they can because they don’t have to worry about a buyer’s financing falling through at the last minute.” In many markets, an all-cash offer can give you a serious edge. 2. You Can Close Faster And since you don’t have to worry about underwriting, lender approvals, and loan processing, the time it takes to close shrinks. Cotality puts it this way: “Cash buyers have always enjoyed an edge over borrowers. They remove financing risk, reduce delays, and often close in days rather than weeks.” If the owner of the house you’re buying is already under contract on their next home or they just need to move fast (like for a new job), that speed is a real draw. 3. You Won’t Have Monthly Mortgage Payments When you buy in cash, you don’t have to finance your purchase. That means you don’t have to worry about what today’s mortgage rates are and you own the house outright from the day you close. And that’s a big deal. No mortgage. No monthly payment. Full ownership. That financial freedom opens the door for other big lifestyle benefits. Zillow explains: “Paying in cash means you own your home outright. This eliminates the need for monthly mortgage payments, freeing up your finances for other priorities like savings, travel, or home improvements.” 4. You May Get a Better Deal And here’s one more thing that surprises a lot of homeowners: cash buyers often pay less for the house. According to Cotality, all-cash buyers tend to spend roughly 9% less on the house than buyers who use a mortgage. That’s because some sellers are willing to accept lower offers to get a deal done quickly, with more certainty of closing, and fewer financing hoops to jump through. As Cotality explains: “From a seller’s point of view, a lower but reliable offer can feel preferable to a higher one that may collapse weeks later.” And that advantage grows with each passing year (see graph below): Is an All-Cash Move Realistic for You? Not every homeowner will buy their next house outright in cash. And that’s okay. But the bigger takeaway is this: the equity you’ve built may give you more options than you think. Whether that means downsizing and eliminating a mortgage entirely, or just relocating with stronger negotiating power, your current house may be what makes it possible. Bottom Line Before assuming you’ll need another traditional mortgage, it’s worth asking one simple question: How much equity do you really have? Because the answer might change what you thought your next move could look like. Curious what your home equity could do for you? Ask a local real estate agent to run the numbers and see what kind of buying power you’re really sitting on.
Why There Won’t Be a Recession That Tanks the Housing Market
And that may leave you worried we’re headed for a repeat of what we saw back in 2008. Here’s a look at the latest expert projections to show you why that isn’t going to happen. According to Jacob Channel, Senior Economist at LendingTree, the economy’s pretty strong: “At least right now, the fundamentals of the economy, despite some hiccups, are doing pretty good. While things are far from perfect, the economy is probably doing better than people want to give it credit for.” That might be why a recent survey from the Wall Street Journal shows only 39% of economists think there’ll be a recession in the next year. That’s way down from 61% projecting a recession just one year ago (see graph below): Most experts believe there won’t be a recession in the next 12 months. One reason why is the current unemployment rate. Let’s compare where we are now with historical data from Macrotrends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Trading Economics. When we do, it’s clear the unemployment rate today is still very low (see graph below): The orange bar shows the average unemployment rate since 1948 is about 5.7%. The red bar shows that right after the financial crisis in 2008, when the housing market crashed, the unemployment rate was up to 8.3%. Both of those numbers are much larger than the unemployment rate this January (shown in blue). But will the unemployment rate go up? To answer that, look at the graph below. It uses data from that same Wall Street Journal survey to show what the experts are projecting for unemployment over the next three years compared to the long-term average (see graph below): As you can see, economists don’t expect the unemployment rate to even come close to the long-term average over the next three years – much less the 8.3% we saw when the market last crashed. Still, if these projections are correct, there will be people who lose their jobs next year. Anytime someone’s out of work, that’s a tough situation, not just for the individual, but also for their friends and loved ones. But the big question is: will enough people lose their jobs to create a flood of foreclosures that could crash the housing market? Looking ahead, projections show the unemployment rate will likely stay below the 75-year average. That means you shouldn’t expect a wave of foreclosures that would impact the housing market in a big way. Bottom Line Most experts now think we won’t have a recession in the next year. They also don’t expect a big jump in the unemployment rate. That means you don’t need to fear a flood of foreclosures that would cause the housing market to crash.
Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move
And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what they’re talking about. Moving is no exception. You need insights from the pros to help you feel confident in your decision. Freddie Mac explains it like this: “As you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.” And while perfect advice isn’t possible – not even from the experts, what you can get is the very best advice out there. The Power of Expert Advice For example, let’s say you need an attorney. You start off by finding an expert in the type of law required for your case. Once you do, they won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end, or how the judge or jury will rule. But what a good attorney can do is walk you through the most effective strategies based on their experience and help you put a plan together. They’ll even use their knowledge to adjust that plan as new information becomes available. The job of a real estate agent is similar. Just like you can’t find a lawyer to give you perfect advice, you won’t find a real estate professional who can either. That’s because it’s impossible to know everything that’s going to happen throughout your transaction. Their role is to give you the best advice they can. To do that, an agent will draw on their experience, industry knowledge, and market data. They know the latest trends, the ins and outs of the homebuying and selling processes, and what’s worked for other people in the same situation as you. With that expertise, a real estate advisor can anticipate what could happen next and work with you to put together a solid plan. Then, they’ll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the way. That’s the very definition of getting the best – not perfect – advice. And that’s the power of working with a real estate advisor. Bottom Line If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you want an expert on your side to help you each step of the way. Let’s connect so you have advice you can count on.
Strategic Tips for Buying Your First Home
As a first-time homebuyer, it’s a dream you can make come true, but there are some hurdles you’ll need to overcome in today’s housing market – specifically the limited supply of homes for sale and ongoing affordability challenges. So, if you’re ready, willing, and able to buy your first home, here are three tips to help you turn your dream into a reality. Save Money with First-Time Homebuyer Programs Paying the initial costs of homeownership, like your down payment and closing costs, can feel a bit daunting. But there are many assistance programs for first-time homebuyers that can help you get a loan with little or no money upfront. According to Bankrate: “. . . you might qualify for a first-time homebuyer loan or assistance. First-time buyer loans typically have more flexible requirements, such as a lower down payment and credit score. Many help buyers with closing costs and the down payment through grants and low-interest loans.” To find out more, talk to your state’s housing authority or check out websites like Down Payment Resource. Expand Your Options by Looking at Condos and Townhomes Right now, there aren’t enough homes for sale for everyone who wants to buy one. That’s pushing home prices up and making affordability tight for buyers. One way to deal with that issue and find a home right now is to consider condos and townhomes. Realtor.com explains: “For many newbies, it might just be a matter of making a shift toward something they can better afford—like a condo or townhome. These lower-cost homes have historically been a stepping stone for buyers looking for a less expensive alternative to a single-family home.” One reason why they may be more affordable is because they’re often smaller. But they still give you the chance to get your foot in the door and achieve your goal of owning a home and building equity. And that equity can help fuel your move into a larger home later on if you decide you need something bigger in the future. Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Analyst at Realtor.com, says: “Condos can help prospective homebuyers who perhaps have a smaller budget, but who are really determined to get a foothold in the market and start to accumulate some equity. It can be a really great entry point.” Consider Pooling Your Resources To Buy a Multi-Generational Home Another way to break into the market is by purchasing a home with friends or loved ones. That way you can split the cost of things like the mortgage and bills, to make it easier to afford a home. According to Money.com: “Buying a home with another person has some obvious advantages in the mortgage department. With two incomes in the mix, buyers can likely qualify for a larger mortgage — a big help in today’s high-cost market.” Bottom Line By exploring first-time homebuyer assistance, condos, townhomes, and multi-generational living, it can be easier to find and buy your first home. When you’re ready, let’s connect.
What’s Really Happening with Mortgage Rates?
But then you read somewhere else that they’re up again. And that may leave you scratching your head and wondering what’s true. The simplest answer is: that what you read or hear will vary based on the time frame they’re looking at. Here’s some information that can help clear up the confusion. Mortgage Rates Are Volatile by Nature Mortgage rates don’t move in a straight line. There are too many factors at play for that to happen. Instead, rates bounce around because they’re impacted by things like economic conditions, decisions from the Federal Reserve, and so much more. That means they might be up one day and down the next depending on what’s going on in the economy and the world as a whole. If you look at the graph, you’ll see a lot of peaks and valleys – some bigger than others. And when you use data like this to explain what’s happening, the story can be different based on which two points in the graph you’re comparing. For example, if you’re only looking at the beginning of this month through now, you may think mortgage rates are on the way back up. But, if you look at the latest data point and compare it to the peak in October, rates have trended down. So, what’s the right way to look at it? The Big Picture Mortgage rates are always going to bounce around. It’s just how they work. So, you shouldn’t focus too much on the small, daily changes. Instead, to really understand the overall trend, zoom out and look at the big picture. When you look at the highest point (October) compared to where rates are now, you can see they’ve come down compared to last year. And if you’re looking to buy a home, this is big news. Don’t let the little blips distract you. The experts agree, overall, that the larger downward trend could continue this year.
Houses Are Still Selling Fast
While the housing market isn’t as frenzied as it was during the ‘unicorn’ years when houses were selling quicker than ever, they’re still selling faster than normal. The graph below uses data from Realtor.com to tell the story of median days on the market for every January from 2017 all the way through the latest numbers available. For Realtor.com, days on the market means from the time a house is listed for sale until its closing date or the date it’s taken off the market. This metric can help give you an idea of just how quickly homes are selling compared to more normal years: When you look at the most recent data (shown in green), it’s clear homes are selling faster than they usually would (shown in blue). In fact, the only years when houses sold even faster than they are right now were the abnormal ‘unicorn’ years (shown in pink). According to Realtor.com: “Homes spent 69 days on the market, which is three days shorter than last year and more than two weeks shorter than before the COVID-19 pandemic.” What Does This Mean for You? Homes are selling faster than the norm for this time of year – and your house may sell quickly too. That’s because more people are looking to buy now that mortgage rates have come down, but there still aren’t enough homes to go around. Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, says: “. . . 2024 is starting stronger than last year. And demand is increasing each week.” Bottom Line If you’re wondering if it’s a good time to sell your home, the most recent data suggests it is. The housing market appears to be stronger than it usually is at this time of year. To get the latest updates on what’s happening in our local market, let’s connect.
Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When Buying a New Construction Home
Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly built homes make up a larger percent of the total homes available for sale than normal. That’s why, if you’re craving more options, it makes sense to see if a newly built home is right for you. But it’s important to remember the process of working with a builder is different than buying from a homeowner. And, while builders typically have sales agents on-site, having your own agent helps make sure you have proper representation throughout your homebuying journey. As Realtor.com says: “Keep in mind that the on-site agent you meet at a new-construction office works for the builder. So, as the homebuyer, it’s a smart idea to bring in your own agent, as well, to help you negotiate and stay protected in the transaction.” Here’s how having your own agent is key when you build or buy a new construction home. Agents Know the Local Area and Market It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and surrounding area may evolve before making your home purchase. Your agent is well-versed in the upcoming communities and developments that could influence your decision. One way a real estate agent can help is by reviewing the builder’s site plan. For example, you’ll want to know if there are any plans to construct a highway or add a drainage ditch behind your prospective backyard. Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation An agent also has expertise in the construction quality and reputation of different builders. They can give you insights into each one’s track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. Armed with this information, you can choose a builder known for consistently delivering top-notch homes. Assistance with Customization and Upgrades The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise helps make sure you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later. Understanding Builder Negotiations and Contracts When it comes to working with builders, having a skilled negotiator on your side can make all the difference. Builder contracts can be complex. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. Plus, agents are skilled negotiators who can advocate for you, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives throughout the process. As Realtor.com says: “A good buyer’s agent will be able to review any contracts before you sign on the dotted line, ensuring you aren’t unwittingly agreeing to terms that only benefit the builder.” Bottom Line If you are interested in buying or building a new construction home, having a trusted agent by your side can make a big difference. If you’d like to start that conversation, let’s connect.