Buying your first home is a big milestone – and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier.Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to your agent. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork.Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers.Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved FirstRocket Mortgage says this is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at...
There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash.Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why.Over 100 leading housing market experts...
If you’re a homeowner planning to move, you’re probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first:Is it better to start by finding your next home? Or should you sell your current house before you go out looking? Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear. They know your local market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. And they’ll be able to make a recommendation based on their expertise and your needs.But...
Some HighlightsNow that summer’s here, you may be planning your next getaway. But what if you didn’t have to? ?Buying a vacation home means having a built-in escape you can use year after year. It gives you the chance to generate rental income and have a go-to retirement destination in the future.If you’re dreaming of owning your own slice of paradise, connect with an agent to see if you can make it happen this summer.?
If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you thought getting approved would be too hard, know this: qualifying for a mortgage is starting to get a bit more achievable, but lending standards are still strong.Lenders are making it slightly easier for well-qualified buyers to access financing, which is opening more doors for people ready to make a move.So, if strict requirements were holding you back, this shift could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, without repeating the risky lending practices that led to the housing crash back in 2008.Lenders Are Opening More DoorsBanks...
If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are down compared to last year, you might be thinking – is it even a good time to sell? Here’s the thing. Sure, the pace of the market has cooled compared to the frenzy we saw just a few years ago, but that’s not a red flag. It’s a return to normal. And normal doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Buyers are still out there – and homes are still selling.Why? Because real life doesn’t pause for perfect conditions. There are always people who need to buy – and this year is no exception. Buyers who are in the middle of a big change in their lives, a new...
Remember the chatter in the headlines about all the homes big institutional investors were buying? If you were thinking about buying a home yourself, you may have wondered how you’d ever be able to compete with that. Here’s the thing. That’s not the challenge so many people think it is – especially right now.Let’s break down what’s really going on and why the recent shift in the approach investors are taking could tip the scales in your favor.Large Investors Are Pulling BackThe truth is institutional investors never represented as big a share of the housing market as people think. And...
Some HighlightsThe right agent doesn’t just list your house – they help you sell smarter, faster, and with fewer surprises.With an agent’s help, you’ll know what’s happening in your local market and how to price your house right. You’ll feel confident filling out complex legal documents and at the negotiation table. And that’s priceless.Connect with an agent so you have that expertise on your side.?
Multi-generational living is on the rise. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 17% of homebuyers purchase a home to share with parents, adult children, or extended family. That’s the highest share ever recorded by NAR (see graph below):And what’s behind the increase? Affordability. NAR explains:“In 2024, a notable 36% of homebuyers cited “cost savings” as the primary reason for purchasing a multigenerational home—a significant increase from just 15% in 2015.”In the past, caregiving was the leading motivator – especially for those looking to support aging parents. And...
What You Really Need To Know About Down Payments
A lot of people think you have to put 20% down when you buy your first home. But that’s actually a common myth. Connect with a trusted lender to learn more. NMLS ID 1834853 #fidelityhomegroup #floridamortgage #floridamortgagerates #floridamortgagecompany #mortgagetips #downpayments