Whether you’re dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you’re in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind. Home prices are still high in many markets, and even though things have improved a bit over the past year, making the numbers work can still feel like a stretch.But the people finding ways to move right now usually have one thing in common. They didn’t wait for affordability to come to them. They went looking for it.According to PODS, 61% of people across all generations say affordability is the biggest factor...
The Pricing Mistake That Could Cost You Your Sale
Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most. That’s their asking price. A survey from Realtor.com shows about 8 in 10 (80%) of sellers expect to sell at or above their asking price today. But here’s where things get interesting.In reality, only about 4 out of every 10 (roughly 40%) actually do.That’s a big gap. And it’s where a lot of sellers get caught off guard. So, why the disconnect? And how can you set yourself up to be one of the 4 in 10 that get top dollar? Let’s break it down. What Should You Really Expect To Get...
Why Staging Your House Could Pay Off This Spring
Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market. But what does that really mean – and is it worth the effort?The short answer is “yes,” especially right now.With more houses for sale this year, you’re likely wondering how to make the most money possible without your house sitting on the market. The answer is staging. It can help your house stand out, bring in stronger offers, and sell faster. As Nadia Evangelou, Principal Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it:“Staging matters. Preparing the home to be...
The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market
When you put your house on the market, you don’t just want it to sell. You want it to sell fast. But the thing is, nationally, it’s taking a little longer to sell lately. And that slowdown can feel frustrating if you want a fast process. Here’s what you need to realize.In every market right now, there’s one clear exception:Well-priced, well-presented homes are still selling, and it’s often faster than you’d expect.If you can tap into that, you can still set yourself up to move quickly, too. Here’s how to get it done.How Long It Takes To Sell TodayAccording to Realtor.com, homes are selling...
Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age
At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up:“Could I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?”It’s not always urgent. It often shows up in small moments, like going up and down the stairs, keeping up with the maintenance, or just thinking about what the next chapter of your life might look like in this home.And for most people, the answer is simple. They want to stay.The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found about 90% of adults over 65 prefer to stay in their homes as they get older (see below):But even if staying feels...
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 AloneBuying a home is a team sport. And having the right professionals by your side can make a world of difference. Here’s who you...
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 InspectionA Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts...
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...
The Price You Set Can Make (or Break) Your Sale
There’s one decision you’re going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits. Whether buyers make an offer, or scroll past it. Whether you walk away with the maximum return, or you end up cutting the price later.And that’s your asking price.The #1 Mistake Sellers Make Today: Trusting the Wrong NumberIf you’re thinking of moving and trying to figure out what your house may sell for, it’s tempting to start with an online home value tool. They’re fast, free, and easy. And you don’t have to talk to anyone. But here’s the problem: they don’t know...