Casey & Co. Real Estate Advisors - Keller Williams Realty

Did all the negative media coverage saying home prices were falling leave you feeling a little freaked out? Let's clear the air. Yes, there was a dip, but it was a lot shallower than expected and it didn’t last for long. Prices have already rebounded and are back on the rise nationally. If you have questions about what’s happening with prices in our area, DM me today.

Home Price Growth Is Returning to Normal [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you're wondering what’s happening with home prices, know they’re still rising, just at a slower pace – and that’s perfectly normal for this time of year. Based on typical seasonality in the market, prices go up most in the spring during the peak buying season, and then price growth slows down as the year goes on. Home prices aren’t falling. They’re just rising slower and going back to normal seasonal trends. That’s a good thing. If you're curious about prices in our area, let’s connect.

Home Price Growth Is Returning to Normal [INFOGRAPHIC] If you're wondering what’s happening with home prices, know they’re still rising, just at a slower pace – and that’s perfectly normal for this time of year.

The Risks of Selling Your House on Your Own

Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)? If so, know there's a whole lot more time and expertise needed in that process than you might think. While the idea of doing it all by yourself might seem tempting, it's important to recognize the challenges you may face if you take it on all by yourself.

You May Not Price it Right

Pricing your house right is key to a successful sale. An article from Nerd Wallet offers this advice: “If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing. . . . But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table.”

You Don’t Have as Much Experience in Marketing a House

When you partner with a real estate agent who knows how to take advantage of online marketing tools and resources, you'll be able to get...

The Risks of Selling Your House on Your Own Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)?

How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today

In today's world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living.

Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof. This includes siblings, parents, or even grandparents.

Reasons To Buy a Multi-Generational Home

According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the top two reasons people are opting for multi-generational homes today have to do with affordability.

Cost Savings: About 28% of first-time buyers and 11% of repeat buyers are deciding on a multi-generational home to save on costs. By pooling their resources, households can share the financial responsibilities to make homeownership more affordable.

More Space: Another...

How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today In today's world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, keep in mind that homeownership is a significant wealth-building tool. That’s because rising home values can grow your net worth with time. Data shows, on average, homes bought 32 years ago almost tripled in value over that period. DM me to learn more about how you can start building your own net worth as a homeowner.

Worried about affordability? Buying a multi-generational home can be a good way to save on homeownership costs. But finding that perfect place where everyone feels at home is different from your typical house hunt. You’ll want an expert to help you explore your options and find the one that fits all of your loved one’s needs. DM me to talk about what’s available in our area.

Rising home prices and higher mortgage rates may have you wondering if it makes sense to move right now. Remember, with the expertise of a local real estate agent, achieving your dream is possible. Agents know all about today’s market and how to help both buyers and sellers through the process. DM me for expert advice on how to make your move happen.

Today's grandparents are literally going the extra mile to be close to their grandkids. Data shows that many baby boomers are choosing to move a greater distance from home so they can be near their grandbabies. If you're ready to prioritize having more quality time with your loved ones, DM me to make that move a reality.

Want to know why the supply of homes for sale is low? There are a number of reasons why, including both long-term factors and current market trends. For example, builders haven’t been building enough homes for over a decade and people aren’t moving as often right now. But you can still find your dream home with my help. DM me today so we can make it happen.

Want to know why people choose to stop renting and buy a home instead? According to a recent study of first-time buyers, two of the big reasons are wanting freedom from renting and seeing homeownership as a smart financial decision. If either of these resonates with you, DM to chat about your options and determine if it's time to say so long to renting for good this year.

How Homeowner Net Worth Grows with Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, be sure to consider the long-term financial advantages of homeownership, like home equity. On average, people who bought homes 32 years ago have seen their home’s value nearly triple over that time. If you’re wondering if buying a home is a good idea, remember rising home values could grow your net worth with time. When you’re ready to start your homebuying journey, let’s talk.

How Homeowner Net Worth Grows with Time [INFOGRAPHIC] If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, be sure to consider the long-term financial advantages of homeownership, like home equity. 

While you want to get the most money possible out of your house when you sell, setting the price too high can cost you. When a house is overpriced, it’ll deter buyers and that means it could sit on the market longer. Instead, pricing it at market value draws in more buyers, so it sells quickly. DM me so you have an expert to find that pricing sweet spot for your house.

Are You a Homebuyer Worried About Climate Risks?

The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate. As a recent article from CoreLogic explains:

“As the specter of climate change looms large, the world braces for unprecedented challenges. In the world of real estate, one of those challenges will be the effects of natural catastrophes on property portfolios, homeowners, and communities.”

Expert Advice for Homebuyers To Reduce Climate Risks

The first thing to do is understand how to go about buying a home while thinking about climate risks. With the right help and resources, you can simplify the process.

The Mortgage Reports provides these tips for buying your next home:

• Evaluate climate risks
• Consider future preventative maintenance costs
• Take steps to avoid losing your assets

Above all else, your most valuable...

Are You a Homebuyer Worried About Climate Risks? The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate.

If you’re ready to make a move and you’re thinking about climate risks as you search for your next home, you’re not alone. Today, more than 4 out of 5 buyers have that same thing on their minds. Let's connect so you have an expert on your side to listen to what’s important to you and help find a home that fits what you’re looking for.

Unpacking the Long-Term Benefits of Homeownership

If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if it still makes sense to buy a home right now. While those market factors are important, there's more to consider. You should think about the long-term benefits of homeownership too.

Think about this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 76% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe investment.

If you look at the percent change in home prices, you can see home prices grew on average by just...

Unpacking the Long-Term Benefits of Homeownership If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if it still makes sense to buy a home right now.

Have questions about the housing market? Don't rely on online search results for your answers. Instead, have a conversation with a local real estate professional. That way you have reliable expertise you can trust. DM me and let me know what questions you have. I'm here to help.

Explaining Today’s Low Housing Supply [INFOGRAPHIC]

Wondering why the supply of homes for sale is limited today? There are a few factors at play. Lack of building over time, the mortgage rate lock-in effect, and people staying in their houses longer are three of the main reasons why supply is low. But real estate agents know exactly where to look and what to do to make your dream a reality. DM me so you have an expert on your side to help you successfully navigate the market and find your next home.

Explaining Today’s Low Housing Supply [INFOGRAPHIC] Wondering why the supply of homes for sale is limited today?

Why Your House Didn’t Sell

If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you're also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.

Did You Limit Access to Your House?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. ShowingTime advises: “. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”

It’s simple. If no one’s able to look at it, how’s it going to sell?

Did You Make Your House Stand Out?

When selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it...

Why Your House Didn’t Sell If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated.

The Return of Normal Seasonality for Home Price Appreciation

If you’re thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? Despite what you may be hearing in the news, nationally, home prices aren’t falling. It’s just that price growth is beginning to normalize. Here’s the context you need to really understand that trend.

In the housing market, there are predictable ebbs and flows that happen each year. It’s called seasonality. Spring is the peak homebuying season when the market is most active. That activity is typically still strong in the summer but begins to wane as the cooler months approach. Home prices follow along with seasonality because prices appreciate most when something is in high demand.

Why This Is So Important to Understand

In the coming months, you’re going to see the...

The Return of Normal Seasonality for Home Price Appreciation If you’re thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? 

Beginning with Pre-Approval

If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these waters. The first thing you’ll want to do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. That way you’ll know your numbers and can set yourself up for success from the start of your home search.

What Pre-Approval Does for You

Basically, pre-approval gives you critical information about the homebuying process that’ll help you understand how much you may be able to borrow. Why does this help you, especially today? With higher mortgage rates and home prices impacting affordability for many buyers right now, a solid...

Beginning with Pre-Approval If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know.

The Many Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership

Buying and owning your own home can have a big impact on your life. While there are financial reasons to become a homeowner, it's essential to think about the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just a place to live.

Here are some of the top non-financial reasons to buy a home.

According to Fannie Mae, 94% of survey respondents say “Having Control Over What You Do with Your Living Space” is a top reason to own.

Your home is truly your own space. If you own a home, unless there are specific homeowner association requirements, you can decorate and change it the way you like.

Fannie Mae also finds 90% say “Having a Good Place for Your Family To Raise Your Children” tops their list of why it’s better to buy a home.

Another important factor to think about is what stage of life you’re in. U.S. News breaks...

The Many Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership Buying and owning your own home can have a big impact on your life.

How Remote Work Helps with Your House Hunt [INFOGRAPHIC]

While remote work peaked during the pandemic, many people still work from home today. If you’re one of them, it could have an unexpected benefit when you’re looking to buy a home. If you can work from home, you might have more choices for where to live. DM me to talk about your options and what's most important to you.

How Remote Work Helps with Your House Hunt [INFOGRAPHIC] While remote work peaked during the pandemic, many people still work from home today.

Remote Work Is Changing How Some Buyers Search for Their Dream Homes

The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that's a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years when there were just 7 million remote workers.

If you’re in the market to buy a home and you work remotely either full or part-time, this trend is a game-changer. It can help you overcome some of today’s affordability and housing inventory challenges.

How Remote Work Helps with Affordability

Remote or hybrid work allows you to change how you approach your home search.

If you're thinking about moving, having this kind of location flexibility can boost your chances of finding a...

Remote Work Is Changing How Some Buyers Search for Their Dream Homes The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift.

Affordability is a top priority for many buyers, especially with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. If you work remotely either full or part-time, broadening your search to include other nearby areas could be the key to finding your dream home within your budget. DM me today to explore all your options.

Are More Homes Coming onto the Market?

An important factor shaping today’s market is the number of homes for sale. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, that’s one of the biggest advantages you have right now. When housing inventory is this low, your house will stand out, especially if it’s priced right.

But there are some early signs that more listings are coming. According to the latest data, new listings are trending up. Here’s a look at why this is noteworthy and what it may mean for you.

More Homes Are Coming onto the Market than Usual

It’s well known that the busiest time in the housing market each year is the spring buying season. That’s why there’s a predictable increase in the volume of newly listed homes throughout the first half of the year.

But here’s what’s surprising. Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, there’s an...

Are More Homes Coming onto the Market? An important factor shaping today’s market is the number of homes for sale.

If you’ve recently retired, you may be trying to decide what you want to do after you sell your current house. You're likely wondering whether to buy your next home or opt for a rental. Here’s what you should know. Buying comes with significant advantages that renting just can't match. DM me so we can chat about finding a home that better fits your changing needs.

Plenty of Buyers Are Still Active Today [INFOGRAPHIC]

Holding off on selling your house because you believe there aren’t any buyers out there? Data shows buyers are still active, even with higher mortgage rates. This goes to show, people still want to buy homes, and those who can are moving now. Don’t delay your plan to sell for fear no one is buying. The opposite is true and buyer traffic is still strong today. Let’s connect to get your house in front of these buyers.

Plenty of Buyers Are Still Active Today [INFOGRAPHIC] Holding off on selling your house because you believe there aren’t any buyers out there?

Should Baby Boomers Buy or Rent After Selling Their Houses?

Are you a baby boomer who’s lived in your current house for a long time and you’re ready for a change? If you’re thinking about selling your house, you have a lot to consider. Will you move to a different state or stay nearby? Is it time to downsize or do you want more space to accommodate your loved ones? But maybe the biggest consideration boils down to this – will you buy your next home or choose to rent instead?

That decision ultimately depends on your current situation and your future plans. Here are two important factors to help you decide what’s right for you.

Expect Rents to Keep Going Up

Rents have been going up consistently over the long run. If you choose to rent, there’s a risk your rental payment will go up each time you renew your lease. Having a higher rental expense may not be something you want...

Should Baby Boomers Buy or Rent After Selling Their Houses? Are you a baby boomer who’s lived in your current house for a long time and you’re ready for a change?

Haven’t found your dream home yet? It may be because there’s a limited supply of homes up for sale. But, here’s something that could help. Adding newly built homes to your search opens up a world of exciting options. Interested in exploring what our area's homebuilders have in store? DM me today so you have a trusted agent at your side.

Planning to Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Make a Move

Reaching retirement is a significant milestone in life, bringing with it a lot of change and new opportunities. As the door to this exciting chapter opens, one thing you may be considering is selling your house and finding a home better suited for your evolving needs.

Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few reasons why.

Consider How Long You’ve Been in Your Home

From 1985 to 2009, the average length of time homeowners stayed in their homes was roughly six years. But according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), that number is higher today. Since 2010, the average home tenure is just over nine years.

This means many homeowners have been living in their houses even longer in recent years. When you live in a home for such a significant amount of...

Planning to Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Make a Move Reaching retirement is a significant milestone in life, bringing with it a lot of change and new opportunities.

Are headlines about the housing market leaving you with more questions than answers? That can make it tough when you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy or sell a home. For a clearer picture of today’s housing market, DM me for digital copies of these guides. They’re designed to make sure you have the information you need to make a confident decision.

Home Price Forecasts Revised for 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Last year, some housing experts projected a decline in home prices by the end of 2023. But that didn’t happen – inventory was just too low. While it’s normal for experts to re-forecast throughout the year, the good news for 2023 is that prices are no longer projected to decrease. Let’s connect so you know what’s happening with home values in our local area.

Home Price Forecasts Revised for 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC] Last year, some housing experts projected a decline in home prices by the end of 2023. But that didn’t happen – inventory was just too low. 

If you’ve been debating whether or not to sell, here’s some information that may help you make a decision. The number of homes for sale is half of what we’d see in more normal years. That means today’s buyers are craving more options and your house may be just what they’re looking for. When you’re ready to sell, let’s connect to get the process started.

How Inflation Affects the Housing Market

Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market? Believe it or not, they’re connected. Whenever there are changes to one, both are affected. Here’s a high-level overview of the connection between the two.

The Relationship Between Housing Inflation and Overall Inflation

Shelter inflation is the measure of price growth specific to housing. It comes from a survey of renters and homeowners that’s done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The survey asks renters how much they’re paying in rent, and homeowners how much they’d rent their homes for, if they weren’t living in them.

Much like overall inflation measures the cost of everyday items, shelter inflation measures the cost of housing. And for four consecutive months, based on that survey, shelter inflation has been coming down.

Inflation and the...

How Inflation Affects the Housing Market Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market?

Why It’s Still a Seller’s Market Today

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy that was the ‘unicorn’ years, it’s still a seller’s market because the supply of homes for sale is so low. But what does that really mean for you? And why are conditions today so good if you want to sell your house?

The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows housing supply is still astonishingly low. Housing inventory is measured by the number of available homes on the market. It’s also measured by months’ supply, meaning the number of months it would take to sell all those available homes based on current demand. In a balanced market, there’s usually about a six-month supply. Today, we have only about 3 months’ supply of homes at the current sales pace

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, says: “There...

Why It’s Still a Seller’s Market Today Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy that was the ‘unicorn’ years, it’s still a seller’s market because the supply of homes for sale is so low. 

Homeowners Have a Lot of Equity Right Now [INFOGRAPHIC]

Your equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again, your equity is getting an extra boost. Almost half of homeowners are equity rich because they have at least 50% equity in their homes. If you’ve been in your home for a while, you might have gained a considerable amount of equity, too. Want to find out how much equity you have? DM me for a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR).

Homeowners Have a Lot of Equity Right Now [INFOGRAPHIC] Your equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again, your equity is getting an extra boost.

There’s a lot of negative headlines out there and they could leave you feeling a bit unsure about what’s actually happening in the housing market. Having the reliable expertise of a local real estate agent makes all the difference. Let's connect to make sure you have someone by your side who can help you figure out what’s true and what’s not and answer your burning questions.

If you can’t find an affordable home in your immediate area, it may be time to cast a wider net. Whether you expand your search radius by a little bit or a lot, it could be just what you need to open up new possibilities. Need help knowing where to look? DM me for advice that’s specific to our area, so we can explore your options together.

Gen Z: The Next Generation Is Making Moves in the Housing Market

Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to homeownership. According to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 30% of Gen Z buyers transitioned straight from living under their parents' roofs to owning their own homes.

If you’re a member of this generation, and you’re interested in pursuing your own dream of homeownership, here’s some information you may find helpful on why and where your peers are buying.

The Reasons Gen Z Want To Become Homeowners

A recent survey by Rocket Mortgage identifies some of the top motivators driving Gen Z buyers to purchase a home: “Of those surveyed, 34% said that starting or growing their family was their main...

Gen Z: The Next Generation Is Making Moves in the Housing Market Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence.

Even though you may feel reluctant to sell your house because you don’t want to take on a mortgage rate that’s higher than the one you have now, there’s often unavoidably more to consider. While the financial side of things does matter, your personal needs may actually matter just as much.

Your primary motivation may not be just financial in nature. Why you’re really thinking about selling likely has more to do with something changing in your life or a shift in what you need out of your house.

Reasons Homeowners Still Need To Sell Today

Let’s explore some of the most common reasons sellers are moving today. A recent article from Builder Online helps shed light on this. In this research, they identified the following categories:
• Marriage
• Divorce
• Births
• Deaths
• Retirement

You may find you share one of these top motivators. If any of these resonate with you, it may be time to move so you can find a house better suited to your changing needs. A survey from Realtor.com finds other sellers are in the same boat. It says, 1 in 4 sellers are choosing to move for personal reasons, even with current mortgage rates.

If you need to sell now because something in your own life has changed, don’t let rates hold you back from what you want. You have options to help make that move possible.

When you're ready to prioritize your changing needs, call or DM us. You need an expert on your side to help you list your house and find a home that delivers on everything you're looking for.