Alicia Richardson at RE/MAX Jaret & Cohn

Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market

Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

1. Underproduction of Homes

2. Rising Costs

3. Regional Imbalances

How Big Is the Problem?

According to estimates from Real Estate News, the U.S. is facing a housing shortfall of roughly 3.3 million homes, based on an average of several expert insights.

This shows there’s a significant number of homes that need to be built just to meet current demand from buyers. But what about future demand?

According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC), over the next 10 years, the U.S. will need about 18 million new homes to meet projected demand, including homes for new households, second homes, and replacements...

Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. 

Avoid These Top Homebuyer Mistakes in Today’s Market

No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home.

That’s why partnering with a trusted agent is so important. Here’s a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today’s market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one.

Trying To Time the Market

Many buyers are trying to time the market by waiting for home prices or mortgage rates to drop. This can be a really risky strategy because there’s so much at play that can have an impact on those things.

Buying More House Than You Can Afford

If you’re tempted to stretch your budget a bit further than you should, you’re not alone. A number of buyers are making this mistake right now.

Missing Out on Assistance Programs That Can Help

Saving up for the upfront costs of homeownership takes some careful...

Avoid These Top Homebuyer Mistakes in Today’s Market No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home.

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.

Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down

One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025.

While that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year. Expect a few bumps along the way.

Home Price Projections Show Modest Growth

While mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly...

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025 Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025?

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Won’t Trigger a Crash

With everything feeling more expensive these days, it’s natural to worry about how rising costs might impact the housing market. Many people are concerned that high prices and tighter budgets could cause more homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage payments, leading to a wave of foreclosures.

But before you start worrying about a housing market crash, here’s a look at what’s really happening. And the good news is: the latest foreclosure data shows there’s no wave on the horizon.

How Today’s Market Is Different from 2008

Let’s ease those fears by looking at the bigger picture. There’s a big difference between what’s happening now, and what happened when the housing market crashed.
As an article from Bankrate explains: “In the years after the housing crash, millions of foreclosures flooded the housing market, depressing prices. That’s not the case now. Most...

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Won’t Trigger a Crash With everything feeling more expensive these days, it’s natural to worry about how rising costs might impact the housing market.

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to know what to expect.

More Homes Are on the Market, and That’s Affecting How Long They Take To Sell

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale has been going up this year. That means there are more options for buyers, which is great news for anyone looking to buy a home. But as a seller, it also means homes are staying on the market a bit longer now that buyers have more options to choose from.

But keep this in mind. While homes might not be selling as quickly as they did last year at this time, they’re still selling faster than they did in more normal years in the housing market, before the pandemic.

As NerdWallet explains: “Overall, though, demand still outpaces supply. This is hardly a mellow...

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House? As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” 

Why a Condo Could Be Your Perfect First Home

If you’re looking to break into homeownership but the price of single-family homes has you second-guessing, you might want to consider a condominium (condo) or townhome. These types of homes often come with a lower barrier to entry – and that can help you start to build equity and enjoy the benefits of owning a home sooner.

And here’s some exciting news: builders are focusing more on homes like these. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says: “The share of townhomes being built is at an all-time high.”

That means there’s a good number of options to add to your home search if you broaden it to include condos and townhomes.

So, if you're comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home before the spring rush, adding these types of homes to your search might be your answer.

The Perks of a Condo Lifestyle

Living in a condo has a bunch of other perks...

Why a Condo Could Be Your Perfect First Home If you’re looking to break into homeownership but the price of single-family homes has you second-guessing, you might want to consider a condominium (condo) or townhome.

The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too.

According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record.

Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has led to a big boost in equity for current homeowners like you. When you sell your house and move, you can take the equity that gives you and apply it toward a larger down payment on your new home. That’s a major opportunity.

Now, it’s important to remember you don’t have to make...

The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home.

Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes. Unfortunately, this is turning some buyers away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market.

So, is there any merit to the myth? Let’s break down the best way to make sure you feel good about looking into new home construction. That way, you’re not missing out on such a great option today.

Choosing the Right Builder

The key to making sure you get a quality newly built home is to choose a good builder. Reputable builders adhere to strict building codes and standards, use advanced construction techniques, and often offer warranties that cover structural issues for several years.

Beyond that, maybe they’ve even worked with other buyers who opted for a home in one of those neighborhoods. Here are just a...

Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes.

Buying Beats Renting in These Top Cities

Based on a recent study, in 22 of the top 50 metros, the monthly mortgage payment is lower than the rent payment. Make sure you work with a pro who can help you crunch the numbers and see how your city stacks up. This may be your opportunity to forget renting for good. If you want to see which option makes the most sense in our area, let’s do the math together.

Buying Beats Renting in These Top Cities Based on a recent study, in 22 of the top 50 metros, the monthly mortgage payment is lower than the rent payment.

Two Reasons Why the Housing Market Won’t Crash

You may have heard chatter recently about the economy and talk about a possible recession. But here’s the good news – there’s no need to panic. The housing market is not set up for a crash right now.

1. Demand for Homes Is Higher than Supply

One of the biggest reasons the housing market crashed back in 2008 was an oversupply of homes. Today, though, it’s a very different story.

It’s a general rule of thumb that a market where supply and demand are balanced has a six-month supply of homes. A higher number means supply outpaces demand, and a lower number means demand outpaces supply.

2. Unemployment Is Still Low

When people are unemployed, they’re more likely to have trouble making their mortgage payments and may be forced to sell or face foreclosure. That was a big problem during the 2008 financial crisis. Today, the employment situation is much more stable.

Right now...

Two Reasons Why the Housing Market Won’t Crash You may have heard chatter recently about the economy and talk about a possible recession.

The Top 3 Reasons Affordability Is Improving

Affordability is based on three key factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. And today, it’s improving quickly as rates come down, prices level off, and wages climb. If you put your search on pause because it was too expensive to buy, let’s talk about why now may be the perfect time to jump back in.

The Top 3 Reasons Affordability Is Improving Affordability is based on three key factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. 

This Is the Sweet Spot Homebuyers Have Been Waiting For

After months of sitting on the sidelines, many homebuyers who were priced out by high mortgage rates and affordability challenges finally have an opportunity to make their move. With rates trending down, today’s market is a sweet spot for buyers—and it’s one that may not last long.

The truth is, if mortgage rates continue to ease, as experts project, more buyers will jump back into the market. A survey from Bankrate shows over half of homeowners would be motivated to buy this year if rates drop below 6%.

With rates already in the low 6% range, we’re not terribly far off from hitting that threshold. The bottom line is, that when they drop into the 5s, the number of buyers in the market is going to go up – and that means more competition for you.

What This Means for You

Right now, you’ve got the chance to get ahead of all of that. Today’s market is a buyer...

This Is the Sweet Spot Homebuyers Have Been Waiting For After months of sitting on the sidelines, many homebuyers who were priced out by high mortgage rates and affordability challenges finally have an opportunity to make their move.

Secrets To Selling Your House Quickly

Seeing your house sit on the market without any bites is the ultimate frustration. And unfortunately, some sellers are in that tricky spot today.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time a house spends on the market has increased over the past few years.

Some of that is because inventory has gone up, so buyers have more options. And higher mortgage rates have definitely slowed demand over the past two years, and that’s out of your control.

Make no mistake, with the right strategy and agent partner, your house can still sell quickly, even today.

Here are just a few tips a great real estate agent will walk you through. They may seem simple, but advice like this can make all the difference.

1. Competitive Pricing: A local real estate agent will do a competitive market analysis by reviewing recent sales and current listings for your area...

Secrets To Selling Your House Quickly Seeing your house sit on the market without any bites is the ultimate frustration.

Buying Beats Renting in 22 Major U.S. Cities

That’s right—according to a recent study from Zillow, in 22 of the 50 largest metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are now lower than rent payments.

As mortgage rates have eased off their recent peak, home prices have moderated, and inventory has ticked up, affordability has improved significantly. When you add all of that up, it’s getting less expensive to buy a home than to rent one in many parts of the country.

You see, talking with a local real estate agent about what’s happening in your market before this happens in your ideal neighborhood could really change the game for you. It’s all about being informed by a true expert, and understanding what was out of reach before might actually be getting more affordable than you think.

Now, while this study compares monthly rent to principal and interest on a mortgage payment (not the whole monthly payment), let’s think...

Buying Beats Renting in 22 Major U.S. Cities That’s right—according to a recent study from Zillow, in 22 of the 50 largest metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are now lower than rent payments.

Why Buying Now May Be Worth It in the Long Run

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days. And while what’s right for you is going to depend on a lot of different factors, here’s something you’ll want to consider as you make your decision.

As soon as you buy, you’ll start gaining equity. And you’d be surprised how quickly that can add up – even with more moderate home price appreciation.

Each quarter, Fannie Mae releases the Home Price Expectations Survey. It asks over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists what they forecast for home prices over the next five years. In the latest release, experts project prices will continue to rise nationally through at least 2028.

And while rising home prices may not sound great right now, once you own a home, that growth will be a big bonus for you.

So, if you’re ready and able to buy...

Why Buying Now May Be Worth It in the Long Run Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days.

Lower Mortgage Rates Boost Your Buying Power

Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line. As rates drop, your monthly payment on your next home does too. Even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your purchasing power. If you put your search on hold when mortgage rates were higher, think about how much you could save now that rates are coming down.

Lower Mortgage Rates Boost Your Buying Power Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line.

Is Your House Priced Too High?

Every seller wants to get their house sold quickly, for as much money as they can, with as few headaches as possible. And chances are, you’re no different.

But did you know one of the biggest things that could jeopardize your success is the asking price for your home?

1.You’re Not Getting Many Showings or Offers

One of the most obvious signs your house may be overpriced is a lack of showings. If it's been on the market for several weeks and only a few buyers have come to see it—or worse, you haven’t gotten any offers—it could be a clear indication the price isn’t matching up with what buyers expect.

2.Buyers Have Consistent Negative Feedback after Showings

And if after the showings you do have, comments from the potential buyers aren’t great, you may need to course correct. If they consistently say it's overpriced compared to other homes they’ve seen, it’s time to reconsider your...

Is Your House Priced Too High? Every seller wants to get their house sold quickly, for as much money as they can, with as few headaches as possible.

The Latest Builder Trend: Smaller, Less Expensive Homes

Even though affordability is improving, buying a home can still feel tough right now. But here’s some good news: builders are focusing their efforts on building smaller homes, and they’re offering key incentives to buyers. And both of these things can be a big help if you're worried about finding a home that’s right for your budget.

During the pandemic, homebuyers were looking for larger homes—and many could afford them. Builders responded to that demand and created bigger spaces to help people with things like working from home, setting up home gyms, and having extra rooms for virtual school.

Now, with affordability as tight as it is, builders are turning their focus to smaller single-family homes. At the end of the day, builders are going to focus on building homes that meet current market demand – because they want to build what they know will sell. And the number...

The Latest Builder Trend: Smaller, Less Expensive Homes Even though affordability is improving, buying a home can still feel tough right now.

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in over a Year and a Half

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half. And that’s big news if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this moment.

Even a small decline in rates could help you get a better monthly payment than you would expect on your next home. And the drop that’s happened recently isn’t small. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, says:

“Mortgage rates have fallen more than half a percent . . . and are at their lowest level since February 2023.”

But if you want to see it to really believe it, here’s how the math shakes out. Going from 7.5% just a few months ago to the low 6s has a big impact on your bottom line. In just a few months’ time, the anticipated monthly payment on a $400K loan has come down by over $370. That’s hundreds of dollars less per month.

With the recent drop in mortgage rates, the...

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in over a Year and a Half Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half.