Christian Givens Realtor

I moved… So what? People move all the time. I know this, but I moved in more than one way.

First, I moved across state lines… I was living in DC for the last two years in a community where my church is located.

I felt called to that place and it holds a special place in my heart.

Now, I’m back in Maryland (1 mile outside of the city lol), but this move was also a move for my growth.

I felt unsettled before moving to my house and it wasn’t because I wasn’t safe or comfortable where I was, but it was because I felt like God was calling me to take a step into something new–deeper trust in Him and His provision.

I am a creature of comfort, I like knowing the details of everything so I can be prepared.

I could not have seen how the last 6 months would lead me to something so great as where I am today.

Along the way, I made countless mistakes and spent time away from God and He was still good to me.

That’s His nature and I am thankful for that.
�So in this move, I am aiming to move closer to the heart of God.

He provided for me in ways unimaginable and that stirs me to gratitude.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need to put down as much as you think.

Data from NAR shows the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. In fact, the median down payment for all homebuyers today is only 15%. And it’s even lower for first-time homebuyers at 8%. But just because that’s the median, it doesn’t mean you have to put that much down. Some qualified buyers put down even less.

First-Time and Repeat Buyers Are Often Eligible

According to Down Payment Resource, there are thousands of programs available for homebuyers – and...



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you're thinking about moving, it's important to know what's happening in the housing market. Here's an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you're buying or selling, the number of homes in your area is something you should pay attention to.

In the housing market, there are regular patterns that happen every year, called seasonality. Spring is the peak homebuying season and also when the most homes are typically listed for sale (homes coming onto the market are known in the industry as new listings). In the second half of each year, the number of new listings typically decreases as the pace of sales slows down.

What Does This Mean for You?

• For buyers, new listings stabilizing is a positive sign. It means you have a more steady stream of...



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Hey! Want to get to know me better?

I was born in the DC suburb of Laurel, MD in a two parent household. Growing up, I became aware of my grandparents' resources and I saw how it provided ease of life for my grandparents and was a source of blessing to our family/community.

At the same time my mom always emphasized to me the importance of hard work and having something to call my own.

I went to college with that ingrained in my head at the same time with the accomplishments of my family looming over me.

I felt like I had to match or do more than them.

My father played a huge role in my wanting to get into real estate investing.

I grew up seeing him work first as a plumber, then as a contractor flipping homes in DC.

In addition to that, my parents owned a few homes in the DMV area, so early on I was able to learn the ropes and achieved my goal of purchasing my first multi-family property at 22 years old.

I believe that being a realtor is more than a career, it’s a calling. My calling is to utilize my real estate expertise to empower individuals and families in my community.

Selling real estate is about helping people find not just a house, but a home and a foundation for their future, aligning with my core values of integrity, service and community enrichment.

I love to see the smile on my clients face when they sell a home that they thought would be a challenge to sell or on the smile of my first time homebuyers when they realize that purchasing a house was not out of the realm of possibility.

Seeing families invest into stable, safe housing for themselves and their loved ones really makes me happy.

The transaction is the means to an end - whether that’s building wealth through real estate, or getting to live in the perfect home for you - and that’s what pushes me to serve my clients to my highest potential.

Today, I’m grateful to be helping homeowners in the DC area seamlessly transition from one home to the next.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach? According to Bankrate, many people are seeking additional income through side hustles, possibly to cope with those increasing expenses and save for a home.

Here are two strategies that can not only make homeownership more affordable in the short term, but turn it into a lucrative side hustle that can pay off down the road.

Transforming the Challenge of a Fixer-Upper into an Opportunity

By opting for a home that requires some work, you may see two big benefits. For starters, you may find it’s easier to find a home because you’re not looking for that perfect option. Plus, it may also help you enter the housing market at a lower price point. This strategy...



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How To Turn Homeownership into a Side Hustle Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach?

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Here are the key milestones you’ll encounter on your path to homeownership. From building your team, to house hunting, all the way to moving into your new home – it’s an exciting adventure. Your journey starts here. Let’s connect so you have expert guidance each step of the way.



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Your Homebuying Adventure [INFOGRAPHIC] Here are the key milestones you’ll encounter on your path to homeownership.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims the #1 spot for many Americans today.

A recent survey by 1000watt asks if they (Gen Z and millennials) want to buy a home in the future. The resounding answer is yes.

While there are plenty of reasons why someone might prefer homeownership to renting, the same 1000watt survey shows, that for 63% of Gen Z and millennials, it’s that your place doesn’t feel like “home” unless you own it – maybe you feel the same way.

That emotional draw is further emphasized when you look at the reasons why Gen Z and millennials...



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Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers? Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you’re worried about a coming recession, you’re not alone. Over the past couple of years, there’s been a lot of recession talk. And many people worry, if we do have one, it would cause the unemployment rate to skyrocket. Some even fear that a spike in unemployment would lead to a rash of foreclosures similar to what happened 15 years ago.

However, the latest Economic Forecasting Survey from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reveals that, for the first time in over a year, less than half (48%) of economists believe a recession will actually occur within the next year.

If those expert projections are correct, more people will lose their jobs in the upcoming year. And job losses of any kind are devastating for those people and their loved ones.

However, the question...



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Why the Economy Won’t Tank the Housing Market If you’re worried about a coming recession, you’re not alone.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision. If that’s the case, you’ve probably heard mention of investors, and wondered how they’re impacting the housing market right now. That could leave you asking yourself questions like:

• How many homes do investors own?
• Are institutional investors, like large Wall Street Firms, really buying up so many homes that the average person can’t find one?

Let’s start with establishing how many single-family homes (SFHs) there are and what portion of those are rentals owned by investors. According to SFR Investor, which studies the single-family rental market in the United States, there are eighty-two...



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Is Wall Street Buying Up All the Homes in America? If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership. Ask around and you’ll find the vast majority are thankful they took the leap and bought a home. But why? It’s because of the many emotional and lifestyle benefits that come with being a homeowner.

It’s a Safe Haven

Owning a home goes beyond just having a roof over your head.

Your home is a place where you can truly relax and unwind. Knowing that you have a sanctuary to return to at the end of the day is a great source of comfort.

It’s a Canvas for Self-Expression

For many homeowners, their home is a reflection of who they are. Put simply, owning a home gives you the freedom to make changes and improvements that resonate with your personality.

It Helps You Feel More Connected to the Community

As...



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Why Homeowners Are Thankful They Own Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Here are three reasons why homeowners feel thankful for their homes. First, it’s a safe place that can give you a greater sense of comfort, safety, and security. Second, it gives you freedom of expression. From the color of the paint to the art on the walls, you can express your style and your personality. Third, it provides a sense of community. Owning your home helps you build lasting friendships with neighbors and connects you to your community. If you're thinking of buying a home and want to hear more about the potential benefits, DM me.



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Why Homeowners Feel Thankful for Their Homes [INFOGRAPHIC] Here are three reasons why homeowners feel thankful for their homes.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Thinking of buying or selling a house and wondering what the new year holds for the housing market? Experts forecast home prices to end this year up 2.8% and to rise another 1.5% in 2024. And climbing prices help make homeownership a good investment. Plus, home sales are projected to increase in 2024. That’s good news because it means experts are forecasting more activity as people continue to move. If you're planning to buy or sell, it’s helpful to know what experts project for the housing market. Let’s connect to talk about the latest forecasts and craft a plan together.



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. That much is true.

According to NAR, based on the pace of sales right now, just under 4 million homes will sell this year. With some simple math, let’s break down what that really means for you:

• 3.96 million homes divided by 365 days in a year = 10,849 houses sell each day
• 10,849 divided by 24 hours in a day = 452 houses sell per hour
• 452 divided by 60 minutes in an hour = about 8 houses sell each minute

So, on average, over 10,000 homes sell each day in this country. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this goes to show there are still ways to make your move...



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year.

But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for.

To help prove that point, here are four reasons you shouldn’t wait to sell your house.

1. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. A recent article from Investopedia says: “Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

2. While the...



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Is Your House the Top Thing on a Buyer’s Wish List this Holiday Season? This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays?

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you’re considering buying a home or selling your current one to find something that better suits your needs, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today. Here’s what you need to know.

There’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. So, no matter what you may have heard, the national data shows they've actually been climbing again.

Home Prices Are Rising Across the Top Cities in the U.S.

After seeing steady home price growth at the national level for the last several months, you may wonder if prices are going up in your local area, too. Know this: while this will vary from one area to the next, home prices are appreciating in these top cities Case-Shiller reports on in their monthly price index.

Here’s How This Affects You

• For...



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to know what the experts have to say about what's ahead for the housing market.

Experts Forecast Ongoing Home Price Appreciation

Looking forward, experts project home prices will continue to rise next year, but not quite as much as they did this year. Even though the expected rise in 2024 isn't as big as in 2023, it's important to understand home price appreciation is cumulative. That ongoing price growth is a big part of why owning a home can be a smart decision in the long run.

Projections Show Sales Should Increase Slightly Next Year

While expectations are for just a...



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house. That’s because through all these life-altering events, there is one common thread—the need to move.

Lean On a Real Estate Professional for Help

Whether you're beginning your search for a home or preparing to sell your current house, you don't have to go it alone. With their expertise, a real estate agent is an invaluable partner who can help you smoothly transition through these big moments in your life.

When Buying a Home

If you’re welcoming a new addition and want more space...



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Life-Changing Events That Move the Housing Market Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth for both homeowners and renters. Spoiler alert: the gap between the two is significant.

The average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s.

One of the biggest reasons homeowner net worth skyrocketed is home equity.

Over the last few years, known as the ‘unicorn’ years for housing, home prices went through the roof. That’s because there weren’t enough homes for sale, and there was a big influx of buyers rushing to buy them...



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why.

The Numbers May Make It Tempting

It can be really tempting when you have a lot of money saved up in your 401(k) and you see your dream home on the horizon. But remember, dipping into your retirement savings for a home could cost you a penalty and affect your finances later on. That's why it's important to explore all your options when it comes to saving for a down payment and buying a home.

Alternative Ways To Buy a...



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

As the year winds down, you may have decided it's time to make a move and put your house on the market. But should you sell now or wait until January? While it may be tempting to hold off until after the holidays, here are three reasons to make your move before the new year.

Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers

Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year.

Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help you get a leg up on your competition. Start the process with a real estate agent today so you can get your house on the market before your neighbors do.

Get Your House in Front of Eager Buyers

A recent article from Investopedia says: “. . . if your...



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What you need to know about Real Estate today:

According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months. But why do roughly 1 in 4 people feel that way?

It has a lot to do with all the negative talk about home prices over the past year. Since late 2022, the media has created a lot of fear about a price crash and those concerns are still lingering.

The answer is simple. Listen to the professionals who specialize in residential real estate.

Market experts acknowledge that nationally, prices did dip down slightly late last year, but that was short-lived. Data shows prices have already rebounded this year after that slight decline in 2022.

What’s worth noting is that, just a few short weeks ago, the Fannie Mae forecast was for 3.9% appreciation in...



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Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget. Or perhaps you’re already a homeowner in need of extra income or a place for loved ones. Whether as a potential homebuyer or a homeowner with changing needs, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for short, may be able to help you reach your goals.

What Is an ADU?

As AARP says:
• “An ADU is a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling.”
• “An ADU is an independent, self-contained living space with a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area.”
• “An ADU can be located within, attached to, or detached from the main residence.”

The Benefits of ADUs

• Living Close by, But Still Separate: According to Freddie Mac...



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What Are Accessory Dwelling Units and How Can They Benefit You? Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you should still buy or sell a home right now.

Regrettably, when news in the media isn't easy to understand, it can make people feel scared and unsure. Similarly, negative talk on social media spreads fast and creates fear.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making. You should lean on a trusted real estate agent to help you separate fact from fiction and get the answers you need.

That agent will use their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, expert forecasts, and more to...



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A Real Estate Agent Helps Take the Fear Out of the Market Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market?

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Here’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market. Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually don’t have to have 20% for a down payment. If you have other fears or reservations about buying a home today, DM me so you have an expert to help clear those up.



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Unmasking Scary Myths about Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Here’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner.

Home Values Appreciate over Time

There’s been a lot of confusion around what’s happened with home prices over the past two years. While they did dip ever so slightly in late 2022, this year they’ve been appreciating at a more normal pace, which is good news for the housing market. And while looking at price movement over just a year or two can make you worry prices are usually this unpredictable, history shows in the long run, home values rise.

As prices rise, and as you pay down your mortgage, you build equity. Over time, that growing equity gives your net...



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Invest in Yourself by Owning a Home Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now?

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

If you've ever dreamed of buying your own place, or selling your current house to upgrade, you're no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions changing home prices can stir up.

But if you put off moving because you’re worried home prices might drop, make no mistake, they’re not going down. In fact, it's just the opposite.

Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, explains changing home prices over the past 12 months this way: “The U.S. housing market has surged over the past year after a temporary hiccup from July 2022-January 2023. . . . That downturn has proven to be short lived as housing has rebounded impressively so far in 2023. . .”

Looking ahead, home price appreciation typically starts to ease up this time of year. As that happens, there’s some risk the media...



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Why Home Prices Keep Going Up If you've ever dreamed of buying your own place, or selling your current house to upgrade, you're no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions changing home prices can stir up.

What you need to know about Real Estate today:

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.



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