Batya & Alex Real Estate Team

With the Presidential election only months away, you may be wondering what impact that’ll have on the housing market.

Fortunately, the impact is usually small and temporary. History shows us the market remains strong during election years.

That's good news for you because it means this year's election shouldn't affect your move. If you want the data, shoot me a message.

For twelve years straight, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment in an annual Gallup poll.

So, if you’re debating between renting or buying, remember, that it's more than just a roof over your head. A home is an asset that usually grows in value over time – and that makes it a powerful investment.

Planning to buy your first home? It helps to start with a solid savings plan.

Set a budget, track your expenses, and focus on cutting down on any unnecessary spending. And, if you can automate your savings, that can go a long way to speeding up the process.

With the right strategies and planning, your dream home may be closer than you think.

Thinking about buying a home? Consider the long-term wealth-building benefits.
Homeownership isn't just about having a place to live—it's a key to building wealth. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity grows, and any increase in your home's value adds to your net worth.
Just check out how home values have grown since 1991.

Thinking of selling but feeling stuck with today’s mortgage rates?

Here’s something to consider: your home equity could be the solution.

So, how can equity help? Depending on how much you have you could:

- Buy your next home in cash.
- Make a larger down payment and finance less.

If you’re curious about finding out about your equity, let’s connect for a free equity assessment.

Dreaming of a high-end home? Now’s your moment.

The selection of luxury homes has grown compared to last year.

So, if you’re looking for things like a modern kitchen, the latest smart home tech, high-end features, and more, this is your chance to find the home that matches your style.

Looking for expert help? That's what I'm here for.

Homeownership is more than just a financial decision—it's about satisfaction, stability, community, and finding a space that you can truly make your own.

Ready to experience the pride and fulfillment of owning your own home? Let's chat about your goals.

Your agent holds the key to unlocking the perfect asking price for your house.

You don’t want the price to be too high or too low – either way has some serious drawbacks.

Instead, you want to aim for current market value.

So, don't leave money on the table or risk scaring away buyers with the wrong price. Trust your agent's expertise on how to price it just right.

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The Number of Homes for Sale Is Increasing

There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around. But things are starting to look up.

There are more homes up for grabs this year.

As Realtor.com explains: “There were 30.4% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in April compared with the same time in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual inventory growth.”

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’ve been looking to buy but put your plans on hold because you just couldn’t find what you were searching for, you might see more options now than you did over the past few years – but don't expect a huge selection.

To check out your growing options, it's a good idea to work with a local real estate agent you trust. Real estate is all about location. And an agent can help you get the scoop on the homes available in the...

The Number of Homes for Sale Is Increasing There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around.

The Top 2 Reasons To Consider a Newly Built Home

When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. But unless you came into this process knowing you want to buy a newly built home, you may not have pictured new home construction.

1. Adding Newly Built Homes Could Give You More Options

There are two types of homes on the market: new and existing. A newly built home refers to a house that was just built or is under construction. An existing home is one a previous homeowner has already lived in. Right now, the inventory of existing homes is tight. But there may be options for you on the new home side of things.

2. Newly Built Homes May Be More Affordable Than You’d Think

You may still be wondering if a new build could really be an option for you. If you’ve previously written them off because you thought they would be out of your budget...

The Top 2 Reasons To Consider a Newly Built Home When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like.

Struggling to find your first home that fits both your lifestyle and budget? Consider condos. They're smaller and that means they may be easier on the wallet. And with added perks like low maintenance and community amenities, condos might just be your smartest move. DM me to learn more about the condos available in our area.

Happy Mother’s Day to an incredible woman who raised me to be strong, a go getter and a fighter. I am forever grateful 💕🥰💐♥️ Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there 🙏🙏🙏 ♥️

The Sun Is Shining on Sellers This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]

If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most. Many buyers are eager to move between the school years, so you may see a faster sale, multiple offers, a higher final sales price, and more. If you want to get your house ready for a summer listing, let’s connect.

The Sun Is Shining on Sellers This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC] If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most.

Thrilled to announce our latest achievement: our listing at 60 Harvard in Newton went under agreement in less than 5 days with multiple offers, all thanks to our targeted strategy and hard work. Here’s to how we do it! 🌟 ”

Tips for Younger Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality

If you’re a member of a younger generation, like Gen Z, you may be asking the question: will I ever be able to buy a home? Here are some helpful tips you may get from a pro.

1. Explore Your Options for a Down Payment

If a down payment is your #1 hurdle, you may have options to give your savings a boost. There are over 2,000 down payment assistance programs designed to make homeownership more achievable. And chances are you won’t need to put 20% down (unless specified by your loan type or lender).

2. Live with Loved Ones To Boost Your Savings

Another thing a number of Gen Z buyers are doing is ditching their rental and moving back in with friends or family. This can help cut down your housing costs so you can build your savings a whole lot faster.

3. Cast a Broad Net for Your Search

When you’ve saved up enough, here’s how a pro will help you approach...

Tips for Younger Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality If you’re a member of a younger generation, like Gen Z, you may be asking the question: will I ever be able to buy a home?

Did you know? Every home sale isn't just a milestone for you, it's an economic boost for your entire community. This is true for newly built and existing homes. If you're looking to move, reach out – let's not just change your life, but uplift our entire neighborhood together.

Wine and cheese anyone? It is great to mingle with all the neighbors and learn more about the neighborhood.

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes [INFOGRAPHIC]

Having a hard time finding a home in your budget? Builders may have a solution that can help. Builders are shifting their attention to what buyers want most right now – smaller, more affordable homes. If you want to see what’s available locally and in other areas nearby, let’s connect and explore your options together.

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes [INFOGRAPHIC] Having a hard time finding a home in your budget? Builders may have a solution that can help.

What Is Going on with Mortgage Rates?

You may have heard mortgage rates are going to stay a bit higher for longer than originally expected. And if you’re wondering why, the answer lies in the latest economic data.

Economic Factors That Impact Mortgage Rates

When it comes to mortgage rates, things like the job market, the pace of inflation, consumer spending, geopolitical uncertainty, and more all have an impact. Another factor at play is the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and its decisions on monetary policy. And that’s what you may be hearing a lot about right now.

Basically, long story short, inflation and its impact on the broader economy are going to be key moving forward. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says: “It’s the longer-term outlook for economic growth and inflation that have the greatest bearing on the level and direction of mortgage rates. Inflation, inflation, inflation — that’s really the...

What Is Going on with Mortgage Rates? You may have heard mortgage rates are going to stay a bit higher for longer than originally expected.

Sure thing! Here’s the updated caption:

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Did you know? More homeowners are putting their houses up for sale compared to last year.

That means more options for your move. It also means your house has more competition.

I'll help you check out the latest listings for your move and make sure your house still stands out.

If you’re thinking of selling and want to get in on the action, let’s connect.

🏡 Offer accepted in beautiful Belmont among 6 offers.Thrilled to announce that a lovely family will soon call this charming place their home. Congratulations to the family—your new adventure begins now! 🎉🔑 DM us to learn how we get our offer accepted.

Multi-generational homes are gaining popularity for a number of reasons.

From cost savings to making it easier to care for aging parents, there are a lot of benefits to consider.

Thinking of buying a multi-gen home? Let’s talk to see if it's a perfect fit for you and your needs.

No matter what you’ve seen in the news, there is no wave of foreclosures on the horizon.

Yes, we’ve seen numbers tick up slightly (hence those headlines), but that was expected when the moratorium ended. It’s not a cause for alarm.

We’re still well below pre-pandemic levels and way lower than what we saw during the crash.

If you have questions, I’m here to help.

Should I Wait for Mortgage Rates To Come Down Before I Move?

If you’ve got a move on your mind, you may be wondering whether you should wait to sell until mortgage rates come down before you spring into action. Here’s some information that could help answer that question for you.

In the housing market, there’s a longstanding relationship between mortgage rates and buyer demand. Typically, the higher rates are, you’ll see lower buyer demand. That’s because some people who want to move will be hesitant to take on a higher mortgage rate for their next home. So, they decide to wait it out and put their plans on hold.

But when rates start to come down, things change. It goes from limited or weak demand to good or strong demand. That’s because a big portion of the buyers who sat on the sidelines when rates were higher are going to jump back in and make their moves happen.

As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist for Bright...

Should I Wait for Mortgage Rates To Come Down Before I Move? If you’ve got a move on your mind, you may be wondering whether you should wait to sell until mortgage rates come down before you spring into action.