Melissa Solis, Realtor

Trying to decide if you want to sell or rent out your house once you move?
There’s a lot to consider – especially when it comes to figuring out if the profit is really worth the potential pains you might come up against.
Pro tip: Talking to another landlord plus professionals (like me) can help you decide what’s best for you and your situation.

Wondering if a housing market crash is on the horizon? Think again.

Unlike 2008's oversupply issue, today we're facing an undersupply of homes.

From existing homes to new builds and even foreclosures, all inventory levels are significantly lower than during the last housing crisis.

The numbers are clear—today's inventory conditions are simply not the same.

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes

Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time.

If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home.

How Can It Help You Buy a Home?

Here are a few ways their caretaking situation might be helping those 33% buy a home:

• Sharing Expenses

• Built-In Childcare

Beyond just the financial reasons, buying a multi-generational home has other advantages. The Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights some of the most popular, including:

• Easier To Care for Aging Parents

• Spending More...

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation?

Caught between caring for your kids and aging parents? Here’s some good news.

In a recent survey, 1 in 3 people in this same situation find it actually makes it easier to afford a home.

That’s because a multi-generational home has big financial perks like sharing expenses and built-in childcare.

If you want to talk about whether this type of home is right for you, DM me.

Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House?

Figuring out what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the money for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?

Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?

Even if you're interested in becoming a landlord, your current house might not be ideal for renting. Maybe you're moving far away, so keeping up with the ongoing maintenance would be a hassle, the neighborhood isn't great for rentals, or the house needs significant repairs before you could rent it out.

If any of this sounds like it might apply, selling might be your best option.

Are You Ready for the Realities of Being a Landlord?

Managing a rental property isn't just about collecting rent checks. It's a time-consuming and sometimes challenging job.

For example, you may get calls from tenants at all hours of the day with maintenance...

Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House? Figuring out what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a big decision.

The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

Here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell.

1. Overpricing Your House

Many sellers set their asking price too high and that’s why there’s an uptick in homes with price reductions today. An unrealistic price will deter potential buyers, cause an appraisal issue, or lead to your house sitting on the market longer.

2. Skipping the Small Stuff

You may try to skip important repairs, thinking you can pass the task on to your buyer. But visible issues (even if they’re small) can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions.

3. Not Looking at Things Objectively

Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you’d want to see – especially if you didn’t stage...

The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now The housing market is going through a transition.

Do high prices at the gas pump and grocery store have you worried more people are going to fall behind on their mortgage payments?

If you’re thinking that’ll lead to a surge of foreclosures, let this reassure you.

Serious delinquencies (loans that are 3 or more monthly payments past due) are on the decline – so there’s no wave of foreclosures on the horizon.

Unlocking the Benefits of Your Home's Equity

Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. The typical homeowner gained $28,000 over the past year and has a grand total of $305,000 in equity. And there are a lot of great ways you can use that equity. Want to know how much equity you have? Let’s connect so you can get a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR).

Unlocking the Benefits of Your Home's Equity Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage.

Inflation is cooling – and that’s a good sign for mortgage rates.
As the rate of inflation gets closer to the Fed's target of 2%, they may lower the Federal Funds Rate. When they do, mortgage rates are likely to respond.
But this isn't the only factor at play. For the latest updates on what’s happening, follow me.

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate.

The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal Funds Rate. Whenever they do, that’ll put downward pressure on mortgage rates. The Fed meets next week, and three of the most important metrics they’ll look at as they make their decision are:

1. The Rate of Inflation
2. How Many Jobs the Economy Is Adding
3. The Unemployment Rate

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

While mortgage rates are going to continue to be...

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

New trend alert.

The median price for new builds has dipped lower than the median for existing homes.

Plus, some builders are tossing in sweet perks like competitive mortgage rates and free upgrades.

So, if you aren’t already considering brand-new homes, it may be worth looking into. Drop a comment with your dream home feature, and let’s find your perfect fit together.

Having a hard time finding a place to call home in your budget?

Thousands of Americans are on the move in search of better affordability.

That’s because broadening where you're looking could help you find somewhere your money takes you a little further.

Did you put off your home search because the market was too intense?

Here’s some good news: buyer demand is easing and inventory is growing. This means you may be able to avoid being in a multiple-offer scenario.

Want to learn more about the opportunities buyers have in the second half of this year? DM me.

How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move.

1. Do You Have a Stable Job?

One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is.

2. Have You Figured Out What You Can Afford?

If you have reliable paychecks coming in, the next thing to figure out is what you can afford.

3. Do You Have an Emergency Fund?

Another key factor is whether you’ll have enough cash leftover in case of an emergency.

4. How Long Do You Plan To Live There?

5. Above all else, the most important question to answer is: do you have a team of real estate professionals in place?

If not, finding a trusted local agent and a lender is a good first step. The pros can talk you through...

How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.

Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices. But they want a home that’s move-in ready.

It makes sense when you think about it. They’re having to pay a lot of money for a house in today’s market. That means they may not be able to easily afford upgrades after they move in. So, if your home is outdated or needs some work, buyers might pass it by or offer a lower price than you were hoping for.

If your house falls into this category, it's important to consider making selective updates to help it appeal to buyers, so it sells faster. But how do you know where to spend your time and money?

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent

By working with a local real estate agent to be strategic about the improvements you make, you can be sure you’re making a smart investment. Put simply, not all upgrades are...

Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices.

Ready to retire? Downsizing can simplify your life.
From less maintenance to financial savings, there are many perks to opting for a smaller home.
Plus, your equity can help make it happen.
Ready for the next step? Let’s chat and explore your options.

Trying to get your house ready to list?

If your home is between 20-39 years old, it’s entering the prime remodeling years. And to make sure it shows well and appeals to today’s buyers, you may need to tackle some strategic updates.

Have a project on your mind but you’re wondering if it’s worth the time and money?

Comment below and I’ll help you prioritize your to-do list.

Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier

Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it's important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs.

If it's too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then?
• Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit?
• What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing.

Your Equity Can...

Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love.

Why Working with a Real Estate Professional Is Crucial Right Now

Navigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days. That's why having an experienced guide when buying or selling a home is so important.
Here are just a few of the ways a real estate expert is invaluable:
Contracts – Agents help with the disclosures and contracts necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.
Experience – In today’s market, experience is crucial. Real estate professionals know the entire sales process, including how it’s changing right now.
Negotiations – Your real estate advisor acts as a buffer in negotiations with all parties, and advocates for your best interests throughout the entire transaction.
Industry Expertise– Knowledge is power in today’s market, and your advisor will simply and effectively explain processes, market conditions, and key terms, translating what they mean for you along the way along the...

Why Working with a Real Estate Professional Is Crucial Right Now Navigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days.

Not a Crash: 3 Graphs That Show How Today’s Inventory Differs from 2008

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with the worry that something like that could happen again. But rest easy, because things are different than they were back then.

Homeowners Deciding To Sell Their Houses

Although the supply of existing (previously owned) homes is up compared to this time last year, it’s still low overall. And while this varies by local market, nationally, the current months’ supply is well below the norm, and even further below what we saw during the crash.

New Home Construction

People are also talking a lot about what's going on with newly built houses these days, and that might make you wonder if homebuilders are overdoing it. Even though new homes make up a larger percentage of the total inventory...

Not a Crash: 3 Graphs That Show How Today’s Inventory Differs from 2008 Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008.

How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?

Are you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market? Here’s what history tells us you need to know if you’re considering a move. Data shows home sales slow in November but quickly bounce back and rise the following year. Prices usually keep climbing. And mortgage rates typically come down slightly. Presidential elections have only a small and temporary impact on the housing market. If you have questions, let’s connect.

How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market? Are you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market?

Searching for that perfect home?

You should know, that no house is ever truly perfect. There’s always going to be something you’d like to change.

It’s time to consider the potential instead of holding out for perfection.

A house that needs a little elbow grease could be a hidden gem.

With an open mind and an expert guide, we’ll find the right home for you.

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership.

The Cost of Holding Out for Perfection

Nothing in life is ever perfect – and that's true when you search for a home too. Unless you’re building a brand-new home from the ground up, chances are there are going to be some features or finishes you wouldn’t have picked yourself.

But here’s the trade-off you'd be making without even realizing it. In all that time you’d spend searching for the perfect place, you’d overlook a lot of homes that would’ve worked for you.

It’s Time To Redefine Perfection

Especially with affordability and inventory where they are today, buying a home that needs some...

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise.

Seeing headlines about foreclosures rising? Don’t worry.
That’s only compared to years when foreclosures were at a record low.
We're still below what we’d see in a more normal year.
And, if you compare today to what happened during the crash, we’re nowhere near what we saw back then.
Got questions? Drop them below.

Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan.

And thanks to the ongoing rise in home prices, the average homeowner's equity grew by $28,000. That’s huge.

Check out the map above to see how much the typical homeowner gained in our state.

And if you want to find out how much equity you have, reach out to me and let’s chat.

Real Estate Still Holds the Title of Best Long-Term Investment

With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting. Here’s some information that could help put your mind at ease by showing that investing in a home is still a powerful decision.

But why does real estate continue to reign supreme as a top-notch long-term investment? It’s because, even today, buying a home can be your golden ticket to building wealth over time.

Unlike other investments that can feel a bit like riding a rollercoaster with all the ups and downs and ongoing risk factors, real estate follows a more predictable and positive pattern.

History shows home values usually rise. And while prices may vary by market, that means as time goes by, your house is likely to appreciate in value. And that helps you grow your net...

Real Estate Still Holds the Title of Best Long-Term Investment With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting.