Lana Hickey, Broker - atproperties

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers

While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal. Here’s what that means when you buy: more options for your search, more negotiation power for you, it’s more likely sellers will make select repairs, and more moderate price growth. If you want to talk more about what rising inventory means for you, let’s connect.

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash

If you’ve heard home prices are going to come crashing down, it’s time to look at what’s actually happening. While prices vary by local market, there’s a lot of data out there from numerous sources that shows a crash is not going to happen. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped.

2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy

If this nagging fear about finding the right home if you move is...

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear?

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Not all agents are the same. When you’re making a move, you want to be sure you have a great agent by your side.

Here are a few tips on what to look for. You want someone with a strong reputation, in-depth knowledge of the local and national market, and good communication skills and availability.

I’d love to have a conversation to see if we’d be a good fit to work together.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations. It’s called the Great Wealth Transfer.

Basically, as more Baby Boomers retire, sell businesses, or downsize their homes, more substantial assets are being passed down to younger generations. And this creates a powerful ripple effect that’ll continue over the next few decades.

Impact on the Housing Market

One of the most immediate effects of this wealth transfer is on the housing market. Home affordability has been a concern for many aspiring buyers, especially in high-demand areas. The increase in generational wealth is expected to ease some of these challenges by providing future homeowners with greater financial resources. As assets are passed down...

The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations.

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Have you heard of the Great Wealth Transfer?

Over the next 20 years, roughly $84 trillion is expected to change hands from Baby Boomers to Gen X and Millennials.

And as it’s passed down, it’ll impact the housing market because it should help younger generations be in a better position to afford homes.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Homebuyers are getting a bit more negotiating power these days.

And if you're buying or selling, it’s helpful to know what’s up for negotiation so you go in prepared.

From prices and repairs to closing costs and appliances, there are various levers you can pull during the deal.

If you want someone to help navigate these conversations and advocate for you, DM me.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High

Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you’re someone who’s looking to make a move, you’ve probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish.

After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Reserve’s recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to Freddie Mac, they’re now at a level we haven’t seen since February.

Maybe you’re seeing this and wondering if you should ride the wave and see how low they’ll go. If that’s the case, here’s some important perspective. Remember, the record-low rates from...

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability.

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Right now, over 2/3 of homeowners have at least 50% equity in their homes.

And that much equity can go a long way toward buying a new place.

Curious about how much equity you have? I can walk you through a Professional Equity Assessment Report on your house. Drop a comment below if you’re interested.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



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.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Are Home Prices Going To Come Down?

Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening. Some say home prices are heading for a correction, but what do the facts say? Well, it helps to start by looking at what a correction means.

Here’s what Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says: “In stock market terms, a correction is generally referred to as a 10 to 20% drop in prices . . . We don't have the same established definitions in the housing market.”

In the context of today’s housing market, it doesn’t mean home prices are going to fall dramatically. It only means prices, which have been increasing rapidly over the last couple years, are normalizing a bit. In other words, they’re now growing at a slower pace. Prices vary a lot by local...

Are Home Prices Going To Come Down? Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you.

Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option.

Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes

The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, but it’s true according to the latest data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Why is that? Builders are focused on building what they can sell. And right now, there’s a very real need for smaller and more affordable homes – so that’s what they’ve been bringing to the market.

Reason 2: Attractive Incentives from Home...

A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



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.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



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...

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.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Choosing the right agent is a big deal.
One key thing to look for? A local real estate expert.
You want to find someone who knows the area like the back of their hand, including where you're most likely to find the home you're looking for.
It can make a world of difference in your homebuying journey.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Wondering if the upcoming Presidential election will shake up the housing market?

Here's what you need to know. History shows home sales may slow down a bit in November, but they usually bounce back fast, prices keep climbing, and mortgage rates tend to dip a bit.

Overall, the impact is minor and short-lived. Have questions? Let's chat.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



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...

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

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



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.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Homeownership: The Heart of the American Dream

Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique. But for many, common goals include success, freedom, and prosperity — values closely tied to having your own home and the iconic feeling of achieving the American Dream.

So, why is buying a home important to so many today? One reason is the financial and physical security it provides. Many people see homeownership as a way to reduce stress because owning a home with a fixed-rate mortgage stabilizes what is likely their largest monthly expense.
Another factor is the potential for building wealth. That’s because, over time, homeowners gain equity as they pay down their mortgage and as home prices appreciate, leading to longer-term financial stability.
But what about the responsibilities that come with...

Homeownership: The Heart of the American Dream Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Wondering what will happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?

According to the experts, home prices are set to climb moderately, mortgage rates might dip a little, and home sales are expected to stay steady.

Have questions about what this means for you? Let's chat about your plans.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Wondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. Home prices are expected to climb moderately. Mortgage rates are forecast to come down slightly. And, home sales are projected to hold steady. If you have questions about what to expect for the rest of the year, DM me so we can have a conversation about what it means for you and your plans.

Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024 [INFOGRAPHIC] Wondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. 

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal

When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.

Home Inspection

Once you’re under contract on a home you’d like to buy, getting an inspection is a key part of the process. An inspection gives you a clear idea of the safety and overall condition of the home – which is important for such a big transaction.

And don’t worry – you don’t have to go through that process alone. Your real estate agent will be your advocate and negotiate with the seller for...

The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Have you heard? Inventory is growing.

And not all that growth is because more homeowners are putting their houses up for sale (new listings). It’s also that some homes are taking a bit longer to sell (active listings).

If you want to make sure your listing doesn’t stick around long enough to go stale, DM me to chat about the marketing strategies I’ll use to draw in more buyers.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



Why a Vacation Home Is the Ultimate Summer Upgrade

Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season. If you’re excited about getting away and having some fun in the sun, it might make sense to consider if owning your own vacation home is right for you.

An Ameriprise Financial survey sheds light on why people buy a second, or vacation, home (see below):

• Vacation destination or a place to get away from the stresses of everyday life (81%)

• Better weather (49%)

• Rental income (41%)

• Primary residence in the future (33%)

• Having a venue for gatherings with family and friends (25%)
Ways To Buy Your Vacation Home

And you don’t have to be wealthy to buy a vacation home. Bankrate shares two tips for how to make this...

Why a Vacation Home Is the Ultimate Summer Upgrade Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season.

DM ME today with any questions! Our team looks forward to being a part of your real estate goals!



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.