What if you could save $150 a month on the same house—without changing your budget or lifestyle? That’s exactly what’s happening right now. Mortgage rates have slipped to their lowest point in 11 months, giving homebuyers in Northern Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle more purchasing power than they’ve had in nearly a year. Let’s break down why this matters for you. What Happens When Mortgage Rates Drop? Think of mortgage rates as the price tag […]
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Getting Ready to Sell: What Really Matters to Buyers When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to notice every little flaw—the crack in the driveway, the scuffed baseboards, or the old outlet that never worked. But here’s the truth: buyers don’t see your house the same way you do. As homeowners, we live with small imperfections daily, and they start to feel bigger than they are. To buyers, those same issues often feel […]
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If you’ve been following the housing headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed a lot of conflicting takes. Some reports say prices are rising, while others point to declines. So what’s really happening? A recent Zillow report shows a split market: in half of the country’s largest metros, home values went up in the past year, while in the other half, they went down. Today, we’re breaking down the national numbers, and more importantly, what’s happening right […]
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If you’ve been wondering whether buyers are still out there, here’s your answer: yes. And they’re looking more online than they have in two years. Even before last week’s big mortgage rate news (ICYMI, rates dipped to 6.55% on August 7), online searches for “homes for sale” were climbing fast in July. That means plenty of people were already getting serious about finding their next home. The kicker? After that dip, mortgage applications jumped. And […]
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If you’ve owned your home for more than a few years, chances are you’re sitting on a significant amount of equity and possibly wondering if now’s the time to downsize. According to a recent Realtor.com analysis, baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—own an estimated $18 to $19 trillion worth of real estate. That’s nearly half of the housing wealth in the U.S. Whether your kids are out of the house, you’re retiring, or just […]
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So your kid wants to buy a home, and you’re thinking about stepping in to help. Good news: you’re not alone. Bad news: doing it wrong can trigger taxes, tension, or both. Today’s first-time buyers are facing a combo of sky-high prices and interest rates that just won’t quit. The typical down payment climbed to $63,000 in 2024, and mortgage payments are at near-record highs. According to a Redfin survey, almost a quarter of Gen […]
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If your home didn’t sell the first time, or you’re thinking about listing soon, there’s one question that can make or break your entire experience: How do you price your home? Not “what’s it worth” on Zillow. Not “what you need to net” to buy your next home. Not even “what the neighbor’s house sold for.” We’re talking about a real pricing strategy, one based on data, buyer behavior, and your goals. Unfortunately, a lot […]
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If you’re thinking about selling your home, there’s a good chance you’ve already asked yourself the big question: What’s it worth? But the better question might be: What will it actually sell for? The truth is, how much money you walk away with doesn’t just depend on your home’s condition or your neighborhood comps. It depends on the decisions you make before your home even hits the market. And according to new research from Zillow, […]
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Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? As we head into the second half of the year, a lot of buyers and sellers are asking the same thing: What’s next for the housing market? While no forecast is guaranteed, economists from Fannie Mae, Zillow, NAR, MBA, and others have released updated projections on everything from home prices and mortgage rates to sales activity and market recovery. In this post, we’ve rounded up the key […]
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Right now, American homeowners are sitting on a record $11.5 trillion in tappable equity. That’s equity you could access without selling your home while keeping at least a 20% cushion in place. And, with interest rates on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) falling, this may be the most affordable time in years to tap into your home’s value. But does it make sense to borrow now, or should you wait? Let’s break down the […]
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