Every October, haunted houses aren’t the only things scaring people. Real estate myths have been haunting social feeds and open houses for years—and some just won’t die. Let’s put a few of these to rest. Below, we’re separating fact from fiction on some of the most common myths we hear in today’s market. Myth #1: You need 20% down to buy a home Truth: You don’t need a full 20% to buy. The real horror […]
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If you’re planning on selling your home in 2026, the best time to get ready isn’t next year. It’s right now. The spring market has always been the busiest time for buyers. While demand is expected to heat up again as the weather warms, today’s real estate market looks very different than it did even a few years ago. Starting early can mean the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. Why Timing […]
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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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