If someone told you that selling your home off-market could cost you thousands—would you still do it? That’s exactly what happened to home sellers across the country who chose to sell outside the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)—the main database where real estate agents list homes for sale. A new Zillow study found that sellers lost $1 billion in 2023 and 2024 by opting for private sales. On average, those homeowners walked away with $4,975 less […]
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If you’ve been holding out for a housing market rebound, two of the biggest names in real estate—Ryan Serhant and Barbara Corcoran—are here to tell you that while the market isn’t crashing, it is changing. Buying or selling a home today looks very different than it did just a few years ago. But that doesn’t mean opportunities don’t exist—it just means you need to know what to look for. Let’s break down their expert takes […]
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The decision to buy or rent isn’t just about today’s costs—it’s about your future plans, financial stability, and lifestyle goals. According to ATTOM’s 2025 Rental Affordability Report, in most U.S. markets, homeownership costs less of a person’s wages than renting a comparable property. But does that mean buying is always the right choice? Not necessarily. In this guide, we’ll break down what the data says, when buying makes sense, when renting is the better option, […]
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If you’re a renter, you’ve probably felt the sting of rising rental prices at some point. According to Zillow, single-family home rents are now 20% higher on average than apartment rents—the widest gap ever recorded. While the market has its challenges, there’s good news: by understanding your rights and exploring your options, you can make smart choices that protect your wallet and your peace of mind. Let’s break down what you need to know about […]
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Recently, we came across a podcast featuring Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist. Much of the conversation was what you might expect—housing market predictions for 2025, what Zillow got wrong about 2024, and a breakdown of trends shaping real estate across the country. In other words, the kind of data we live for. But as the conversation wrapped up, Olsen was asked a question that shifted the focus: “What does homeownership mean to you?” Her response? […]
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The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be an interesting one—steady growth, more inventory, and a bit of breathing room for buyers. But let’s be real: behind every steady forecast lies a handful of wild cards that could shift the game. From unexpected mortgage rate swings to federal policies that could either boost supply or throw a wrench in the system, there’s plenty to keep an eye on this upcoming year. Let’s break it […]
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For the first time in over three years, existing home sales increased year over year, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.96 million in October. So, what exactly does this mean? So glad you asked! Even though 2024 is shaping up to have the fewest home sales on record, the rise in sales this October could be a sign that the housing market is starting to recover. After a long stretch of slowing home […]
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You might be thinking, Am I missing out on options if I don’t buy a home during the peak season? While it’s true that spring and summer typically bring an influx of listings, they also bring more competition and, in turn, higher prices. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home sales peak during the warmer months and then decline in the fall and winter. This seasonal shift creates opportunities that most buyers overlook, […]
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For the first time since 2020, housing affordability improved year over year. This is largely due to a drop in mortgage rates, which have dipped from 7.07% to 6.09% over the past year. While this is undoubtedly great news for home buyers, affordability remains a challenge for many. According to recent data, U.S. buyers now need to earn around $115,000 annually to afford the typical home, down 1.4% from last year. Yet, the average U.S. […]
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No matter how many elections you’ve lived through, each one can feel a bit like a wildcard when November draws near and you’re wondering whether you should make a move—or wait until the dust settles. Generally speaking, presidential elections have only a small and temporary impact on the housing market. That said, it’s natural to be curious as to how an election could impact your decision to buy or sell a home this year. So, […]
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