Buying a home can be exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming when the inspection report comes in. That list of repairs can look intimidating, but the truth is that no home is perfect. According to Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, “Every home has issues—some need fixing right away, others can wait. What matters is understanding which is which.” A thorough inspection provides a clear review of a home’s structure and key systems, including plumbing, electr

Many buyers are stuck in “wait and see” mode. They watch mortgage rates hover just above 6% and think, I’ll buy once they hit the 5s.  After all, who wouldn’t want a lower rate? But here’s the truth: that small drop to 5.99% might not save you as much as you think. You’ve Already Saved More Than You Realize Mortgage rates peaked above 7% in May, but they’ve slowly declined to the low 6s. That drop translates to real dollars. According to Redfin, the typical monthly payment on

If you’ve served in the military—or your spouse has—you may be eligible for one of the most powerful homebuying tools available: the VA home loan , which allows qualified buyers to purchase a home with no down payment . Yet, 70% of Veterans  don’t realize they qualify, according to Veterans United—meaning many are missing out on a huge benefit they’ve earned through service. Why VA Loans Stand Out For nearly 80 years, VA loans have helped millions of Veterans and service memb

Not all housing markets are moving at the same pace. When you compare today’s inventory growth to pre-pandemic norms (2017–2019), the picture shifts depending on where you look. In much of the South and West , supply has fully recovered—and even surpassed—pre-pandemic levels . In contrast, inventory in the Northeast and Midwest remains tighter , still sitting below what’s considered normal. But even with these differences, the overall trend points in a positive direction for

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about how a government shutdown might affect the housing market. You might be wondering — does everything just stop? The short answer: No. Homes are still being bought and sold. Contracts are still being signed. Closings are still happening. The market doesn’t stop—it just slows down a little  in a few areas. What Actually Happens During a Shutdown When the government shuts down, some federal agencies close or reduce staff. That can cause a f

Scroll through social media and you’ll see plenty of people blaming investors for rising home prices. Nearly half of Americans (48%) think that’s the main cause. But the data tells a different story. The Truth About Investors Big investors make up only 2.8% of all home purchases , according to Realtor.com . That means 97% of homes are bought by regular buyers , not large corporations. While investors play a role in certain markets, they’re not driving prices nationwide. What’

If you’ve paused your home search in the past few years, you’re not alone — but it might be time to look again. With more homes available , prices stabilizing , and mortgage rates easing , buyers today have something they haven’t had in a while: real options. Affordability Is Improving According to Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, “Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to

After years of tight inventory and intense competition, the housing market is starting to open up. With more homes for sale and sellers becoming more flexible, buyers finally have breathing room again. More Homes, More Options Inventory is rising nationwide, giving buyers more choices — whether that’s a bigger yard, a shorter commute, or simply leaving the rental life behind. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the South and West  have seen inventory rebound the most, while the

A few years ago, when inventory was at record lows, nearly every home sold quickly—often with multiple offers and bidding wars. But today’s housing landscape looks very different. Inventory is up nearly 20% from this time last year , and in some markets, supply has even returned to pre-pandemic levels  last seen between 2017 and 2019. For sellers, that shift means one thing: Standing out from the start is essential. Why More Homes Are Sitting on the Market The growing number

Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for many homebuyers lately. Every time they rise, buyers hesitate and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the real scare: waiting for that perfect five-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later. The “Magic Number” Myth According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “A 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 6% would make the median-priced home affordable for about 5.5 million more households—including 1.6 m

If you put your home search on pause because of high prices or mortgage rates, it might be time to take another look. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 U.S. markets , according to First American — and it’s the fifth month in a row  that buying a home has gotten a bit easier. Monthly Payments Are Falling Redfin data shows that the average monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home is now $283 lower  than just a few months ago — saving buyers roughly $3,400 a

More buyers are choosing newly built homes —and not just for modern designs or smart-home tech. The real reason? Builders are offering serious incentives  to attract buyers. New home sales recently hit their highest level in over two years , and for good reason. Why Builders Are Offering Deals There’s more new construction inventory right now than there’s been in years. That means more choice for buyers—and more motivation for builders to sell. To move homes faster, builders

Multi-generational living is trending, and it’s easy to see why. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), an impressive 17% of homebuyers are choosing to purchase a home to share with parents, adult children, or extended family. This represents the highest level of multi-generational homebuying recorded by NAR. What is driving this trend? Affordability is a key factor in today's housing market, influencing many to rethink how they approach homeownership. \ In

Over the past few years, many potential buyers and sellers pressed pause. Rising mortgage rates, limited inventory, and high home prices made it difficult for people to take their next step. But that pause isn’t permanent. Life changes—like growing families, job relocations, or downsizing—continue to drive the need to move. Experts predict that 2026 will see more activity in the housing market as those delayed decisions finally unfold. What’s Behind the Shift Two major factor

The number one thing most buyers have been waiting for is lower mortgage rates. After peaking near 7% earlier this year, rates have finally started to ease—and the latest expert forecasts suggest that trend could continue through 2026. A Gradual, Not Instant, Decline It’s important to remember that mortgage rates rarely move in a straight line. As the saying goes, “When rates go up, they take the escalator—but when they come down, they take the stairs.” That means the path fo

After years of rapid price growth and market volatility, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of balance. Expert forecasts show that home prices will continue to rise nationwide—but at a slower, more sustainable pace. With mortgage rates easing, more buyers are expected to re-enter the market, creating steady demand that helps support prices. While some areas may see slight dips, a major price crash isn’t likely. Even in markets with small declines, home values remain well above w

If you are considering downsizing to cut expenses, get closer to loved ones, or simplify your life, there is an exciting trend in the housing market that deserves your attention. More and more homeowners are buying their next residences outright, avoiding new mortgages altogether. If you have owned your home long enough, you may have the chance to join this growing group. Imagine the relief of living without a mortgage and the strain of monthly payments. A Record Share of Hom

When you’re ready to sell your home, setting the right price isn’t just important — it’s critical. In today’s market, overpricing can backfire fast, and it could cost you more than just offers — it might cost you the move you’ve been planning. The Pitfall of Overpricing Many sellers look at what their neighbor’s home sold for a few years ago and want to chase that same number. But the truth is, that was a different market. Today, there’s more inventory  and less competition  

Rising home prices are reshaping what today’s buyers want—and what they’re willing to give up to get it. The latest America at Home Study...

You may have seen headlines saying home prices are flat — but that doesn’t mean prices are truly standing still. Across the country,...