Top Remodeling Projects for Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery Revealed in NAR Report

Top Remodeling Projects for Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery Revealed in NAR Report: Top remodeling projects for homeowner satisfaction and cost recovery continue to vary as individuals remodel their homes for diverse reasons.

NAR and Realtor.com® Recognize 2025 Fair Housing Champions

NAR and Realtor.com® Recognize 2025 Fair Housing Champions: The Fair Housing Champion Award recognizes Realtors® for going above and beyond to support buyers and communities, advocating for accessible and affordable housing opportunities, and promoting consumer and Realtor® fair housing education.

Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today’s First-Time Buyers

 

Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today’s First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home in today’s market can feel tough. Between high home prices and mortgage rates, affordability is still a big challenge. And some buyers are making one simple trade-off that’s getting them in the door faster: square footage.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 35% of buyers are willing to purchase something smaller to make homeownership happen. And one place you can usually find a smaller footprint (and sometimes better affordability) is in townhomes.

Why Townhomes Are Gaining Popularity

Townhomes typically cost less than single-family homes due to their more limited size. And that’s a big plus for today’s budget-conscious buyer. As Realtor.com says:

"In today's market, affordability remains a key priority for homebuyers, making townhomes an attractive option because they are often priced more reasonably than single-family homes. It makes them especially appealing to first-time homebuyers on a tighter budget . . ."

So, if you're trying to buy but feeling stuck because of rising prices, shifting your focus to townhomes could be one way to get into homeownership without maxing out your budget.

Builders Are Responding to the Demand

Builders have seen buyers’ appetite shift to smaller homes, and they’re adjusting to meet the demand. As Joel Berner, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

"Builders are making a concerted effort to provide smaller, more affordable inventory to the market in a way that the existing-home market cannot. Townhomes are a significant portion of that effort."

And the numbers back it up. According to data from Realtor.com, townhomes now make up a bigger share of new construction listings than they did just a couple of years ago (see graph below):

That means, if you’re interested in this type of house, you have more choices than you would have had over the last few years. And more options that are potentially more affordable are definitely a good thing. It should make your search for your first home a bit easier.

Is a Townhome Right for You?

If you’ve been focused only on more traditional homes with their own yards, an agent can help you explore whether a townhome could work for you. Who knows, you may find out you love the lifestyle. A lot of people do. As an article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Townhomes tend to cost less than single-family detached homes and can be appealing to young professionals who may desire medium-density, walkable neighborhoods.”

That’s because they’re lower maintenance, they can provide a sense of community with other residents, and they have their own unique amenities. Not to mention, they give you the chance to start building wealth through homeownership without the upkeep that comes with having your own detached, single-family home. And that can be great for first-time buyers who are a bit worried about the maintenance anyway.

But they also come with some other considerations, like dealing with noise through shared walls. If you’re a renter right now, maybe you’re used to that already. But these are the types of things you’ll want to think about. And that’s where an agent’s expertise comes in. They’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, so you understand how a townhome fits into your lifestyle and long-term goals before making your decision.

Bottom Line

If you're struggling to find a home within your budget, it may be time to expand your search and consider options you haven’t before, like townhomes. Sometimes, compromising a little bit on space is worth it to get your foot in the door.

What matters most to you — space, location, or budget? Let’s figure out where you can flex to make homeownership happen.

Baby Boomers Regain Top Spot as Largest Share of Home Buyers

Baby Boomers Regain Top Spot as Largest Share of Home Buyers: Baby boomers have overtaken millennials—the largest U.S. population—to become the top generation of home buyers.

NAR Introduces New MLS Policy to Expand Choice for Consumers

NAR Introduces New MLS Policy to Expand Choice for Consumers: The new policy will provide sellers and their agents more options and choice when marketing a property, while also supporting fair housing.

Home Sales Thaw as Contract Signings Jump 2% in February

Home Sales Thaw as Contract Signings Jump 2% in February: Still, sales are down from a year ago, but moderately lower mortgage rates this year could accelerate the market, says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

Existing-Home Sales Accelerated 4.2% in February

Existing-Home Sales Accelerated 4.2% in February: For both monthly and year-over-year sales, two major U.S. regions experienced growth, one region remained stable and the other registered a decline.

Real Estate Pros Can Discuss Home Equity to Motivate Buyers, Sellers

Real Estate Pros Can Discuss Home Equity to Motivate Buyers, Sellers: Send this message to clients and prospects: Soaring property appreciation means sellers make a windfall and buyers build wealth in the fast lane.

Greater Inventory Brings Home Buyers Back to the Real Estate Market

Greater Inventory Brings Home Buyers Back to the Real Estate Market: As the spring thaw sets in, new housing momentum is “flashing encouraging signs” for the market, says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

NAR Race and Home Buying Report: Black Homeownership Surges But Still Lags Whites

NAR Race and Home Buying Report: Black Homeownership Surges But Still Lags Whites: Americans from all racial backgrounds are seeing higher homeownership rates, but some barriers remain. Real estate professionals are stepping in to help buyers overcome those challenges.

Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Market

 

Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Market

Selling a house comes with a lot of moving pieces, and the last thing you want is a deal falling apart over unexpected repairs uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. That’s why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers ever step through the door. And one way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection.

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection? 

A pre-listing inspection is essentially a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market. Just like the inspections your buyer will do after making an offer, this process identifies any issues with the condition of your house that could have an impact on the sale – like structural problems, faulty or outdated HVAC systems, or other essential repairs.

While it’s a great option if you’re someone who really doesn’t like surprises, Bankrate explains this may not make sense for all sellers:

“While it can be beneficial for a seller to do, a pre-listing inspection isn’t always necessary. For example, if your home is relatively new and you’ve been the only owner, you’re most likely already aware of any big issues that could impact a sale. But for an older home, a pre-listing inspection can be very insightful and help you get ahead of any potential problems.”

The key is deciding whether the benefits outweigh the costs for your situation. Sometimes a few hundred dollars now can get you information that’ll save you a lot of time and hassle later on.

Why It May Be Worth Considering in Today’s Market

Right now, buyers are more cautious about how much money they’re spending. And they want to be sure the home they’re buying is worth the expense. In a market like this, a pre-listing inspection can be your secret weapon to make sure your house shows well. Here are just a few ways it can help:

• Gives You Time To Make Repairs: When you know about issues ahead of time, it gives you the chance to fix them on your schedule, rather than rushing to make repairs when you’re under contract.
• Avoid Surprises During Negotiations: When buyers discover issues during their own inspection, it can lead to last-minute negotiations, price reductions, or even a deal falling through. A pre-listing inspection gives you a chance to spot and address any problems ahead of time, so they don’t turn into last-minute headaches or negotiation roadblocks.
• Sell Your House Faster: According to Rocket Mortgage, if your house is listed in the best shape possible, there won’t be as many reasons for buyers to ask for concessions. That means you should be able to cut down on negotiation timelines and ultimately sell faster.

How Your Agent Will Help

But before you think about reaching out to any inspectors to get something scheduled, be sure to talk to an agent. Your agent will be able to give you advice on whether a pre-inspection is worthwhile for your house and the local market. Because it may not be as important if sellers still have the majority of the negotiation power where you live.

If your agent does recommend moving forward and getting one done, here’s how they’ll support you throughout the process.

• Offer Advice on How To Prioritize Repairs: If the inspection uncovers problems, your agent will sit down with you and offer perspective on what’s going to be a sticking point for buyers so you know what to prioritize.
• Knowledge of How To Handle Any Disclosure Requirements: After talking to your agent, you may decide not all of the repairs are worth it right now. Just be ready to disclose what you’re not tackling. Some states require disclosures as a part of a listing – lean on your agent for more information.

Bottom Line

While they’re definitely not required, pre-listing inspections can be especially helpful in today’s market. By understanding your home’s condition ahead of time, you can take control of the process and make informed decisions about what to fix before you list and what to disclose.

If you choose to skip this step, you may be just as surprised as your buyer by what pops up in their inspection. And that could leave you scrambling. Would you rather fix issues now or risk trying to save the deal later?

Let’s connect so you can see if this is a step that makes sense in our market.

Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly, But Are Buyers Waiting for More?

Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly, But Are Buyers Waiting for More?: Mortgage rates are at the lowest level in two months, but home buyers appear to be brushing it off.

Pending Home Sales Waned 4.6% in January

Pending Home Sales Waned 4.6% in January: The Midwest, South, and West saw month-over-month losses in transactions, while the Northeast saw a modest gain.

Do You Know How Much Your Home Is Worth?

 

Do You Know How Much Your Home Is Worth?

Over the past few years, you’ve probably seen a whole lot of headlines about how home prices keep going up. But have you ever stopped to think about what that actually means for your home?

Home prices have risen dramatically over the past five years — far more than usual. And if selling has been on your mind, this could mean a bigger-than-expected payday when you list. So, how much has your home’s value really changed? Let’s break it down.

The Rapid Rise of the Past 5 Years

Typically, home prices go up by about 2-5% a year. But in 2021-2022, there were double-digit increases. And at the peak, prices rose by a staggering 20% or more nationally. Why? There were way more buyers than homes available, which sent prices soaring. While things have normalized since then, you still get to reap the benefits of those massive increases.

Your house has gained way more value than it normally would in such a short period of time – and that means a lot more wealth for you, too.

The map below uses data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to show that, nationally, prices have gone up by nearly 60% in just the past 5 years alone. Here’s a breakdown that takes that one step further and gives you the numbers by state:

If you’ve been holding off on selling because you were worried about buying your next home at today’s rates and prices, let that sink in. It may be more than enough to help close the affordability gap and get you into your next house.

And what if you’ve been there for longer? That means your home’s value is probably even higher now. You get to stack the abnormal gains of the past 5 years on top of five years of more normal appreciation too. And an agent can help you figure out what that really looks like.

How To Find Out What Your House Is Really Worth

While a percentage is great, you probably want more specific numbers. The only way to get an accurate look at what your house is really worth is to talk to a local real estate agent.

While the map above gives you the average appreciation rate by state, it doesn’t take your local market into consideration. Like, is inventory still low where you live? That may drive prices higher, and faster. Or maybe you’ve done renovation that’ll add even more value to your house. Those are insights you’ll need an agent to provide.

An agent will know what’s happening where you live and can stack that up against the data and the condition of your home to give you the best estimate of its value possible. Only they have the data and expertise to find out your real number today.

Bottom Line

Home values have climbed — maybe more than you expected. Are you curious about what your house is worth in today’s market? Let’s connect so you can find out.

Should I Update My House Before I Sell It?

 

Should I Update My House Before I Sell It?

Some Highlights

• With more homes for sale and buyers being more selective, it’s smart to make strategic updates.​ But how do you decide what’s worth doing? ​You lean on an agent.
• An agent will be able to tell you what buyers want, quick wins that’ll have a big impact, and what projects have the best ROI.
• What projects are on your to-do list before selling? With only a month left before spring, let’s connect so you know what’s worth the time and effort. 

How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower Rates

 

How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower Rates

Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen? According to the latest forecasts, experts say rates will decline, but not by as much as a lot of people want.

The good news? Even if they don’t drop substantially, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable.

How Much Will Rates Drop?

A few months ago, experts were forecasting mortgage rates could dip below 6% by the end of the year. But recent projections suggest that may not happen after all.

While mortgage rates are still expected to decline some later this year, projections from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and Wells Fargo now show them stabilizing closer to the 6.5% to 7% range (see below):

That means if you’re holding off on buying a home in hopes of much lower mortgage rates, you may be waiting a while. And if you need to move because something in your life has changed, like a new job, a new baby, or a marriage – waiting that long may not be an option.

Creative Financing Options in Today’s Market

Since rates aren’t expected to decline as much as originally expected, it may be worth considering alternative financing options that could help you get into a home sooner rather than later. Here are three strategies to discuss with your lender to see if any of these make sense for you:

1. Mortgage Buydowns

A mortgage buydown allows you to pay an upfront fee to lower your mortgage rate for a set period of time. This can be especially helpful if you want or need a lower monthly payment early on. In fact, 27% of agents say first-time homebuyers are increasingly requesting buydowns from sellers in order to buy a home right now.

2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) typically start with a lower mortgage rate than a traditional 30-year fixed mortgage. This makes them an attractive option, especially if you expect rates to drop in the coming years or plan to refinance later.

And if you remember the housing crash, know that today's ARMs aren’t like the risky ones back then. Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, helps drive this point home by saying:

“. . . ARM products today are different from many of the products issued in the mid-2000s. Before 2008, lenders often approved ARMs based on borrowers ability to pay the initial lower interest rates. And sometimes they didn’t even check that (remember Ninja loans). Today, adjustable-rate borrowers qualify based on their ability to cover a higher monthly payment, not just the initial lower payment.”

In simple terms, banks used to give loans without checking to see if buyers could afford them. Now, lenders verify income, assets, and jobs, reducing the risks associated with ARMs compared to the past.

3. Assumable Mortgages

An assumable mortgage allows you to take over the seller’s existing loan — including its lower mortgage rate. And with more than 11 million homes qualifying for this option according to U.S. News, it’s worth exploring if you want or need a better rate.

Bottom Line

Waiting for a big decline in mortgage rates may not be the best strategy. Instead, options like buydowns, ARMs, or assumable mortgages could make homeownership more affordable right now. Connect with a local lender to explore what works for you.

How does this impact your homebuying plans this year?