Search Results

If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, the time to start prepping is now. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is coming up fast. A recent Realtor.com study analyzed years of housing market trends (excluding 2020 since it was an outlier) and found that April 13–19 is expected to be the ideal window to put your house on the market this year: “. . . we’ve identified April 13-19 as the best week to list for sellers . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home is likely to find success. Because spring is generally the high season for real estate activity and buyers are more plentiful earlier rather than later in the year, listing earlier in the spring raises a seller’s odds of a successful sale.” What Makes This Week Stand Out? As the quote mentions, spring is almost always a strong season for sellers. But this particular week could give you an even bigger advantage this year. Realtor.com goes on to say what listing during this sweet spot could mean for you: More buyers looking at your home since demand is high this time of year. A faster sale since serious buyers are eager to move before summer. A better chance of selling for top dollar. According to the study , you could get an average of $4,800 more this week (and $27,000 more than you would earlier in the year). If You Want Your House on the Market for that Window, Act Now With just a few weeks left before this prime listing window, you'll need to make a plan to work smart and act fast. That’s where working with a great real estate agent comes in. They can help you: Figure out exactly what you need to do to get your house ready. Prioritize the tasks that’ll make the biggest impact in the shortest time. Decide if there are any quick fixes or small upgrades that could help you attract buyers. Assuming your house is already in good shape, your focus should be on quick, high-impact updates. As Investopedia explains: “You won’t have time for any major renovations, so focus on quick repairs to address things that could deter potential buyers.” Here are a few examples of small projects that can make a big difference according to Redfin : What If You’re Not Ready Just Yet? Don’t worry – it’s okay if you don’t think you’ll be ready for this week. Just because April 13–19 is projected to be the ideal week by Realtor.com , that doesn’t mean it’s the only good time to sell. Even if you need a bit more time to get your home list ready, there’s still plenty of opportunity this homebuying season.  Bottom Line If you’ve been waiting for the right time to sell, this could be it. But timing isn’t the only thing that matters – how well you prep and price your home is just as important. What’s one thing you’d need to do before you’d feel ready to list? Let’s connect and figure out the best plan to make it happen.

Spring is in full swing, and the housing market is picking up along with it. And if you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, here’s the inside scoop on why this spring may be a great time to make your move. 1. There Are More Homes for Sale After a long stretch of tight inventory, the number of homes for sale is finally improving. According to recent national data from Realtor.com, active listings are up 27.5% compared to this time last year. Look at the graph below and follow the green line for 2025. You can see, even though inventory levels still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic norms (shown in gray), that number is higher than it has been going into the spring market over the past few years (see graph below): Buyers: This means you have more choices, and you can be more selective. Sellers: With more homes available than in recent years, you’re more likely to find what you’re looking for when you move. And knowing that inventory is still below more normal levels means there will be demand for your home when you sell it, too. 2. Home Price Growth Is Moderating As inventory grows, the pace of home price growth is slowing down – and that will continue into the spring market. This is because prices are driven by supply and demand. When there are more homes for sale, buyers have more options, so there’s less competition for each house. Rising supply and less buyer competition causes price growth to slow, but it should still remain positive in most markets. As Freddie Mac says: “In 2025, we expect the pace of house price appreciation to moderate from the levels seen in 2024, while still maintaining a positive trajectory.” And while prices aren’t dropping at the national level, every market is different. Some areas are seeing stronger price growth, while others are cooling off or even seeing some price declines. Buyers: The slower pace of growth means prices aren’t rising as quickly as before – and that’s a relief. Any home you buy now is likely to appreciate in value over time, helping you build equity. Sellers: While prices are still rising, you might need to adjust your expectations. Overpricing your house in a more balanced market could mean it takes longer to sell. Pricing your house competitively is going to be key to attracting offers. 3. Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing One of the biggest hurdles for buyers over the past couple of years has been high, volatile mortgage rates. But there’s some good news – overall, they’ve stabilized in recent weeks – and have even declined a bit since the beginning of this year. And while that decrease hasn’t been a big drop, stabilizing mortgage rates has helped make buying a home a bit more predictable. According to Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic: “With the spring homebuying season upon us, the recent improvements in mortgage rates may help invite homebuyers back into the market.” Buyers: When mortgage rates are more stable, it’s easier to plan ahead because you have a better idea of what your future payment might be. But remember, rates will continue to be volatile. So, lean on your agent and your lender to make sure you know what the latest mortgage rate means for you. Sellers: Slightly lower rates that are starting to stabilize are encouraging more buyers to move forward with their plans. That’s good for demand when you’re planning to sell your house. 4. More Buyers Are Returning With more inventory, slowing price growth, and stabilizing mortgage rates, buyers are gaining confidence and coming back into the market. Demand is picking up, and data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows an increase in mortgage applications compared to the start of the year (see graph below): Buyers: Acting sooner rather than later could be a smart move before your competition heats up even more. Sellers: This is great news for you – more buyers mean a better chance of selling your house quickly. Bottom Line Do you have questions about what the spring market means for you? Let’s connect and talk about how to craft your plan this season. With more homes for sale, slowing price growth, and stabilizing mortgage rates, how will this impact your decision to buy or sell this spring?

Last year, 70% of buyers abandoned their home search – and maybe you were one of them. It makes sense. Inventory was low, prices were high, and mortgage rates were up and down like a rollercoaster. All of that made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. But guess what? The market is shifting. So, if you paused your moving plans in 2024, it might be time to hit play again. Here’s why. More Inventory Opens Up More Options Even if you could make the numbers work, the lack of available homes in recent years probably made it hard to come by something that fit your needs. But inventory is rising, which means you have more options now. According to Realtor.com, inventory has jumped 27.5% since this time last year (see graph below): So, if you were reluctant to list your house because you weren’t sure where you’d go if it sold, you have more choices than you did a year ago. That’s a big win. Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer, Too When the supply of homes for sale is low, they’re snatched up quickly because there just aren't enough of them to go around. And a few years ago, that meant your house could sell overnight. While that’s not always a bad thing, if you’re planning a move and also need to find your next home, a slower pace isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s welcome relief. Now that inventory has grown, homes are staying on the market longer, meaning you don’t have to feel as rushed in the process (see graph below): The latest data shows the typical time homes spent on the market went up by about 8% this year – that’s higher than we’ve seen since 2020, but still a faster pace than before the market ramped up. And it’s about a week longer than last year. Talk about a sweet spot for movers. It may seem like just a few days, but it gives you more flexibility and time to be thoughtful about your decisions. As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, notes: “There are more homes for sale than in the last few years, which means the market pace is a bit more manageable–with longer days on market–and many sellers are more flexible . . . Though buyers face still-high housing costs, they may find a bit more give in the market, which could give them more time to make a decision, even in the busy spring and summer months.” And if you’re thinking – but wait – doesn’t that mean it will be harder to sell my house? Don’t worry. With inventory still almost 23% below the pre-pandemic norm, well-priced homes are selling , especially as more buyers step back into the game this season. Bottom Line With growing inventory, sellers who want to upgrade, downsize, or relocate have more choices. Plus, with less pressure to rush into an offer, it could be a great time to revisit your home search if you’ve put it on hold. W ith more homes on the market and more time to make decisions, what else do you need to see in order to kickstart your home search again? Let’s talk about what’s happening in our local market right now.

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, here’s something to think about that most people don’t. Your decision doesn’t just impact your life and your family’s, it sparks a ripple effect that has a positive impact on your entire community. Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes. The data shows that if you buy an existing (previously lived-in) home, you're giving the local economy a boost of just over $60K. And if you buy a newly built home, that number goes up to over $125K (see visual below): That’s because of all the people needed to build , fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community: “. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .” When you think about it, it makes sense. Behind every home sale is a network of people involved, including contractors, city officials, real estate agents, lawyers, specialists, and more. Everyone has a job to do to help make sure your deal goes through. Put simply, when you buy or sell a home, you’re helping out your neighbors. So, your decision to move doesn’t just meet your needs; it supports their families, strengthens your town, and shapes the future of your community. Imagine walking through the front door of your next home, knowing your decision helped a local contractor keep their crew working or a small business thrive. Remember that feeling as you make your decision this year. Bottom Line Moving isn’t just a personal milestone – it's an investment in your community, too. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect. You’ll make a difference for more people than you know. What’s most important to you as you prepare to buy or sell your house this year?

Homeowner’s insurance is a must-have to protect what’s probably your biggest investment – your home. And while you never want to think about worst-case scenarios, the right coverage is basically your safety net if something goes wrong. Here’s how it helps you. Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, your policy helps pay for repairs or even a full rebuild. Protects Your Belongings: Many policies can also cover personal items like furniture, electronics, and clothing if they’re stolen or damaged. Provides Liability Coverage: If someone gets injured on your property, homeowner’s insurance can help cover medical bills or legal expenses. In the simplest sense, it gives you peace of mind. Knowing you have protection against unexpected events helps you worry less. And with such a big purchase, having that reassurance is a big deal. And while your first insurance payment will be wrapped into your closing costs, you’ll want this to be a part of your budget beyond closing day too. That’s because it's a recurring expense you’ll have once you get the keys to your home. Here’s what you need to know to help you budget for this important part of homeownership today. Costs and Claims Are Rising In recent years, insurance costs have been climbing. According to Insurance.com, there are four big reasons behind the jump in premiums: More severe weather events and wildfires are leading to higher claims. Insurance companies are pulling out of high-risk areas, reducing options for homeowners in some states. Past rate increases haven’t kept up with the rise in claims. The cost to rebuild or repair homes has gone up due to higher material and labor costs. Basically, disasters are happening more often, repairs cost more, and insurers have to adjust their rates to keep up. Data from ICE Mortgage Technology helps paint the picture of how the average yearly premium has climbed over the last decade (see graph below): What You Can Do About It Homeowner’s insurance is a must to protect your home and your investment. But with costs rising, you’ll want to do your homework to balance the best coverage you can get at the best price possible. Homeowner’s insurance rates vary widely based on location, provider, and coverage. Shop around and compare quotes before settling on a policy. And don’t forget to ask about discounts. Things like security systems or bundling with auto insurance could help lower your insurance costs. Bottom Line When you’re planning to buy a home, it’s important to look beyond just your mortgage payment. You’ll also want to budget for your homeowner’s insurance policy. It gives you a lot of protection against the unexpected. And while it’s true those costs are rising, there are things you can do to try to get the best price possible.

If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not the only one. Newsweek reports that data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone – that's more than any other December going all the way back to 2017 (see graph below): Whether it was because offers weren’t coming in, the timing around the holidays felt overwhelming, or they wanted to see if the market would improve in the new year – a lot of other homeowners decided to press pause, too. But now, with spring fast approaching, it’s time to reassess. The market is already picking up, and waiting any longer to jump back in may only mean you’d face more competition from other sellers down the road. Why Now Could Be the Right Time Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains that some of those sellers may have pulled their listings late last year with the goal of trying again this spring: “ Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.” That’s because spring is when buyer demand is typically at its highest point for the year. More people start their home search once the weather warms up. They’re eager to close on a home so they can move in during the summer. So, it’s a great window for sellers. It means more buyers. And while mortgage rates haven’t fallen dramatically, they have come down some in recent weeks. Early signs already show buyers are becoming more active as a result. Since January, demand has picked up – and that should continue as spring draws even closer. What To Do Differently This Time Start by checking the status of your listing agreement. Because even if you pulled your listing, you may still be under contract. And until your listing expires, your agent or brokerage is your best resource on what else you could try to get it sold. Realtor.com offers this advice: “If you aren't sure of the status of your listing, whether active, expired, or withdrawn, take a look at your listing agreement and talk to your real estate agent.” If your contract is still active, now’s the perfect time to reconnect with your agent to explore strategies to get your home sold this time around. If your contract has expired and you’re considering other options, reach out to a trusted real estate professional who can help you figure out where to go from here. Either way, take some time to reflect on your last experience. What held you back from getting it sold before? And what can you do to improve your chances this time around? Be sure to include your agent in this thought process. They’ll give you an objective point of view and some advice based on what may have gone wrong last time, like: Your Pricing Strategy: Did buyers overlook your house because it was priced too high? Your real estate agent can help you analyze the latest sales in your area to make sure you’re hitting the right number. Believe it or not, you could actually be leaving money on the table by not pricing competitively. When it’s priced appropriately for the market, your opportunities for multiple offers and buyer competition increase. Your Marketing Approach: Was your home staged to look its best? Did you use a skilled photographer for your listing photos? Small tweaks can make a big difference in how buyers see your house. Something as simple as taking new photos now that it’s spring can help your house show better than it did in the winter listing. Offering Concessions: Were you willing to offer incentives to buyers? As the supply of homes for sale grows, more sellers are entertaining the idea of concessions or incentives to get the deal done. If you weren’t open to those conversations, that may have been a factor, too. Showings and Flexibility: Did you have limits on when buyers could see the home? If your house is accessible and available, you’ll likely get more offers. Bottom Line If your house didn’t sell last year, spring may be your second chance. With buyer activity rising, it’s the perfect time to talk to an agent about coming back into the market with a fresh strategy.

Want to know two reasons this spring might finally be your time to buy? Inventory has grown and sellers may be more willing to negotiate as a result. That means you’ve got more options and more power than buyers have had in years. Let’s break it down. 1. You Have More Homes To Choose From The number of homes for sale this February was higher than it’s been in any of the past five Februarys – and that’s great news for your home search. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show the supply of homes on the market has grown by 27.5% in just the last year: More choices for your search is a good thing – and experts also say that inventory is projected to continue rising this year, which is even better. It means it should be easier to find something that checks your most important boxes. But that’s not all this does for you. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com , explains some of the other perks of more inventory, beyond just having more homes to consider: “Buyers will not only have more home options . . . but they are also likely to find somewhat lower asking prices and more time to make decisions – all buyer-friendly factors as we inch closer to the busy homebuying season.” 2. You May Find Sellers Are Doing Price Cuts Now that buyers have more options, some homes are sitting on the market a little longer – especially those that were priced too high from the start. And the result is more sellers are having to drop their prices to draw buyers back in. Just take a look at the numbers. According to Realtor.com , the number of listings with price reductions has gone up compared to the last few years ( see graph below ): This is a sign sellers are more willing to compromise today. If you look back to more normal years in the market (2017–2019), you’ll see that the number of price cuts happening today is much closer to what’s typical – and for most buyers, that’s a big relief. What does that mean for you? It could give you a better chance to negotiate – whether that’s on price, closing costs, or even repairs. While not every seller will adjust their price, more of them are willing to do it – giving you more leverage than buyers have in quite a while. Bottom Line If you’ve been on the sidelines, waiting for the right time to buy, this spring could be the opening you’ve been hoping for. Of course, every market is different, and working with a local expert can help you work through your options. If you want to talk about what’s happening in our area or get started on your home search, let’s connect.

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 6.5% by the end of the year (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?

Some homeowners hesitate to sell because they’ve got unanswered questions that hold them back. But a lot of times their concerns are based on misconceptions, not facts. And if they’d just talk to an agent about it, they’d see these doubts aren’t necessarily a hurdle at all. If uncertainty is keeping you from making a move, it’s time to get the real answers. The ones you deserve. And to take the pressure off, you don’t have to ask the questions, because here’s the data that answers them. 1. Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?  If you own a home already, you may be tempted to wait because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of how much your house has likely grown in value. Think about it. Do you know anyone in your neighborhood who’s sold their house recently? If so, did you hear what it sold for? With how much home values have gone up in recent years, the number may surprise you. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical homeowner has gained $147,000 in housing wealth in the last five years alone. That’s significant – and when you sell, that can give you what you need to fund your next move. 2. Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?  If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how hard it was to find a home over the past few years. But in today’s market, it isn’t as challenging. Data from Realtor.com shows how much inventory has increased – it's up nearly 25% compared to this time last year ( see graph below ):   Even though inventory is still below more normal pre-pandemic levels, it’s improved a lot in the past year. And the best part is, experts say it’ll grow another 10 to 15% this year. That means you have more options for your move – and the best chance in years to find a home you love. 3. Are Buyers Still Buying? And last, if you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now, here’s some perspective that can help. While there weren’t as many home sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.24 million homes still sold (not including new construction), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And the expectation is that number will rise in 2025. But even if we only match how many homes sold last year, here’s what that looks like. 4.24 million homes ÷ 365 days in a year = 11,616 homes sell each day 11,616 homes ÷ 24 hours in a day = 484 homes sell per hour 484 homes ÷ 60 minutes = 8 homes sell every minute Think about that. Just in the time it took you to read this, 8 homes sold. Let this reassure you – the market isn’t at a standstill. Every day, thousands of people buy, and they're looking for homes like yours. Bottom Line When you’re ready to walk through what’s on your mind, I have the answers you need. And in the meantime, tell me: what’s holding you back from making your move?

Over the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering if they’d ever get a shot at owning a home. But here’s some welcome news: that whirlwind pace of home price growth is slowing down. Home Prices Are Rising at a Healthy Pace At the national level, home prices are still going up, but at a much more moderate, normal pace. For example, in November, the year-over-year increase in home prices was just 3.8% nationally, according to Case-Shiller. That’s a far cry from the double-digit spikes that occurred in 2021 and 2022 (see graph below): This more normal home price growth might make buying a home feel more attainable for many buyers. You won’t face the same sticker shock or rapid price jumps that made it hard to plan your purchase just a few years ago. At the same time, steady growth means the home you buy today will likely appreciate in value over time. Prices Vary from Market to Market While the national story is one of moderate price growth, it’s important to remember that all real estate is local. Some markets are seeing stronger growth, while others are cooling off or even seeing slight declines. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes: “Regionally, variations persist, as some affordable areas – including smaller metros in the Midwest — remain in high demand and continue to see upward home price pressures.” Meanwhile, other regions saw slight month-over-month declines in November, according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data (see graph below): What does this mean for you? It’s crucial to understand what’s happening in your local market. A national average can’t tell the whole story. That’s where working with a local real estate agent can really help. They have the tools and expertise to give you the full picture of what’s happening in your area and how to plan for that in your move. Bottom Line Home prices are growing at a more manageable pace, and working with a local real estate agent can help you navigate the ups and downs of your specific market. How have changing home prices impacted your plans to buy? Let’s talk about it.

Do you have the skills to take on a fixer-upper? Tell me what is wrong in this photo. There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you. What’s a Fixer-Upper? A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing. While fixer-uppers need a little TLC, here’s why they may be worth considering, especially right now: 1. They Usually Have a Lower Price Point. Because of the repairs involved, these homes are usually less expensive up front than move-in-ready options. According to a survey from StorageCafe, fixer-uppers come with price tags that are about 29% lower, making them a solid choice if you’re having trouble finding anything in your budget. 2. Less Competition. When you’re ready to make an offer, you’re less likely to deal with competition from other buyers who are focused on move-in-ready homes. 3. Build Equity Faster. From choosing how to redo the floors to picking which cabinets you want in the kitchen, a fixer-upper allows you to design a space that fits your needs and style. And with smart renovations, you can increase your home’s value faster and potentially see a big return on your investment. As The Mortgage Reports notes: “If you’re a house hunter who’s not afraid of sweat equity, buying a fixer-upper could be your ticket to homeownership. Doing so could lead to big savings, even in some of the nation’s largest and most popular housing markets. Plus, adding the right features could help your investment.” What To Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper The possibilities that come with a fixer-upper are exciting, but there are a few things to think about first. • Do You Have a Gameplan? Consider if you have the time, skills, or budget to tackle renovations. Be honest about what you can handle yourself, what you’ll need to hire out, and if a fixer-upper is truly a good fit for your lifestyle. Remember, you’ll likely be living in a construction zone at least for a little while. • Prioritize the Repairs and Upgrades: Don't stress yourself out thinking you’ve got to do all the work up front. Space out renovations over time in a way that makes sense for your budget and what’s most important to tackle first. • Location Matters: You want the money you’re spending to fix up a house to be worth the investment. So, make sure the home is in an area with increasing home values and amenities locals love, like parks and restaurants. • Get a Home Inspection: Hiring an inspector to do a thorough inspection before you buy is a must. What they find will help you understand what needs to be updated, renovation costs, and if it’s a project you want to take on. • Budget for Surprises: Renovations rarely go as planned. So, be sure to set aside extra money to cover things like extended repair timelines, an increase in the cost of materials, or other unknowns that may come up. Talk to a Lender About Financing Options: There are some renovation mortgages designed for homes that need a little work. But they may have requirements like spending and timeline limits, so talk to a trusted lender to understand the fine print. Bottom Line Fixer-uppers aren’t for everyone, but if you’re open to doing a bit of work, they can be a great way to overcome today’s affordability hurdles and find something in your budget. With the right mindset and careful planning, you could turn a less-than-perfect house into the perfect home for you. If you found a fixer-upper that fits your budget and goals, would you consider taking the plunge? If so, let’s connect to explore what’s out there. I have done enough of these to assess if you can handle taking one on.

Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially. While some markets are certainly more affordable than others, know that working with a trusted real estate agent to find what fits your budget and your desired location – no matter where you want to be – is always the best plan. And with the rising cost of living, many people are rethinking where they live and looking for ways to cut expenses. If that sounds like you, read on. Colorado has areas that are known for lower housing costs, reduced insurance premiums, and more budget-friendly daily living expenses – but they’re not the only places to find a hidden gem. If you're open to relocating, you might discover the savings you’re looking for. Why Move to a Lower-Cost Area? Life is getting more expensive by the day. From rising home prices to higher grocery bills, it feels like everything costs more than it used to. Housing, the largest expense for most people, has become especially costly. In fact, according to  data  from  Case-Shiller , home prices increased 3.9% from September 2023 to September 2024. And  data  from  GOBankingRates  shows insurance costs are up too, with home insurance premiums averaging $2,151 annually – a significant jump compared to recent years. These rising costs can feel like a lot to handle. That’s why more people are considering lower-cost areas. An article from the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR)  says : "With the past decade of rising home prices,  buyers are looking for more affordable areas  . . . As housing affordability continues to shape migration patterns,  these areas may provide an opportunity  . . . for those looking for more cost-effective alternatives to the nation’s larger, pricier metropolitan areas." Lower-cost areas typically offer more affordable housing, less expensive home insurance, and reduced costs for daily living like groceries and gas. Transportation expenses and car insurance premiums also tend to be lower. For anyone feeling stretched thin, moving to a less expensive area can provide meaningful financial relief. Planning Your Big Move Whether it’s  finding a home  that fits your budget or cutting down on other expenses, making the right move in any market can bring significant financial relief. Of course, moving isn’t a decision to take lightly. Whether you’re moving just a few towns over or to a completely different state, there’s a lot to consider. From job opportunities, to schools, to local amenities – it all has an impact on finding the right home for you. This is where a knowledgeable local  real estate agent  can be your best resource. Not only can they help you navigate the housing market in your new or desired area, but they’ll also guide you to neighborhoods that balance affordability with your needs. And don’t worry if none of the states on the affordability list seem like the right fit for you.  An agent can still help you identify budget-friendly options wherever you need to be. Bottom Line If the rising cost of living has you feeling stuck, know that you have options. Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially and improve your  quality of life . But don’t try to tackle the process alone. We know where the almost secret home bargains are in Colorado, and we will help you to be well-prepared to make a move. When you’re ready to take the first step, let’s connect.