Home sales are up. In February, total home sales in the U.S. rose 14.5% from the month prior. That jump ended a 12-month streak of declines in national home sales, and it’s the largest percent increase since July 2020. The sale of new construction homes has also increased, with numbers up for the th

Spring is here! With warm weather on the way, it’s time to think about planting, cleaning, and upgrading our outside spaces. Which outdoor projects add the most value to your home? Check it out: 1. A top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen for entertaining Outdoor kitchens shot to popularity during the pand

Many fear a recession in 2023—but is one inevitable? Let’s break it down. What is a recession? The most widely-accepted meaning of “recession” is the one from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). They define it as “a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the econ

Major design trends change cyclically and with major global events that alter our way of life. In 2020 and 2021, most people had to start spending far more time at home and as a result, new ideas took center stage in home design. Harsh lines and sterile colors started to go out of style in favor of

Mortgage rates fell to an all-time low of 2.65% in 2021. Now they’re more than double that, and everyone is asking the same question. Will mortgage rates drop in 2023? Let’s break it down. Why are mortgage rates so high? Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, the foundation of which is th

Almost 100% of home shoppers start their searches online using sites like Zillow or Realtor.com—but did you know that these search engines don’t return all of the available homes for sale? It’s true. There are many more homes available than the ones you see online, so if you haven’t been able to fin

If you’re selling your home, an open house is a great way to generate buzz. You get to present your home while it’s looking its best to many buyers at once, creating a sense of excitement and competition that can bring in multiple offers. Hosting an open house will also net you more money. How much?

Valentine's Day is a time to express sincere love and appreciation, and few things stir as much passion as the sight of the home of your dreams—one that’s in your price range and newly listed! Whenever there’s an attractively priced home getting multiple bids, it’s understandable you might be tempte

On February 12th, while sports fans will be rooting for their favorite team to win, savvy homebuyers and sellers should use this occasion to get ahead of the spring homebuying season. Spring might seem far away, but potential buyers and sellers tend to start getting ready now. With just a few simple

Are you a property owner looking for ways to reduce your annual tax burden? These homeowner tax incentives can help lower your taxable income and result in huge savings when filing. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common homeowner tax incentives that could benefit you this year. Homeowner ta

As of mid-January 2023, the rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.33%. Though the rate has dropped since its peak of 7.08% in October 2022, it currently remains at a 14-year high. What factors affect mortgage rates? Mortgage rates are high right now due to a combination of factors including an

Renovating your home can be daunting, especially when it comes to deciding which projects are worth investing in. With so many options available for potential upgrades, it's hard to know what will provide the most value. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most valuable ren

Wondering what’s in store for the housing market in 2023?  2022 was certainly full of ups and downs with U.S. home values peaking in May 2022 and then declining as surging interest rates made already-high home prices unaffordable for many. Though mortgage rates have dropped somewhat along with list

High mortgage rates—currently over 6.42% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage—paired with hefty listing prices are quickly making buying a new home unaffordable for many. While high prices and high mortgage rates affect all potential homebuyers, those entering the market for the first time are finding

2023 is around the corner, and everyone is setting goals and writing out their resolutions. Do your goals include buying a home for the first time? If so, you probably already know there are some steps you have to take the get there. You’re probably aware that you need to qualify for a mortgage, hir

These four upcoming home design trends double as homeselling tips. Trend #1: Vibrant Colors 2023 is the year we break away from sterile whites and plain grays. On-trend colors are bolder and more vibrant, reflecting the joy and liveliness today’s buyers are seeking in a home. This year’s 2023 Paint

If you’re looking to sell your home soon, but have concerns about whether or not you’ll be able to get top dollar, you’re not alone. As of October 2022, nationwide home prices have fallen 7.65% since May highs and the share of homes having their price reduced grew from 10.6% last October to 20.9% th

As recently as this past summer, the residential real estate market blazed red-hot. The boom made life supremely easy for home sellers, with multiple buyers showering them with bids. At the peak of this super-competitive market, many buyers had to eliminate real estate contingencies from their offer

Buying a house during the holidays can be done—and done well—with a little planning and an expert real estate agent by your side. House hunting in December might seem like a chaotic idea, but there are some key advantages to buying now. December is one of the slowest months for home sales, so you ha

For many, the last quarter of any year is reserved for holiday festivities, obligations at home, and work schedules. People may ask you, “Sell my house now?” Their skepticism is understandable. After all, moving in the fall sounds like a terrible idea to some. Moving during this time of year could b