THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN HOME SHOPPING

House hunting is very exciting, but before you fall in love with that perfect home, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid buyer’s remorse down the road. Here is my list of things to consider when shopping for your next home:


School District


Whether or not you have kids (or plan to), the school district can play a big role in your home’s value and appeal when it’s time to sell. It’s worth doing some research on local schools— GreatSchools.org is a great resource!


Neighborhood


Take a walk around the block, chat with neighbors, and visit at different times of the day. Does it feel like a place you’d want to call home? Your surroundings should match your lifestyle and long-term goals.


A Home’s Potential


Focus on the big-picture features like location, layout, and lot size. These are the elements that truly shape a home’s potential and are much harder&mdas! ...

EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY WHEN BUYING

When it comes to buying a home, we all have certain expectations — especially with how it’s portrayed on TV. But let’s be real: the reality of home buying is often far more complex than a neatly wrapped 30-minute episode (spoiler alert: the market doesn’t work that way!).

Expectation: I’m going to find the perfect home

REALITY: There’s no such thing as the “perfect” home, not even if you build a new one. The perfect home might not exist, but the right home is out there—and it’s the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and needs. It’s normal to have a wish list, but flexibility is key in today’s market. Focus on the essentials: location, layout, and potential.

Expectation: I’m going to find a home quickly

REALITY: While inventory has increased, demand is still high, and it might take longer than you expect to find “the one.&rdqu! ...

WHY YOU SHOULD LIST YOUR HOME RIGHT AFTER THE SUPER BOWL 
The big game doesn’t just mark the end of football season—it also kicks off the unofficial start of the Spring real estate market! If you’re considering selling your home, now is the perfect time to start preparing.
Here are a few reasons why you should list your home ASAP:
1.Buyers are ready
Believe it or not, many buyers are already preparing for their spring moves in February. With more people entering the market the competition is fierce—and that means you could get top dollar for your home.
2. Less competition 
While many sellers wait for the “official” spring season, you can get a head start. Listing early helps your home stand out before the market gets flooded with new listings.
3. Serious buyers are looking now
People who are out house-hunting during the first few months of the year are typically serious buyers. They’re ready to make a move and won’t be w! ...

3 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENT LOW

It’s no secret that affordability challenges are making it harder for buyers to enter the market these days — from rising home prices to fluctuating interest rates. But don’t let that discourage you! With the right strategy and a little creativity, buying a home can still be within reach.

Here are 3 strategies to help make your monthly payment manageable and homeownership more achievable:

1.Skip PMI the smart way

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) can add a lot to your payment, but you don’t need a 20% down payment to avoid it!

Ask your lender about options like upfront PMI (you pay the entire PMI cost as a one-time fee) and Lender Paid MI (the lender covers the PMI through a slightly higher interest rate).

2. Shop around for the best rate

Not all lenders are created equal! Compare interest rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal. Even a slightly lower i! ...

“MY INTEREST RATE IS 3% IT WOULD BE CRAZY TO SELL”… AND HOW I RESPOND TO THAT.

One phrase I hear often is, ‘My mortgage is 3%, I’d be crazy to sell.’ But here’s the thing—while that low rate feels great now, sometimes staying in a home that no longer fits your needs could cost you more in the long run.

Let’s be real… interest rates aren’t the reason people move. It’s LIFE that makes people move. New goals, growing families, divorce, new jobs, new priorities — all reasons people need to sell their home and search for another. 

Whether you’re cramped for space, need a change of scenery, or your family’s needs are evolving, a home that’s no longer the right fit can be a source of stress and frustration. That 3% mortgage might be sweet, but what’s even sweeter is finding a place that truly works for you.

And here’s the kicker: You don’t need to settle! The eq! ...