You’ve probably heard the headlines: mortgage rates are still high, and the market is tough. But here’s what most of those headlines miss: subtle signs of life in the housing market. Mortgage purchase applications are up year over year, and even though rates are still above 6.5%, demand is starting

The spring housing market is here, and if you’re thinking about buying or selling, you’ve probably heard plenty of predictions, opinions, and advice. Some of it is useful. Some of it, not so much. So, what’s the real story? Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale, recently shared advice with he

Real estate has always been a solid long-term investment, but according to some of the biggest players in the industry, we could be on the verge of something even bigger: A real estate supercycle.  Unlike short-term market swings, a supercycle is driven by long-term fundamentals—factors like housin

If you've been holding out for a housing market rebound, two of the biggest names in real estate—Ryan Serhant and Barbara Corcoran—are here to tell you that while the market isn’t crashing, it is changing.  Buying or selling a home today looks very different than it did just a few years ago. But th

The decision to buy or rent isn’t just about today’s costs—it’s about your future plans, financial stability, and lifestyle goals.  According to ATTOM’s 2025 Rental Affordability Report, in most U.S. markets, homeownership costs less of a person’s wages than renting a comparable property. But does

What if I told you that, over 30 years, the average homeowner will spend over $180,000 on repairs and maintenance? Sounds crazy, right? But when you break it down, it’s simple math: Homeowners spend an average of $6,087 per year on unexpected fixes, according to a recent survey conducted by Real Es

If you’re a renter, you’ve probably felt the sting of rising rental prices at some point.  According to Zillow, single-family home rents are now 20% higher on average than apartment rents—the widest gap ever recorded. While the market has its challenges, there’s good news: by understanding your rig

With wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County, images of destruction are everywhere. Over 12,000 structures have been burned down, neighborhoods reduced to rubble and nearly 92,000 residents forced to evacuate.  As people come together to rebuild their city—and their lives—people across the na

2025 homebuyers have made one thing clear: they want move-in-ready properties. According to a recent Bright MLS survey, more than 56% of prospective buyers say that move-in-ready condition is their top priority.  If selling is in your plan this year, here’s what you need to know about buyer prioriti

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve watched your home’s value rise over the past few years. Thanks to record-high equity levels, many homeowners are sitting on what feels like a financial jackpot. But with the housing market shifting and 2025 here, you might be wondering:  Should I sell my ho

With the start of a new year, resolutions often focus on what we should do—exercise more, save money, or finally tackle that home project. But what about the things we shouldn’t do? For homeowners, avoiding certain pitfalls can be just as important as setting ambitious goals. This "Reverse Resoluti

If you're planning to buy or sell a home in 2025, there's something you should know: buyers and sellers aren't seeing eye to eye on price. According to a recent survey by Clever Real Estate, there's a $27,000 gap between what buyers think they’ll pay and what sellers expect to get. Buyers are budge

Moving to Chesapeake, Virginia: Everything You Need to Know Before Relocating Thinking about relocating to Chesapeake, Virginia? Whether you’re military, a young professional, or retiree, Chesapeake offers a blend of suburban charm, excellent rated schools*, and natural beauty. Why Chesapeake, VA?

Recently, I came across a podcast featuring Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist. Much of the conversation was what you might expect—housing market predictions for 2025, what Zillow got wrong about 2024, and a breakdown of trends shaping real estate across the country.  In other words, the kind o

The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be an interesting one—steady growth, more inventory, and a bit of breathing room for buyers. But let’s be real: behind every steady forecast lies a handful of wild cards that could shift the game. From unexpected mortgage rate swings to federal policies that

For the first time in over three years, existing home sales increased year over year, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.96 million in October. So, what exactly does this mean? So glad you asked! Even though 2024 is shaping up to have the fewest home sales on record, the rise in sal

The holidays are almost here, and your home is about to be center stage for festive gatherings and cozy reunions.  Whether you’re looking forward to hosting or dreading it, the good news is that you don’t have to empty your wallet while prepping your home. As a real estate agent, I’ve seen firsthan

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many steps, decisions, and financial considerations, it’s easy to see why first-time homebuyers often feel stressed. However, with the right guidance and preparation, you can navigate the process confidently

Homeownership is amazing—but it’s also a total lifestyle shift from the rental days. From surprise plumbing issues to finally being able to pick paint colors, there’s a whole lot that changes.  If you’re considering making the leap, understanding these shifts can prepare you for what lies ahead and

You might be thinking, Am I missing out on options if I don’t buy a home during the peak season? While it’s true that spring and summer typically bring an influx of listings, they also bring more competition and, in turn, higher prices. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home