When you put your house on the market, you want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible; that’s generally the goal. But too many sellers are shooting too high right now. They don’t realize the market has shifted as inventory has grown. The side effect? Price cuts are on the rise, but they really don’t have to be. Here’s why.

According to data from Realtor.com, in February, price cuts were the highest they’ve been in any other February since 2019 (see graph below):

If you consider that 2019 was the last true normal year for the housing market – that’s a big deal. We’re getting back to what’s typical for the market.

This isn’t the same frenzied seller’s market we saw a few years ago. You may not get the same price your neighbor did at the height of the pandemic. And that means you may need to reset your expectations.

Because here’s the reality. If you shoot too high and have to lower your price after the fact, you could actually end up walking away with lower offers than if you’d priced it right from the start. So, how do you avoid that? You lean on your agent.

How an Agent Helps You Nail the Right Price

A great agent doesn’t just pull a number out of thin air. They’ll use real data and market trends to make sure your house is priced based on what your specific home is valued at today. So, you’re setting a realistic price – one that’ll draw in serious buyers.

And based on your agent’s analysis of your local market, they may even recommend strategically pricing slightly below market value to help your house attract more eyes and more competitive offers. Here’s how your agent will determine the right number for your house:

• They look at recent sales. What did similar homes in your area actually sell for? Not list for, sell for.
• They analyze local market trends. Your home’s value isn’t just about what you want for it, it’s about what buyers in your area are willing to pay.
• They craft the right strategy. They’ll make sure your home is priced to attract attention and create a sense of urgency among buyers.

Why Overpricing Backfires

Unfortunately, some sellers still ignore their agent’s advice and prefer to start high just to see what happens. The hope being maybe they get their full asking price, or they at least have more wiggle room for negotiation. But pricing high usually ends up costing you, and here’s why:

• Buyers may not even look at it. Today’s buyers are more budget-conscious than ever. If they see a home that seems overpriced, they’re likely to skip it completely rather than try to negotiate.
• It could sit on the market for too long. The longer your home sits unsold, the more buyers will assume something’s wrong with it. That can make it even harder to sell down the line.
• You might end up getting less. Homes that require a price cut often sell for less than they would have if they had been priced right from the start.

You can see that shake out in the graph below. It uses data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to show that the longer a house sits, the less it’ll sell for:

This graph shows that if a house sells within the first 4 weeks it is listed, it usually goes for full price. Based on experience, that’s what usually happens to homes that are priced at or just below current market value. If it’s priced right, buyers will be interested, and, ultimately, willing to pay the asking price – or compete with other buyers and even go over asking.

But if a house isn’t priced right, it doesn’t sell as quickly. And this graph shows that, after the first 4 weeks on the market, the price starts to drop from there. That’s because buyer interest falls off the longer it sits. So, it becomes more likely a seller will either accept a lower offer because that’s all they have, or opt to do a price drop to draw people back in.

Bottom Line

The last thing you want is to list too high, watch your house sit, and then have to drop the price just to get attention. Talk to a local agent so that doesn’t happen to you.

Want to make sure your home sells quickly and for the best price? Connect with an agent to talk about the right pricing strategy for your house.

Some Highlights

• Before you even start looking at homes, there’s something you should do first – and that’s get pre-approved for your mortgage.
• Pre-approval is when a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow for your home loan. This helps you determine your budget and makes your offer stand out for sellers.
• ​Connect with a trusted lender to get the process started.

For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With so few homes for sale and so many people who wanted to purchase them, buyers faced tough competition just to get an offer accepted. But now, inventory is rising, and things are starting to shift in many areas.

So, is the market finally balancing out? And does that mean buyers will have it a bit easier now? Here’s what you need to know.

What Makes It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market?

It all comes down to how many homes are for sale in an area compared to how many buyers want to buy there. That’s what ultimately determines who has the most leverage.

• A Seller’s Market is when there are more buyers than homes available, so sellers hold the power. This leads to rising prices, multiple offers, and homes selling quickly – often above the asking price – because there isn’t enough to go around.
• A Buyer’s Market is when there are more homes than buyers. In this case, the tables turn. Sellers may have to offer concessions and incentives, or negotiate more to get a deal done. That’s because buyers have more choices and can take their time making decisions.

You can see this play out over time using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the graph below:

Where the Market Stands Now

While it’s still a seller’s market in many places, buyers in certain locations have more leverage than they’ve had in years. And that’s thanks to how much inventory has grown lately. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:

“Among the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets, 41 markets ended January 2025 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic January 2019. These are the places where homebuyers will be able to find the most leverage or market balance in 2025.”

Here’s a look at some of the strongest seller’s markets and buyer’s markets today, according to that research:

Do you know how to adjust your plans based on who’s got the most negotiating power? Because an agent does.

Clever strategies can make buying in a seller’s market easier – and vice versa. And that’s exactly why you need to hire a pro. A local real estate agent knows their market like the back of their hand. They’re super familiar with what the supply and demand balance looks like and how to help their clients get a deal done either way. So, as long as you have a skilled pro by your side, it doesn’t really matter if your town is on the list or not.

With their expertise, you’ll be able to plan ahead and buy (or sell) no matter what the market looks like.

Bottom Line

With inventory rising, the market may be starting to balance out – but it all depends on where you want to buy or sell.

If you want to know who has the most leverage where you are, talk to a local real estate agent. 

Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job?

Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts.

The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here’s some information that can give you a bit of perspective, so you don’t have these concerns.

Focus on What You Can Control

Since homeownership is new to you, you’re probably feeling like it’s hard to know what to budget for. And that can be a bit scary. You’ll have the mortgage, home insurance, and maintenance to think about – maybe even lawn care or homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. It’s easy to let the dollar signs be overwhelming. As Zillow says:

“Buying a house is a big decision, and you might feel confused and indecisive as you assess your current financial situation and try to work through whether or not the timing is right. Making big life choices might come with some self-doubt, but crunching the numbers and thinking about what you want your life to look like will help guide you down the right path.”

The important thing is to focus on what you can control. By partnering with a local agent and a trusted lender, you can get a clear understanding of what you can borrow for your home loan, what your monthly payment would be, and how your mortgage rate can impact it. And since that payment will likely be your biggest recurring expense, the key is to make sure the number works for you.

Don’t Stress About Repairs

The maintenance and repairs? Those can be a little bit harder to anticipate. But don’t forget you’ll get an inspection during the homebuying process to give you a better look at the condition of your future house. And with your inspection report in hand, you’ll have a good idea of what needs work. This way, you can start saving up so that you’re ready if and when something breaks.

But even then, if this is something that’s still really nagging at you, talk to your agent about asking the seller to throw in a home warranty. Those can cover repairs for some of the bigger systems in the house, like the HVAC, if they break within a specific time frame. While this isn’t a huge expense for the seller, the likelihood of a seller agreeing to one depends on what’s happening in your local market and how competitive it is right now.

It’s Okay To Stretch – Just Not Too Far

And remember, chances are that money will be a little tight – at least at first. And that’s kind of to be expected. A lot of times when someone buys their first home, they cut down on things like shopping and eating out for a while until they get a better idea of how their expenses will shake out in the new home.

But if you’re crunching the numbers and you won’t have enough money left for things like gas, food, etc. – it’s a sign you’d be stretching yourself too far. The last thing you want is to take on a payment that’s too much to handle. But stretching a little? That’s different. That’s normal.

Your Job Will Probably Change – And That’s Okay

And don’t forget, you’ll likely earn more down the road, so that slight stretch now won’t seem so bad as time wears on. As you advance in your career, you’ll probably start to make more money too. So, as your paycheck grows, the payments will get easier. Renting is a short-term option – and it’s one you deserve to get out of. Buying a home is a long-term play.

And just in case you’re worried about what happens if you do lose your job, you should know there are options, like forbearance, designed to help you temporarily pause payments on your home loan due to hardship.

Bottom Line

Buying your first home is a big decision, and it’s okay to feel a little nervous about it. But if you’re financially ready, don’t let fear keep you from moving forward. These emotions are normal, and great agents help their buyers get through them.

What makes you nervous when you think about buying your first home?

Connect with an agent so you have an expert on your side to explain everything along the way.

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of high mortgage rates, you might want to take another look at the market. That’s because mortgage rates have been trending down lately – and that gives you a chance to jump back in.

Mortgage rates have been declining for seven straight weeks now, according to data from Freddie Mac. And the average weekly rate is now at the lowest level so far this year (see graph below):

While that may not sound like a significant shift, it is noteworthy. Because the meaningful drop from over 7% to the mid-6’s can change your mindset when it comes to buying a home. Especially when the forecasts said we wouldn’t hit this number until roughly Q3 of this year (see graph below):

Why Are Rates Coming Down?

According to Joel Kan, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), recent economic uncertainty is playing a role in pushing rates lower:

“Mortgage rates declined last week on souring consumer sentiment regarding the economy and increasing uncertainty over the impact of new tariffs levied on imported goods into the U.S. Those factors resulted in the largest weekly decline in the 30-year fixed rate since November 2024.”

And the timing of this recent decline is great because it gives you a little bit of relief going into the spring market. Just remember, mortgage rates can be a quickly moving target, so you should expect some volatility going forward. But the window you have as they’re coming down right now might be the sweet spot for your purchasing power now.

What Lower Rates Mean for Your Buying Power

Even small changes in rates can make a difference to your monthly payment. Here’s how the math shakes out. The chart below shows what a monthly payment (principal and interest) would look like on a $400K home loan if you purchased a house when rates were 7.04% back in mid-January (this year’s mortgage rate high), versus what it could look like if you buy a home now (see below):

In just a matter of weeks, the anticipated payment on a $400K loan has come down by over $100 per month. That’s a significant savings. When you’re making a decision as big as buying a home, every bit counts.

Just remember, shifts in the economy drove rates down faster than expected. But that can change, making rates volatile in the days and months ahead. So, if you’re waiting for rates to fall further before you buy, think hard about the current window of opportunity if you’re ready to act.

Bottom Line

Mortgage rates have dipped, giving buyers a bit more immediate breathing room. If you’ve been waiting for rates to ease before jumping in, this could be your window.

Would a lower monthly payment make buying a home feel more doable for you?

Connect with an agent to break down the numbers and find out.

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.

Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace

The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts are saying prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.

While we’re no longer seeing the steep spikes of previous years, experts project a steady and sustainable increase of around 3-4% per year, nationally. And the good news is, this is a much more normal pace – a welcome sign for hopeful buyers (see graph below):

What This Means for You

While it’s tempting to wait it out for prices or mortgage rates to decline before you buy, here’s what you’ll need to consider if you do.

• Tomorrow’s home prices will be higher than today’s. The longer you wait, the more that purchase price will go up.
• Waiting for the perfect mortgage rate or a price drop may backfire. Even if rates dip slightly, rising home prices could still make waiting more expensive overall.
• Buying now means building equity sooner. Home values are rising, which means your investment starts growing as soon as you buy.

Let’s put real numbers into this equation. If you purchase a $400,000 home today, based on these price forecasts, it’s expected to go up in value by more than $83,000 over the next five years. That’s some serious money back in your pocket instead of being left on the sidelines (see graph below):

Why Aren’t Prices Dropping? It’s All About Supply and Demand

Even though there are more homes for sale right now than there were at this time last year, or even last month, there still aren’t enough of them on the market for all the buyers who want to purchase them. And that puts continued upward pressure on prices. As Redfin puts it:

“Prices will rise at a pace similar to that of the second half of 2024 because we don’t expect there to be enough new inventory to meet demand.”

While every market is different, most areas will continue to see moderate price growth. Some may level off a bit, but a major national drop? Not likely.

Bottom Line

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, remember this: real estate rewards those who get in the market, not those who try to time it perfectly.

Yes, today’s housing market has its challenges, but there are ways to make it work —exploring different neighborhoods, considering smaller condos or townhomes, asking your lender about alternative financing, or tapping into down payment assistance programs. The key is making a move when it makes sense for you rather than waiting for a perfect scenario that may never arrive.

Want to take a look at what’s happening with prices in your local market? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, reach out to a local agent so you have a plan in place that’ll set you up for success.

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.

Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace

The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts are saying prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.

While we’re no longer seeing the steep spikes of previous years, experts project a steady and sustainable increase of around 3-4% per year, nationally. And the good news is, this is a much more normal pace – a welcome sign for hopeful buyers (see graph below):

What This Means for You

While it’s tempting to wait it out for prices or mortgage rates to decline before you buy, here’s what you’ll need to consider if you do.

• Tomorrow’s home prices will be higher than today’s. The longer you wait, the more that purchase price will go up.
• Waiting for the perfect mortgage rate or a price drop may backfire. Even if rates dip slightly, rising home prices could still make waiting more expensive overall.
• Buying now means building equity sooner. Home values are rising, which means your investment starts growing as soon as you buy.

Let’s put real numbers into this equation. If you purchase a $400,000 home today, based on these price forecasts, it’s expected to go up in value by more than $83,000 over the next five years. That’s some serious money back in your pocket instead of being left on the sidelines (see graph below):

Why Aren’t Prices Dropping? It’s All About Supply and Demand

Even though there are more homes for sale right now than there were at this time last year, or even last month, there still aren’t enough of them on the market for all the buyers who want to purchase them. And that puts continued upward pressure on prices. As Redfin puts it:

“Prices will rise at a pace similar to that of the second half of 2024 because we don’t expect there to be enough new inventory to meet demand.”

While every market is different, most areas will continue to see moderate price growth. Some may level off a bit, but a major national drop? Not likely.

Bottom Line

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, remember this: real estate rewards those who get in the market, not those who try to time it perfectly.

Yes, today’s housing market has its challenges, but there are ways to make it work —exploring different neighborhoods, considering smaller condos or townhomes, asking your lender about alternative financing, or tapping into down payment assistance programs. The key is making a move when it makes sense for you rather than waiting for a perfect scenario that may never arrive.

Want to take a look at what’s happening with prices in your local market? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, reach out to a local agent so you have a plan in place that’ll set you up for success.

Some Highlights

• Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen dramatically. If you own a home, that means your house may be worth a lot more than you think. ​
• Nationally, prices are up nearly 60% since 2019. ​And, if selling has been on your mind, you can use that bigger-than-expected return to power your next move.
• If you want to know how much your home is worth in today’s market, reach out to a local agent.​ The number may surprise you.

Spring is a season of renewal, and as a homeowner, it’s easy to get swept up in the day-to-day of life. But maintaining your home is an important part of protecting the long-term value of your investment.

So, whether you own a house already or you’re planning to become a homeowner this year, here are five essential spring home maintenance tasks you don’t want to overlook. Save this as your helpful resource to come back to year after year.

1. Clean Your Gutters

Winter weather can leave behind debris, like leaves and twigs, clogging your gutters. If water can’t flow freely, it can lead to roof leaks or foundation damage. Hiring a professional to take on the height of this job is probably best, but if you’re an ace on a sturdy ladder, this may be your thing. Either way, keeping them clean and clear is a must.

2. Wash Your Windows and Screens

Spring is the perfect time to let the sunlight in – but dirty windows can dull the view. Remove and wash your window screens, then use a window cleaner or a vinegar-water mix to make your glass sparkle. It’s a simple job that can instantly brighten your home while also keeping dirt and build-up from settling in permanently.

3. Service Your HVAC System

Spring also means it’s time to schedule a tune-up for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. A professional can clean and inspect your system, ensuring it’s ready to keep you cool during the summer months while also fixing any damage that may have occurred over the winter. When the summer weather heats up, you don’t want to be calling for an emergency issue that could have been prevented with regular maintenance.

4. Rake and Clear Debris from Your Yard

After a long winter, your yard likely needs a little TLC. Rake up leaves, sticks, and other debris to give your lawn room to flourish. Not only does this make your yard look tidy, but it also helps promote healthy grass growth for the warmer months ahead.

5. Refresh Your Exterior Paint and Caulking

This season is a great time to touch up your home’s exterior paint and check the caulking around windows and doors. This helps prevent water damage and keeps your home looking fresh and inviting.

Bottom Line

Owning a home is a rewarding journey, but it comes with responsibilities. By staying on top of these spring maintenance tasks, you can protect your investment and enjoy your home to the fullest. A little effort now goes a long way when it comes to keeping your home safe, efficient, and beautiful for years to come.

Don’t let these essential tasks sit on the back burner. Your future self will thank you.

What’s on your to-do list this season? I’ll make sure you hit all the homeowner must-do’s and connect you to some local pros I trust who can help get the jobs done.