The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You

Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too.  That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive. Let’s run through what you need to know about both and how they could play a role in your move. More Sellers Are Agreeing to Concessions Almost half (46%) of homeowners who sold recently Read more…

That House That’s Been Sitting Could Be Your Best Shot at a Deal

Open up a home search and you’ll see them. Listings that have been on the market for two months. Three. Some longer. Most buyers scroll right past them, assuming something’s wrong with the house. But that instinct could be costing you, since the longer a home sits, the more motivated the seller usually gets. Where Some Buyers Are Finding Better Deals If affordability has been your #1 hurdle to buying, here’s a surprisingly simple strategy Read more…

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation. Read more…

Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget?

Whether you’re dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you’re in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind. Home prices are still high in many markets, and even though things have improved a bit over the past year, making the numbers work can still feel like a stretch. But the people finding ways to move right now usually have one thing in common. They didn’t Read more…

Are Home Prices Going To Fall?

It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “What if I buy, and home prices go down?” With everything in the news, that concern makes some sense. No one wants to make a big financial decision at the wrong time. But here’s what’s important to know. You don’t want to get hung up on the few places seeing slight declines right now. When you zoom out and look at the full Read more…

Why Staging Your House Could Pay Off This Spring

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market. But what does that really mean – and is it worth the effort? The short answer is “yes,” especially right now. With more houses for sale this year, you’re likely wondering how to make the most money possible without your house sitting on the market. The answer is staging. It can help your house stand out, bring in Read more…

4 Ways To Give Your Offer an Edge This Spring

Looking to buy a home this season? Here’s what you should know.  Buyers have more leverage today than they’ve had in years. There are more homes to choose from and, in many areas, sellers are more open to negotiation.  But that doesn’t mean competition is gone completely. These days, it varies a lot depending on where you’re hoping to move.  If you’re buying in a popular neighborhood, or in a market where there aren’t many Read more…