Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why. There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 1 in 5 homes for sale right now is new construction. So, if you’re not looking at newly built homes, you’re missing out on a big portion of what’s available. And with more new homes on the market, builders are motivated to sell their current inventory. As a result, many are taking steps to draw in buyers. Builders Are Cutting Prices According to Buddy Hughes, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): “Almost 40% of home builders reduced sales prices in the last month . . .” That means builders are being realistic about today’s market and adjusting to what buyers can afford. It’s their way to keep their inventory moving. So, builders may be more willing to negotiate price than you’d expect – and that means your dollar may go further if you buy a newly built home. Lean on your agent to see what’s available and what incentives builders are offering in and around your area. Builders Are Offering Lower Mortgage Rates Here’s something most people don’t know. Right now, buyers of brand-new homes often get better mortgage rates than buyers of existing homes. That’s because many builders are also offering rate buydowns to make their homes more attractive and keep sales moving. Basically, they’re willing to chip in to lower your rate, so you’re more likely to buy one of their homes. Data from Realtor.com shows, in 2023 and 2024, buyers of newly built homes got a mortgage rate around half a percent lower compared to those who bought existing homes ( see graph below) : 

Buying your first home is a big milestone – and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier. Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to me. I have helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. I know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork. Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers. Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First Rocket Mortgage says this is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at homes online is fun. But doing it before you know your numbers? That’s risky. You don’t want to fall in love with a house that’s way outside of your financial comfort zone. That's a fast track for getting frustrated. Instead, find your agent and talk to a lender early – before looking at any houses . With your lender’s help, you’ll be able to get pre-approved for your home loan. That’ll give you a better idea of what you’ll be able to borrow. And it helps you set a realistic budget. Then, your agent will be able to make you a customized list of homes, so you’re only seeing what’ll work for what you can spend. More clarity, less frustration. Tip #2: Set a Budget and Stick To It Remember, just because you can borrow up to a certain amount, chances are you won’t want to max that number out. It’s really important to avoid overextending your budget, especially in today’s market. Other housing expenses like home insurance , homeowners association ( HOA ) fees, and taxes are on the rise, and you need to factor those in. Bankrate offers this advice: “When you’re building a budget to narrow your search for properties, don’t just think about how much house you can afford, but how much in recurring costs you can handle once you’ve purchased your home.” So, lean on the pros for advice on expenses you may not be thinking of, so you can work them into your budget. Tip #3: Don't Skip the Inspection When you find the right home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But skipping the inspection just to make your offer look stronger is a gamble that could cost you. Instead, work with your agent to schedule a real inspection. They'll connect you with local pros, make sure it’s booked, and help you understand the results so you can negotiate repairs or ask for money off at closing, if needed. It’s better to invest in this time up front to avoid what could be thousands in surprise repairs later. Tip #4: Your First Home Doesn’t Have To Be Your Forever Home For a lot of buyers, this is where unnecessary pressure creeps in. But remember, you don't have to land your dream home right out of the gate. That’s why it’s called a starter home. It's a starting point, not your final destination. An agent will help you explore all your options, including ones you may not have thought about. For example, a well-kept condo, a townhouse in a great location, or a house with good bones can be a perfect first step into homeownership. The goal? Get in. Start building equity . Then, grow from there. Bottom Line Buying your first place is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel like a step in the dark. Let’s talk about where you’re starting, what’s stressing you out (or holding you back), and what you actually need to know to make a new purchase in Granite Bay, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, or anywhere around the Sacramento valley.

There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash. Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why. Over 100 leading housing market experts were surveyed in the latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. Their collective forecast shows prices are projected to keep rising over the next 5 years, just at a slower, healthier pace than what we’ve seen more recently. And that kind of steady, sustainable growth should be one factor to help ease your fears about the years ahead ( see graph below) : 

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are down compared to last year, you might be thinking – is it even a good time to sell ? Here’s the thing. Sure, the pace of the market has cooled compared to the frenzy we saw just a few years ago, but that’s not a red flag. It’s a return to normal. And normal doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Buyers are still out there – and homes are still selling. Why? Because real life doesn’t pause for perfect conditions. There are always people who need to buy – and this year is no exception. Buyers who are in the middle of a big change in their lives, a new marriage, a growing family, or a new job still need to move, no matter where mortgage rates are. And they may be looking for a home just like yours. Every Minute 8 Homes Sell Let’s break it down using the latest sales data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Based on the current pace, we’re on track to sell 4.03 million homes this year (not including new construction). 4.03 million homes ÷ 365 days = 11,041 homes sell per day 11,041 homes ÷ 24 hours = 460 homes sell per hour 460 homes ÷ 60 minutes = roughly 8 homes sell every minute That means in the time it takes to read this, another 8 homes will sell. Let that sink in. Every minute, buyers are making moves – and sellers are closing deals. The Right Agent Makes All the Difference If you’ve been holding off on selling your house because you think buyers aren’t out there, let this reassure you – there are still buyers looking to buy. But since the market is balancing out, selling today takes more than just putting up a sign in the yard. You’ve got to price your house right, market it well, and know how to reach the buyers who are ready to act. That’s where a trusted local agent comes in. They’ll help you navigate this market, position your home to stand out, and guide you through every step. Bottom Line The market hasn’t stopped. Buyers are still buying in Granite Bay, Loomis, Roseville, Rocklin and surrounding areas of the Sacramento Valley.... Life is still happening. And if selling your home is part of your next chapter, let’s make it happen, reach out to me for help.. Roughly 11,000 homes are selling every day – and yours could be next. When you’re ready to take the next step, let’s connect.

If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you thought getting approved would be too hard, know this: qualifying for a mortgage is starting to get a bit more achievable, but lending standards are still strong. Lenders are making it slightly easier for well-qualified buyers to access financing, which is opening more doors for people ready to make a move. So, if strict requirements were holding you back, this shift could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, without repeating the risky lending practices that led to the housing crash back in 2008. Lenders Are Opening More Doors Banks are offering credit to more people in an effort to boost activity in the housing market, including buyers who have lower credit scores or smaller down payments. And that means more people are getting approved for mortgages. But it doesn’t mean we’re heading for another crash like 2008. Even with the slight easing lately, lending standards today are still much tighter than they were back then. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) has been going up . This index shows how easy or hard it is for people to get a mortgage. When the index rises, it means banks are easing their lending standards. And in May, credit availability hit its highest point in almost three years ( see graph below ): 

Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing. It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the intense seller’s market over the past few years. But what you need to remember is: there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or next year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches the moment. Here's your update. 1. Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back. According to the latest data , the number of homes for sale is rising back toward more normal levels (see graph below) : 

Multi-generational living is on the rise. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 17% of homebuyers purchase a home to share with parents, adult children, or extended family. That’s the highest share ever recorded by NAR (see graph below) :

Are you thinking about buying a home , but not sure if now’s the right time? A lot of people are waiting and wondering what the market’s going to do next. But here’s something only the savviest buyers realize: This summer might actually be the best time to buy in years. Here are three big reasons why. 1. You Have More Negotiating Power  After several years of sellers having all the leverage, things are starting to shift. Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that right now, there are more sellers active in the market than buyers:

Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own. Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it: “Homeownership isn’t primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators.” Here’s what owning a home can mean for you, especially right now. Freedom To Make It Yours When you're a homeowner, you don’t need to ask permission to paint a wall, hang a gallery of your favorite art, or redo the floors. You have the freedom to create a space that reflects who you are, all the way from the light fixtures to the paint colors. Pro Tip: Just be mindful about exterior changes, if you buy a home in a community that has a homeowner’s association (HOA). There may be some approvals you’d need to get for select outdoor changes. More Privacy, More Peace Owning your home can give you a sense of peace you didn’t even realize you were missing. It’s a comfortable place where you feel secure and can relax, enjoy your privacy, and unwind after a long day. Room To Grow Whether it’s starting a family, setting up a home office for your new career, or finally building that home gym in the garage so you can hit your fitness goals, owning gives you the space to live life on your terms. A Stronger Sense of Community When you own, you’re not just passing through, you’re putting down roots. That often leads to stronger ties with your community, more connection to your neighborhood, and a deeper feeling of belonging where you live. That’s very different from the temporary nature of renting. A Feeling of Accomplishment There’s something powerful about getting the keys and walking into your own front door for the first time. It’s more than pride, it’s personal satisfaction. A quiet and meaningful sense of “I did this.” Sure, it’s not always easy for first-time homebuyers right now. The market today requires patience, strategy , and sometimes a little creative problem-solving. But it’s still worth it. As Realtor.com says : “Buying a home is a major commitment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.” When you get those keys in your hand, when you realize this place is where your life gets to unfold, it clicks. The stress, the waiting, the planning – all of it led you home. Bottom Line There are a lot of things out of your control right now. But building a life in a space that’s truly yours? That’s still possible with the right strategy and expert help from me to buy a home in Granite Bay, Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis, or anywhere in the Sacramento Valley…Let’s talk about how I can help you make it happen. What would it mean for you to finally have a place to call your own?