Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth. Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one. 

When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy . And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one. Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do. Overpricing Comes at a Cost And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough choices: Drop the price : Cutting the price might help get more eyes on the house again, but it can also trigger red flags. Buyers may wonder what’s wrong with it. And that’s going to impact any offers you get after the price cut. Take it off the market : Some sellers give up on the idea of selling right now. The worst part about this is it means putting their future plans on the back burner. That dream of more space, downsizing, or relocating? On pause. Rent it out : Others go the landlord route, but managing tenants and navigating leases isn’t always the simple fallback it seems. Renting can work, but it’s often a lot more hassle than people expect. None of those options were part of the original plan. And honestly, none of them are where you should end up if you wanted to sell. Here’s a look at how a local agent’s expertise can help you avoid these headaches. Let's use price cuts as an example. Where You Live Makes a Difference While the number of price cuts is up nationally, data shows some parts of the country are seeing far more of them than others. It all comes down to how much inventory has grown in that area ( see map below ):

Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in. “I’ll never save enough.” “I need a small fortune just to get started.” “I guess I’ll just rent forever.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck. Here’s the thing: a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just isn’t true. And once you know the facts, you might realize you’re a lot closer to owning a home than you think. Let’s break it all down and bust some big down payment myths while we’re at it. Myth 1: “I need to come up with a big down payment.” This one stops a lot of people in their tracks. A recent poll from Morning Consult and NeighborWorks shows 70% of Americans think they need to put at least 10% down to buy a home . And 11% aren’t sure what’s required at all ( see graph below ):

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) : 

Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money. Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how an agent helps you steer clear of them. 1. Overpricing Your House It’s completely natural to want top dollar for your house, especially if you’ve put a lot of work into it. But in today’s shifting market, pricing it too high can backfire. Investopedia explains: “Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract buyers and stays on the market for longer. ” And your house sitting on the market for a long time could lead to price cuts that raise red flags. That’s why pricing your house right from the start matters. A great real estate agent will look at what other homes nearby have sold for, the condition of your house, and what’s happening in your market right now. That helps them find a price that’s more likely to bring in buyers, and maybe even more than one offer. 2. Spending Money on the Wrong Upgrades The housing market has nearly a half million more sellers than buyers according to Redfin. That means you have more competition as a seller and may have to do a bit more to get your house ready to sell. But not all projects are going to be worth it. If you spend money on the wrong projects, it could really cut into your profit. A local real estate pro knows what buyers in your area are really looking for, and they can help you figure out which projects are worth it, and which ones to skip. Even better, they’ll know how to highlight any upgrades you make in your listing, so your house stands out online and gets more attention. 3. Refusing To Negotiate Now that inventory has grown, it’s important to stay flexible. Buyers have more options – and with it comes more negotiating power. U.S. News explains: “If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.” That’s where your agent comes in. They’ll help you understand what buyers are asking for, what’s normal in today’s market, and how to find a win-win solution. Sometimes making a small compromise can keep the deal moving and help you move on to your next chapter faster. 4. Skipping Research When Hiring an Agent All of these mistakes are avoidable with the help of a skilled agent. So, you want to be sure you're working with the right partner. Still, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of sellers pick the first agent they talk to. Many homeowners may skip basic steps like reading reviews, checking sales history, and interviewing a few agents. But that’s a mistake. You want someone you know you can rely on – someone with a good track record. The right agent can help you price your house right, market it well, and sell it quickly (and maybe for more money). Bottom Line Selling a house doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you have an experienced agent by your side. Let’s connect so you have an expert to help you avoid these common mistakes and make the most of your sale. What’s one thing you’d want expert advice on before putting your house on the market?

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 ):