Real Estate Blog

When searching for a new home, many buyers dream of a property free from a homeowners association (HOA). But with the increasing prevalence of HOAs, avoiding them may be more challenging than ever. In fact, HOAs are growing rapidly in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census, 65% of new single-family homes in 2023 were part of an HOA, up from 49% in 2009. With these communities becoming more common, it’s essential to understand what HOAs are and how they might affect your home-buying decision. Let’s break down what you need to know. Why Are HOAs on the Rise? Homeowners associations are groups of elected residents who manage and maintain common areas like parks, pools, and neighborhood roads. While HOAs can exist in different property types—single-family homes, condos, or townhomes—they’ve become increasingly prevalent due to their financial benefits for local governments. “They don’t have to plow the streets or handle maintenance but still collect full property taxes,” explains Thomas M. ...

Mortgage rates are finally starting to trend downward, sparking excitement among homebuyers eager to enter the market. The Federal Reserve has begun lowering short-term interest rates, with another rate cut anticipated before the year ends. Sam Khater, chief economist for Freddie Mac, notes, “Even a modest drop in rates has led to noticeably improved purchase demand.” With eager buyers watching the market closely, it’s natural to wonder: Is this the right time to make your move? Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate the housing market and decide if now is the time to buy your dream home. What’s Happening in the Market? Mortgage Rates While we’re no longer in the era of sub-3% mortgage rates, today’s rates are still below the 52-year average of 7.72%, according to Freddie Mac. To put it in perspective, rates once soared to 18.63% in 1981! As the Federal Reserve continues its cycle of rate cuts, there’s a glimmer of optimism for homebuyers. To get started, use a mortgage calculato...

The real estate and mortgage industries are entering a tech-driven era, with cutting-edge innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA) reshaping the way we work. From simplifying workflows to strengthening client relationships, these advancements are poised to create exciting opportunities for agents, brokers, lenders, and homebuyers alike. We spoke with leaders from top tech companies in real estate—past winners of the prestigious HousingWire Tech100 Award—to get their thoughts on how emerging technologies will impact the industry. Here’s what they had to say about the future of real estate tech. AI: The Key to Stronger Agent-Client Relationships Scott Martino , CEO of Endpoint , emphasizes that while AI has already improved efficiency through automated workflows and at-scale communication, its real potential lies in strengthening human connections. “AI should make life simpler for agents and brokers, helping them build str...

When you think of winter, you probably imagine cozying up by the fire, not house hunting. But if you're in the market for a new home, the colder months might just be the perfect time to buy. While spring and summer are traditionally seen as the hot seasons for real estate, savvy buyers know that winter can offer some unique advantages. Here are four reasons why winter might be the best time to find your dream home. 1. Less Competition = More Opportunity In winter, the real estate market tends to cool down—literally and figuratively. Fewer buyers are braving the cold to house hunt, which means less competition for you. Without the bidding wars that are common in peak seasons, you’ll likely have more negotiating power and a better chance of securing a great deal on a home. Expert Insight: “Winter buyers often face 15%-20% fewer competing offers compared to peak spring months, which can mean the difference between winning a dream home and losing out in a bidding war,” says Nick Wemyss...

  The real estate market is gearing up for an eventful 2025, with promising opportunities and a few challenges to navigate. From shifting buyer-seller dynamics to mortgage rate rollercoasters, here’s what you need to know about Zillow’s latest housing market predictions—and how you can prepare to make the most of the year ahead. A More Active Market and Room for Buyers to Breathe After a competitive 2024, 2025 may feel like a welcome change. Zillow anticipates a more active market, with home sales picking up and modest home value growth of about 2.6%. That’s good news for buyers, who can expect more inventory and negotiating power. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump in, this could be your year! Key Takeaway: More homes on the market mean more options, less rush, and a better chance to find your dream home. Mortgage Rates: Buckle Up for a Bumpy Ride While there’s optimism that mortgage rates could ease, their unpredictable nature means potential buyers should stay ...

Getting your home ready to sell is all about striking the right balance. While you want your property to shine for potential buyers, you don’t need to fix every little thing—or embark on costly upgrades. In fact, many big-ticket projects won’t pay off at closing. Here’s a friendly guide to help you focus on the repairs and updates that matter most, and skip the ones that won’t boost your bottom line. Why You Don’t Have to Fix Everything It’s natural to want your home to look its best, but pouring money into every imperfection can backfire. Many buyers prefer to make their own improvements and may not value your upgrades. Plus, most major renovations don’t recoup their costs. For example, a total kitchen overhaul or adding a new pool might sound like a great idea, but these projects rarely deliver a full return on investment. Instead, focus on what will make the strongest impression without draining your wallet. What You Should Fix When prepping your home for the market, prioritize the...

  If you’re hoping for mortgage rates to drop back to 5%, you’re not alone. Today’s higher interest rates have put homeownership out of reach for many Americans, forcing some buyers to pause their plans. While rates dipped briefly in September 2024, they quickly rebounded, leaving many buyers waiting for a more affordable rate environment. But when could rates hit 5% again? The answer isn’t simple. Some experts foresee rates dropping in the next year or two, while others believe it might take longer. Either way, buyers are left wondering how to plan their next steps. Here’s what experts predict about the path to lower rates and why waiting for the perfect rate might not be your best move. Will Mortgage Rates Hit 5% Soon? Experts suggest it could take some time for rates to fall to 5%. David Druey, Florida Regional President of Centennial Bank, aligns with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecast, anticipating rates may reach 5% in the second half of 2025. However, this is sp...

  The housing market is always evolving, and mortgage rates play a big role in determining when it’s the right time to buy a home or refinance your current loan. As rates change, so do opportunities for homebuyers and homeowners alike. Here’s a breakdown of today’s trends, what experts predict, and how you can make the most of the current market. Today’s Mortgage Rates: A Quick Snapshot Mortgage rates have seen some fluctuations recently. As of December 2, 2024, here’s where they stand: Mortgage Type Average Rate Today 30-year fixed 6.34% 20-year fixed 6.08% 15-year fixed 5.70% 7/1 ARM 6.44% 5/1 ARM 6.60% 30-year FHA 5.58% 30-year VA 5.66% While rates are higher than they were in 2020 or 2021, there’s good news: experts anticipate a gradual decline in rates throughout 2025 as inflation eases and economic conditions stabilize. A Look at Mortgage Trends Mortgage rates hit historic lows in 2021, with 30-year fixed rates dropping to just 2.65%. Since then, rates have climbed, peaking a...