Found 35 blog entries tagged as Agent.

 



Planning to buy a home soon? Why not go for something brand-new? Because data shows a lot more buyers are seeing the appeal of new home construction these days – and you may find out it’s what you want too.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains that newly built homes accounted for 15% of all homes sold last year. That’s a significant increase, and is actually the highest percentage in 17 years (see graph below):

To get a closer look at why so many people are opting for a brand-new home, NAR surveyed recent buyers. And here are the top reasons why new builds gained so much popularity (see graph below):

 Avoiding Renovations or Problems with Plumbing or Electricity (42%)

According to buyers, the number one benefit is the…

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When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch.

But what many people don’t realize is that even in today's market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even keep a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market before it ultimately sold.

And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell are going to vary, there are some general themes that come through. If you’re having trouble getting your house sold, here are the top three hurdles that could be getting in the way, and how an expert agent can help you…

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More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers.

Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price Points

Over the past year, the total supply of homes for sale has improved. According to Realtor.com, in November there were 26.2% more homes for sale compared to this time last year, marking 13 months of inventory growth and the most homes available since December of 2019.

Interestingly, the growth isn’t spread evenly among all types of homes, though. According to Redfin, starter homes have seen the biggest increase (see graph below):

So, if you’re a first-time…

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In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home.

Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an accurate picture of what your house is really worth.

The Myth: Online Home Value Estimates Are Accurate

Online home valuation tools give you an approximate value for your house based on the data that’s publicly available for your…

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Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially. While some markets are certainly more affordable than others, know that working with a trusted real estate agent to find what fits your budget and your desired location – no matter where you want to be – is always the best plan. And with the rising cost of living, many people are rethinking where they live and looking for ways to cut expenses. If that sounds like you, here’s a great place to start (see visual below):

These states are well known for lower housing costs, reduced insurance premiums, and more budget-friendly daily living expenses – but they’re not the only places to find a hidden gem. If you're open to relocating, you might discover the…

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One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief.

While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show.

Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025

After a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the most updated forecasts suggest rates will start to stabilize over the next year, and should ease a bit compared to where they are right now (see graph below):

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of…

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When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line.

Here's why a new build is worth considering – and how an agent can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget.

1. More Newly Built Homes Are Available Right Now

First, let’s break down the types of homes on the market. A newly built home is a house that was just built or is under construction. On the other hand, an existing home is one a homeowner has already lived in.

Right now, the number of existing homes for sale is still low. And, if you’re struggling…

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Have you been dreaming about upgrading to a bigger or nicer home in Brookings, South Dakota, or the surrounding area? If so, you’re definitely not alone. A recent survey by Inman highlights that many homebuyers are on the hunt for more space or better features in their next home. Whether it’s an extra bedroom, a larger kitchen, or simply a home in a more desirable neighborhood, moving up is top of mind for many homeowners today.

But maybe you’ve been holding off because of concerns about market conditions or affordability. It’s understandable—planning a move that could raise your housing costs requires careful timing. Here’s the good news: now could actually be the ideal time to make that upgrade. Here’s why you might want to consider taking the…

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It’s a big question on many people’s minds these days: Should I buy a home now or wait? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to move into a new property, the decision comes with a lot of factors to weigh. The good news is, once you purchase a home, you immediately begin to build equity—and that can add up faster than you might expect, even with more modest increases in home prices.

So, let’s take a look at what’s happening with home prices and what that means for your future wealth.

Home Prices Are Expected to Keep Rising

Each quarter, Fannie Mae releases the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES), which gathers insights from over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and market strategists. They predict home prices will…

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Now that you’ve made the exciting decision to buy a home, it’s time to get ready for the financial aspects of the process. While you’re probably focused on your down payment, there’s another expense that’s just as important but often overlooked: closing costs.

Here’s a breakdown of what closing costs are, how much they might be, and a few tips on how to reduce them.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs refer to the additional fees and payments you need to cover when finalizing your home purchase. These fees vary based on the price of the home and the type of financing you’re using, but they’re a standard part of every real estate transaction. Unfortunately, many buyers forget to budget for these costs ahead of time. According to Freddie Mac,…

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