Real Estate Blog - Equity

Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets.

What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?

In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale and not as many buyers. That means homes sit longer, buyers have more negotiating power, and prices tend to soften as a result. It’s simple supply and demand.

On the flip side, a seller’s market happens when there aren’t enough homes available for the number of people looking to buy them. Because buyers have to compete with each other to get the house they…

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The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See

Foreclosure headlines are making noise again – and they’re designed to stir up fear to get you to read them. But what the data shows is actually happening in the market tells a very different story than what you might be led to believe. So, before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to look at the full picture.

Yes, foreclosure starts are up 7% in the first six months of the year. But zooming out shows that’s nowhere near crisis levels. Here’s why.

Filings Are Still Far Below Crash Levels

Even with the recent uptick, overall foreclosure filings are still very low. In the first half of 2025, just 0.13% of homes had filed for foreclosure. That’s less than 1% of homes in this country. In fact, it’s even far less than that at under a…

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The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

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 your agent. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They 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…

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Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here's What You Need To Know

If you're a homeowner planning to move, you're probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first:

• Is it better to start by finding your next home?
• Or should you sell your current house before you go out looking?

Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear.

They know your local market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. And they’ll be able to make a recommendation based on their expertise and your needs.

But here’s a little bit of a sneak peek. In many cases today, getting your current home on the market first can put you in a better spot. Here’s why that…

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Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don't know about one of its core benefits.

According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below):

That means 7 out of every 10 Veterans could be missing out on a key homebuying advantage.

That’s why it’s so important for Veterans, and anyone who cares about a Veteran, to be aware of this program. As Veterans United explains, VA home loans:

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You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life.

Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in today’s market. Even if they have a stable job and a solid plan, buying can still feel out of reach. But that’s where your equity could make all the difference.

To give you an idea, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $311,000 worth of equity, according to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic). That’s significant. And some parents are using a portion of their equity to help their children become homeowners, too.

According to Bank of…

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Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign

When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of foreclosures. And recent data showing foreclosure filings have increased is only feeding into this fear. But don’t let that scare you.

If you put the latest data into context, it’s clear there’s no reason to think this is a repeat of the last housing crash.

This Isn’t Like 2008

While it’s true that foreclosure filings ticked up in the latest quarterly report from ATTOM, they’re still lower than the norm – and way below levels seen during the crash. And it’s a lot easier to…

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Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works.

Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why.

Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep Climbing

Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, and they consistently agree on one thing: nationally, home prices are expected to rise through at…

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What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You

Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home?

Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You might be surprised by just how much. 

What Is Home Equity?

This wealth you may not even realize you have comes in the form of home equity. Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe…

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Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.

Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace

The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts are saying prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.

While…

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