The persistent debate between For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listings and realtor-assisted sales seems to be a perennial topic. Despite the fact that about 86% of buyers use a realtor for their purchase when it comes to selling, a large portion of the general public seems to think that they can handle everything just fine, all on their own. This article serves to equip realtors with solid, data-driven arguments that effectively counter the FSBO narrative. We aim to settle this debate once and for all by closely examining the reality behind the most popular myths surrounding the FSBO approach. Myth ..read more

The surge in interest rates has had a significant impact on the real estate market in the USA. Higher borrowing costs have made it more expensive to buy a home, which has dampened demand and led to a slowdown in home sales. The median home price has also started to come down, as buyers have less purchasing power. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home sales fell by 15.4% in September 2023 compared to September 2022. The national median existing-home price for all housing types reached $394,300 in September, up 2.8% from a year ago. This slowdown in the housing ..read more

It’s a strange market out there, and many homebuyers are getting desperate. In fact, with rising prices and very few listings to choose from, some are contacting homeowners whose homes are not for sale. If you’re in an in-demand area, you might be contacted by one of these hopeful homebuyers — or possibly their agent. Should you accept their offer? What should you think about when making your decision? Why Would Buyers Make Unsolicited Purchase Offers? There are numerous motivations behind a buyer’s decision to initiate an unsolicited offer. For investors, the appeal often lies in perceiv ..read more

Home staging is the bread and butter of real estate professionals. Data shows that 81% of buyers’ agents believe their clients visualized the property more vividly, and it’s all due to home staging.  But the days of traditional staging, relying solely on physical furniture and renovations, are gradually giving way to a new era of virtual presentation. With the surge of virtual home tours and online property listings, it’s now more crucial than ever for realtors to use technology to make their properties stand out. Now, how do you use technology to stage your listings and stand out? Let’s ..read more

Despite current mortgage rates, home prices in the USA have continued to climb at an unprecedented pace in many locations. This trend has defied expectations and left many experts scratching their heads. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, drawing upon insights from experts and relevant statistics. The Supply-Demand Imbalance One of the primary factors driving up home prices is the persistent imbalance between supply and demand. The supply of homes for sale has been consistently lower than the demand, creating a situation where buyers are competing fiercely f ..read more

Buying a house is an expensive endeavor. The cost of furnishing a new home has increased significantly since 2020. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the price of furniture and home furnishings has increased by an average of 15.3% between 2020 and 2023. This is the largest annual increase since 1980! Fortunately, we’re about to share plenty of ways to outfit your new place without breaking the bank. According to The Spruce, “The best way to furnish your home on a budget is to be creative and resourceful. There are many ways to find great deals on furniture and décor, and you don’t n ..read more

The real estate market is currently grappling with low inventory. This means that there are more buyers than available homes.  In fact, the most recent report from NAR shows that there is a 3.4-month supply at the current sales pace. The market, once defined by a balance between supply and demand, has tipped in favor of the sellers.  As a realtor, the traditional playbook no longer guarantees success, and adaptation is the name of the game. In this article, we will explore strategies to help realtors not just survive but thrive in this seller’s market, where the demand for homes cons ..read more

Most veterans and military service members know VA loans are out there – and that they can help them buy a home more easily and, in most cases, more affordably. But when it comes down to the nitty-gritty details of these mortgage options? Things get a little murkier. In honor of Veterans Day this Saturday, we’re taking a closer look at VA loans – and what veterans should know about using them. You can get a VA loan anytime during or after your service. There is no expiration date for your eligibility and no limit to how many times you can secure a VA loan. You can take one out on your first ho ..read more

You’re ready to buy a home, and as luck would have it, rates and house prices are through the roof! Don’t be discouraged — now, there’s a way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments. And it won’t cost you a dime. It’s called a temporary buydown. A buydown lowers your monthly payments during the first one to three years of your mortgage. It’s kind of like paying points, only you don’t pay the upfront fee. The lender or seller pays the fee for you. Lender Paid Buydown Right now, Embrace Home Loans is offering a lender paid buydown. With this new buydown program, we will subsidize your rate for ..read more

Purchasing your first home is a monumental step in life – one that brings excitement, anticipation, and a bit of trepidation. In today’s real estate market, where interest rates are on the rise and home prices have reached record highs, it’s more important than ever to be well-prepared and informed. After all, a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, and navigating this complex process requires all the knowledge and guidance you can get your hands on. In this blog, we’ll discuss five must-read books, each offering a unique perspective and insights into the world of h ..read more