Introduction: Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially with concerns about affordability and limited housing inventory. However, with the right strategies and guidance, you can navigate the homebuying process with confidence. Here are three helpful tips for first-time homebuyers to consider as they embark on this journey. Explore Homebuyer Programs: Many first-time homebuyer programs and assistance initiatives are available to help make homeownership more accessible and affordable. These programs often offer down payment assistance, reduc ..read more

As we dive into the spring season, many prospective homebuyers and sellers are curious about what to expect in the housing market. With insights from leading economists and real estate experts, here’s a comprehensive overview of what the spring housing market has in store. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist, First American: According to Kushi, there’s anticipation of a slight uptick in inventory for the spring season. However, it’s unlikely to fully meet the ongoing demand from eager buyers. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist, Bright MLS: Sturtevant highlights the sustained demand in the marke ..read more

Are you contemplating the idea of purchasing a home? It’s a big decision, and one that requires careful consideration. You might be wondering if now is the best time to buy, or if it’s better to wait. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, let’s delve into some factors that can help you make an informed decision. What’s the Outlook for Home Prices? Experts in the field regularly analyze and forecast trends in the housing market. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) conducted by Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics, a consensus among over 100 industry professionals indicates that h ..read more

Are you gearing up to buy a home in today’s competitive market? With low inventory and high demand, it’s crucial to make your strongest offer to stand out from the crowd. Here are four essential tips to help you navigate multiple-offer scenarios and secure your dream home: Partner with a Real Estate Agent: Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent is essential in today’s competitive market. They can provide valuable insights into local market trends, help you understand fair market value, and guide you through the negotiation process. With their expertise and experience, you’ll have a s ..read more

In today’s dynamic housing market, staying informed about the latest trends is crucial whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about the state of real estate in your area. Let’s delve into some key trends shaping the housing landscape. Increased New Listings and Reduced Days on Market: Recent data reveals a notable uptick in new listings, offering buyers more options than in previous months. Despite this increase, homes are spending fewer days on the market, indicating a strong demand from eager buyers. This trend suggests that while there may be more choices available, acting swift ..read more

In the realm of real estate, the current landscape heavily favors sellers. If you’ve been contemplating putting your house on the market, now might be the perfect time to seize the opportunity. Here’s why. Despite a slight uptick in the number of homes available for sale this year, the demand still far exceeds the supply. In simpler terms, it remains a seller’s market. Let’s break down what this means for you as a potential seller: Neutral Market: This occurs when supply and demand are in equilibrium. Prices remain relatively stable, and there’s a healthy balance between available homes and ..read more

Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible recession that would cause the housing market to crash. Some in the media were even forecasting home prices would drop by as much as 10-20%—and that might have made you feel a bit unsure about buying a home. But here’s what actually happened: home prices went up more than usual. Brian D. Luke, Head of Commodities at S&P Dow Jones Indices, explains: “Looking back at the year, 2023 appears to have exceeded average annual home price gains over the past 35 years.” To put last year’s growth into cont ..read more

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home but have hit pause due to mortgage rate concerns, you’re not alone. Last year’s spike in rates caused many prospective buyers to rethink their plans, but there’s good news on the horizon. Data from Bright MLS reveals that high mortgage rates were the primary reason buyers delayed their moves. However, industry experts like David Childers, CEO at Keeping Current Matters, suggest a shift in the mortgage rate landscape for 2024. In a recent How’s The Market podcast, Childers noted that three-quarters of buyers postponed their plans due to rates but hinted ..read more

Are you on the hunt for your dream home but struggling to find one that fits your budget? If so, it might be time to consider a fixer-upper. These homes, while in need of some TLC, often present an excellent opportunity to break into the housing market or stretch your budget further. Here’s why diving into the world of fixer-uppers could be the key to finding your perfect home. The Appeal of Fixer-Uppers With the current low inventory of move-in ready homes, finding a property that ticks all your boxes within your budget can be a challenge. Fixer-uppers offer an alternative path to homeowners ..read more

Are you considering selling your home but unsure if now is the right time? With the spring season upon us, there are compelling reasons why this could be the ideal moment to list your property. Here’s why the spring market is a sweet spot for sellers, brought to you by The Freund Group, your local real estate experts in League City, TX. Increased Inventory, More Options: Compared to the previous year, there has been a notable uptick in housing inventory. This means that as a seller, you have more options available when it comes to finding your next home. With a wider selection to choose fro ..read more