For Buyers

Today's home prices have a lot of buyers – especially first-time buyers – wondering if there’s even anything out there that’s in their budget. But owning a home may be more within reach than you think. Sometimes, it just means considering a different type of home. Condos and townhomes can be a great way to buy without stretching every last dollar. And right now, two things make them worth a...

Ask almost anyone what their dream home looks like, and chances are they'll mention water.Maybe it's a quiet lake.Maybe it's a fishing pond tucked behind the house.Maybe it's a dock where they can watch the sunset after a long day.There's just something about living near the water that changes how life feels.You notice it almost immediately.People move a little slower.Coffee lasts a little longer in the...

If you’ve thought about buying a home in the past few years, you may have run into two frustrations: asking prices that kept climbing and too few homes to choose from. In many places, both sticking points are letting up this summer, with lower asking prices and more homes for sale. Let’s look at the trends, and what they mean for your search. Sellers Are Pricing To Attract Buyers According to...

Quick gut reaction. Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? The answer hasn't changed in 14 years.  It's real estate. And this year, that answer comes with even more conviction behind it. New data shows people aren't just saying homeownership is a smart move, they're feeling better about it than they have in years. Let's dig into why. Real Estate Takes the...

If you've been thinking about selling, you've probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting buyers have just about disappeared. But there's a big difference between a slow market and a stalled one. Yes, mortgage rates are still higher than most people would like. Homes aren’t selling as fast as they were. And every week seems to bring another headline about buyers sitting on the sidelines. But here's...

Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too.  That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive. A concession is something a seller agrees to during negotiations to get a deal done. An incentive is a perk a builder (or a seller) advertises...

If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're not the only one. Mortgage rates stayed higher than people wanted. Affordability remained tight. And uncertainty overseas added another layer of pressure nobody saw coming. That's why so many people are asking the same question: Will the second half of the year be any better for the housing market? While nobody has a crystal ball, there are...

Student loans are back in the spotlight. And whether you've been following the headlines closely or just catching bits and pieces here and there, there's a good chance they've been on your mind lately. And if you’re questioning whether you have to hit pause on your plans to buy a home, here's the thing you have to remember: Having student loans doesn't automatically mean buying a home has to wait. The...

People usually don't wake up one morning and randomly decide they're going to buy a home in Athens, Texas.More often than not, it starts with frustration.Maybe they're tired of sitting in Dallas traffic for an hour just to drive five miles. Maybe they've looked at homes where every backyard feels like it's close enough to borrow sugar without leaving the porch. Or maybe they're simply ready for life to...

Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger. Inflation is high, costs are high, and you want to be sure the timing is right before you make your move.  But if you do decide to go for it, whether you're buying or selling, here's something reassuring to hold onto. Not only does your move change your own life, but it also gives your whole community a boost. Real...