For Buyers

myth vs. reality: does the fed control mortgage rates?

Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates?

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you. With all the headlines, it’s easy to think the Fed sets mortgage rates. That’s actually a common myth. But the Fed’s decisions can still have an impact on them. So, where does that leave you? The next few months could get a little...

two moves that can get you into your first home sooner

Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner

For a lot of first-time buyers, owning a home can feel perpetually a few years out of reach. Saving for a down payment takes time, and each year you spend renting can make owning feel further off. But buying your first home doesn’t have to happen to feel like a far away goal. Two choices you control can bring your first home years closer, even with affordability as tight as it is right now. How Long...

what higher mortgage rates mean for home sellers

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for Home Sellers

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too. That's because today's buyers are paying close attention to affordability. And when rates rise, even a relatively small change can make a noticeable difference in their monthly payment. So, they're looking for ways to make the numbers work. And in some markets, new construction is giving them exactly...

hoping for (or dreading) a housing crash? the experts just weighed in.

Hoping for (or Dreading) a Housing Crash? The Experts Just Weighed In.

Half the buyers out there are scared home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they will. A recent survey from Clever found 58% of Gen Z buyers are actually rooting for a crash, just so homeownership feels within reach. So, what do the forecasts actually say? Every quarter, Fannie Mae surveys more than 100 housing experts on where prices are headed. The newest results are in. And spoiler...

the mortgage rate you see online isn’t necessarily the one you’d get.

The Mortgage Rate You See Online Isn’t Necessarily the One You’d Get.

You may have seen the headlines saying mortgage rates have climbed to the highest point since January 2025. And if that's left you reluctant to buy a home, here's what you need to remember…  That's not necessarily the number you'd get.  It's a common misconception that the rate you see in the headlines is the same one you'd get when you buy. The truth is, mortgage rates shift often, and the rate you...

why so many sellers are cutting their price right now

Why So Many Sellers Are Cutting Their Price Right Now

Price cuts are turning up everywhere right now, and they read very differently depending on which side of the deal you’re on. Sellers tend to worry a cut means walking away with less than they hoped. Sometimes that’s true, but more often it just means the market moved faster than the listing did. Buyers, for their part, often assume a cut means something’s wrong with the house. Most of the time,...

there are 4 types of housing markets right now. which 1 are you in?

There Are 4 Types of Housing Markets Right Now. Which 1 Are You In?

Today’s housing market splits into four distinct types. You’ve got cash buyers, buyers financing a purchase, owners who feel locked into a low rate, and builders with homes to sell. Which type you’re in changes how you should buy or sell. Ryan Serhant, CEO of SERHANT agrees: “There is no longer a housing market . . . There are four Americas.” Here’s what each looks like, and what it means...

real estate homes

Homes for Sale in Athens, TX: What Buyers Should Know Before Starting Their Search

If you’re searching for homes for sale in Athens, TX, you’ll quickly discover that the local real estate market offers a little bit of everything.You can find established homes in town, newer properties, quiet neighborhoods, homes with several acres, lake-area properties, and sprawling East Texas acreage—all within the Athens area.That variety is one of the things buyers love about Athens. It also...

3 things you can actually control about your mortgage rate right now

3 Things You Can Actually Control About Your Mortgage Rate Right Now

If you're trying to buy a home, affordability is probably what keeps you up at night. And as you watch mortgage rates tick up again lately, it’s fair to wonder if you should just hit pause and wait for them to go down. For now, though, they’re headed the other way. Mortgage News Daily data shows how rates have risen this year (see graph below): And if you’re wondering why? There are actually a...

selling this fall? you want to get these 4 things right.

Selling This Fall? You Want To Get These 4 Things Right.

Selling your house this fall is absolutely doable. But there’s something you need to know about this time of year.  Buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climb – and you need the right strategy to get attention in this type of market. The good news? There’s a lot you can control. From how you price and present your house to how you negotiate and respond to...