The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your Own


There’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the other reasons why owning a home is so meaningful.
A house is more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place where memories are made, connections are built, and life happens.
From the sense of accomplishment that comes with owning your own home to the joy of creating a space that’s uniquely yours, the emotional connections we have to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones.
Here are some of the things that turn a house into a happy home.
1. It’s an Accomplishment You Can Be Proud Of
Buying a home is a significant milestone, whether it’s your first or your fifth. You’ve worked hard to make it happen and achieving this goal is a reason to celebrate. There’s nothing quite like stepping through the door of a home that&rsq ...

What’s Motivating More Buyers To Choose a Newly Built Home?


Planning to buy a home soon? Why not go for something brand-new? Because data shows a lot more buyers are seeing the appeal of new home construction these days – and you may find out it’s what you want too.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains that newly built homes accounted for 15% of all homes sold last year. That’s a significant increase, and is actually the highest percentage in 17 years (see graph below):
To get a closer look at why so many people are opting for a brand-new home, NAR surveyed recent buyers. And here are the top reasons why new builds gained so much popularity (see graph below):
 Avoiding Renovations or Problems with Plumbing or Electricity (42%)
According to buyers, the number one benefit is the peace of mind that comes with getting brand-new everything. Because let’s face it, buying a home right now is price ...

Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.


When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch.
But what many people don’t realize is that even in today's market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even keep a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market before it ultimately sold.
And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell are going to vary, there are some general themes that come through. If you’re having trouble getting your house sold, here are the top three hurdles that could be getting in the way, and how an expert agent can help you solve these issues.
1. Priced Too High
It’s no surprise that price plays a major role when you sell. And in today’s market, overpricing a home in a high-mor ...

How Home Equity May Help You Buy Your Next Home in Cash


Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership. And right now, homeowners across the country are sitting on record amounts of it.
Here’s a look at how that equity could be a game changer for you, and why it’ll flip your perspective from “Why would I move right now?” to “Why wouldn’t I?”
Home Equity: What Is It?
Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is valued at $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.
Why Equity Is Such a Big Deal for Homeowners Looking To Sell
Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows how significant today’s home equity really is. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages ...

The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends


Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way.
According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below):
That’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching up over weeknight dinners, watching your kids play with their cousins, or just knowing someone’s there when you need them, living near loved ones changes everything.
Let’s dive into why so many people are making this move and how it could be the b ...