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Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

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Key takeaways It’s a buyer’s market in a majority of U.S. housing markets , meaning homebuyers have the upper hand. Buyers and seller activity dropped in July, as economic worries and historic unaffordability keep many on the sidelines. The Sun Belt is home to the strongest buyer’s markets; the Midwest, Northeast, and Bay Area are home to the remaining seller’s markets. Housing markets vary widely, so take into account local market dynamics and talk with an agent to get the full picture. The U.S. is in one of the strongest buyer’s markets on record . Following the pandemic-fueled seller’s market in 2021, sellers now outnumber buyers by over 51%—a near-record share. In numeric terms, there are an estimated 1.46 million sellers and 966,000 buyers in the market today. Generally, the greater the seller surplus, the stronger the buyer’s market. However, at the core of the housing market is a historic affordability crisis, making it feel anything but buyer-friendly. Most consumers ...
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Using Virtual Tours to Narrow Your Home Search

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You’ve found a listing that checks most of your boxes. The photos look great, the price is right, and the neighborhood seems promising. However, before you text your agent to schedule a showing, there’s one step worth taking first: a thorough virtual tour . Not a passive scroll-through, but an intentional, eyes-open walkthrough that helps you decide whether this home actually belongs on your in-person shortlist. Whether you’re apartment hunting in Atlanta, GA or searching for a home in Dallas, TX , knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and what to save for the walkthrough can sharpen your search and save you a lot of wasted trips. Think of it as your first filter, not your final answer The key to getting the most out of a virtual tour is understanding what job it’s actually meant to do. It’s not a substitute for seeing a home in person. It’s a tool for deciding which homes deserve to be seen in person. Isaiah Ketterman, founder of Mav...
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Will You Save Money With Low Commission Real Estate Companies?

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When selling your home, you want to maximize your profit. For some homeowners, traditional real estate agent commissions can feel steep. That’s why low-commission real estate companies are growing in popularity, offering services at reduced rates. But will you actually save money with a discount service, or are there hidden trade-offs? Whether you’re exploring ways to cut costs or simply curious about your options, this guide will help you make a more informed decision. Find an Agent Worth Their Commission We’ll connect you with three top local agents proven to deliver amazing results for their clients. You won’t regret a dime spent! Find Agent What are low-commission real estate companies? Low-commission real estate agent companies help homeowners sell their property while charging reduced commission fees. Unlike tra...
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Soft Staging Ideas to Make Your Home More Inviting

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First impressions are everything when selling a home , but staging doesn’t require a massive budget or time commitment. That’s where soft staging comes in. Instead of completely refurnishing or decorating every square foot, this approach focuses on the smaller details that can make a room feel complete. Whether you’re soft staging a home in San Diego, CA or prepping for a house tour in Baltimore, MD , this article is packed with simple, actionable tips to help you set the scene. We asked top staging and design experts to share their best soft staging ideas to make any home feel more inviting. Let’s get started. What is soft staging? Unlike traditional home staging , which brings in furniture and heavier items, soft staging focuses on finishing touches. It takes advantage of a home’s existing layout and architectural bones, using lightweight accessories to build an emotional connection with buyers. Think of it as dressing a room rather than furnishing it. Why sellers choose so...
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What to Look for When Buying an Older Home

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Older homes can offer distinctive character, established neighborhoods, and architectural details that can be difficult to find in newer construction . However, buying an older home also means understanding how its age and previous maintenance can affect its condition. From outdated electrical systems to foundation concerns and deferred maintenance, some issues may not be obvious during a showing. A thorough home inspection can help identify potential problems before you buy, while additional evaluations may be worthwhile depending on the home’s age and condition. If you’re considering an older home in Irvine, CA or a house in Albuquerque, NM , this Redfin guide shows what to look for before making an offer. 1. Check the foundation and structure Foundation problems can be particularly important to identify in a historic home . Older masonry foundations may have deteriorating mortar, while cracks, uneven floors, water intrusion, or other changes can indicate settlement ...
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Lease Red Flags Every Renter Should Know Before Signing

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Imagine finding what feels like the ultimate rental deal – spacious rooms, great natural light, and a price surprisingly below market rate – only to sign on the dotted line and realize you’ve walked into a financial trap or a scam. Renting a new home should feel like an exciting fresh start, but moving into a place without carefully scrutinizing the lease agreement can turn a dream apartment into a costly headache. Whether you’re eyeing a high-rise apartment in Austin, TX or touring cozy homes in Tampa, FL , spotting lease red flags early can save you thousands of dollars, endless frustration, and a last-minute scramble for housing. While every rental market operates a bit differently, learning to spot suspicious listings, predatory clauses, and landlord warning signs will keep your move smooth and secure. 1. The listing looks too good to be true In a competitive housing market , finding an incredible deal can feel like winning the lottery. However, an unrealistically low pr...
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Apartment Maintenance: What It Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

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A dripping faucet at midnight. An AC that gives out in July. A dishwasher that’s been making a very concerning sound for two weeks. If you’re renting, knowing who’s responsible for what and how to get it fixed can save you a lot of stress, money, and back-and-forth with your landlord. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Seattle, WA or apartment hunting in Chicago, IL , the basics of apartment maintenance work similarly. Landlords are responsible for keeping the unit safe and habitable, and tenants are responsible for keeping it clean and undamaged. The tricky part is everything in between. What is apartment maintenance? Apartment maintenance covers the repairs and upkeep that keep a rental unit and the building around it safe, functional, and livable. Most apartment buildings have a dedicated maintenance team or on-call contractors who handle repairs when tenants submit a request. The division of responsibility is typically spelled out in your lease agreem...
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