A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You?

This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey (see graph below):Here's why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to come back to the market.That doesn’t mean the floodgates are opening and that there’s going to be a huge wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this does signal there’ll be more activity this year than last.At least some of the buyers who put their plans on hold over the past few years will jump back in. Whether they’re feeling more confident about moving, they’ve finally saved up enough to buy, or they simply can’t wait any longer – this is the year they’re aiming to take the plunge.And, according to that same NerdWallet survey, more than half (54%) of those potential buyers have already started looking at homes online.That’s a good indicator that a number of these buyers will be looking during the peak homebuying season this spring. So, if you find the right agent to make sure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, you can get your house in front of them.Bottom LineMore people are going to move this year and with the right strategy, you can make sure your house is one of the first they look at.What do you think these buyers will love most about your house? Connect with an agent to talk it over and make sure it’s front and center in your listing.

Home Price Growth Is Moderating – Here’s Why That’s Good for You

Over the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering if they’d ever get a shot at owning a home. But here’s some welcome news: that whirlwind pace of home price growth is slowing down.Home Prices Are Rising at a Healthy PaceAt the national level, home prices are still going up, but at a much more moderate, normal pace. For example, in November, the year-over-year increase in home prices was just 3.8% nationally, according to Case-Shiller. That’s a far cry from the double-digit spikes that occurred in 2021 and 2022 (see graph below):This more normal home price growth might make buying a home feel more attainable for many buyers. You won’t face the same sticker shock or rapid price jumps that made it hard to plan your purchase just a few years ago.At the same time, steady growth means the home you buy today will likely appreciate in value over time.Prices Vary from Market to MarketWhile the national story is one of moderate price growth, it’s important to remember that all real estate is local. Some markets are seeing stronger growth, while others are cooling off or even seeing slight declines. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes:“Regionally, variations persist, as some affordable areas – including smaller metros in the Midwest — remain in high demand and continue to see upward home price pressures.”Meanwhile, other regions saw slight month-over-month declines in November, according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data (see graph below):What does this mean for you? It’s crucial to understand what’s happening in your local market. A national average can’t tell the whole story. That’s where working with a local real estate agent can really help. They have the tools and expertise to give you the full picture of what’s happening in your area and how to plan for that in your move.Bottom LineHome prices are growing at a more manageable pace, and working with a local real estate agent can help you navigate the ups and downs of your specific market.How have changing home prices impacted your plans to buy? 

Why Buying a Home Now Is Your Winning Play

Some HighlightsYou may be sitting on the sidelines wondering if it’s better to buy now or wait. But buying before the spring rush may be a game-changing decision.​Moving this winter can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiating power, and lower prices.If you’re able to buy now, stay ahead of the game and outrun the competition. To tackle your homebuying plans this year, connect with a local agent.​

The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper

There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner.If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you.What’s a Fixer-Upper?A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing.While fixer-uppers need a little TLC, here’s why they may be worth considering, especially right now:They Usually Have a Lower Price Point. Because of the repairs involved, these homes are usually less expensive up front than move-in-ready options. According to a survey from StorageCafe, fixer-uppers come with price tags that are about 29% lower, making them a solid choice if you’re having trouble finding anything in your budget.Less Competition. When you’re ready to make an offer, you’re less likely to deal with competition from other buyers who are focused on move-in-ready homes.Build Equity Faster. From choosing how to redo the floors to picking which cabinets you want in the kitchen, a fixer-upper allows you to design a space that fits your needs and style. And with smart renovations, you can increase your home’s value faster and potentially see a big return on your investment.As The Mortgage Reports notes:“If you’re a house hunter who’s not afraid of sweat equity, buying a fixer-upper could be your ticket to homeownership. Doing so could lead to big savings, even in some of the nation’s largest and most popular housing markets. Plus, adding the right features could help your investment.”What To Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper The possibilities that come with a fixer-upper are exciting, but there are a few things to think about first.Do You Have a Gameplan? Consider if you have the time, skills, or budget to tackle renovations. Be honest about what you can handle yourself, what you’ll need to hire out, and if a fixer-upper is truly a good fit for your lifestyle. Remember, you’ll likely be living in a construction zone at least for a little while.Prioritize the Repairs and Upgrades: Don't stress yourself out thinking you’ve got to do all the work up front. Space out renovations over time in a way that makes sense for your budget and what’s most important to tackle first.Location Matters: You want the money you’re spending to fix up a house to be worth the investment. So, make sure the home is in an area with increasing home values and amenities locals love, like parks and restaurants.Get a Home Inspection: Hiring an inspector to do a thorough inspection before you buy is a must. What they find will help you understand what needs to be updated, renovation costs, and if it’s a project you want to take on.Budget for Surprises: Renovations rarely go as planned. So, be sure to set aside extra money to cover things like extended repair timelines, an increase in the cost of materials, or other unknowns that may come up.Talk to a Lender About Financing Options: There are some renovation mortgages designed for homes that need a little work. But they may have requirements like spending and timeline limits, so talk to a trusted lender to understand the fine print.Bottom LineFixer-uppers aren’t for everyone, but if you’re open to doing a bit of work, they can be a great way to overcome today’s affordability hurdles and find something in your budget. With the right mindset and careful planning, you could turn a less-than-perfect house into the perfect home for you.So, if you’re considering taking the plunge, talk to a real estate agent about finding a fixer-upper that fits your budget and goals.