New Tool Shows Total Cost to Own a Home
A new home-search feature helps US buyers compare long-term ownership costs, adding maintenance, utility, and replacement estimates for newly built and resale homes. An accompanying analysis found newly built homes save buyers avg. $25.3K over the first 10 yr of ownership versus 20-yr-old homes nationwide. The shift reflects affordability decisions moving beyond purchase price, as […]
Seller Financing: The Seller Becomes the Lender
In seller financing, the seller acts as lender, helping buyers purchase directly when traditional loans are harder to secure and speeding the path to closing. This approach can mean flexible down payments, low or no closing costs, skipped appraisals, and settlements that may happen within a week. For sellers, offering financing can widen the buyer […]
National Association of REALTORS Report Existing-Home Sales Report Shows 3.2% Increase in May 2026 Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year
Existing-home sales rose 3.2% month-over-month and year-over-year to a 4.17 million annual rate, with increases in the Northeast, Midwest, and South. Median home prices reached $429,300, up 1.3% year-over-year, marking 35 consecutive months of price gains. Housing affordability improved, with the index at 105.6. Inventory rose slightly to 1.55 million units, maintaining a 4.5-month supply. […]
The Complete Homebuying Guide
Buying a home involves key steps: determining your must-haves, choosing a home type, estimating mortgage affordability, and planning for down payment and closing costs. Shop for homes and lenders, get pre-approved, submit competitive offers, and conduct home inspections. After closing, maintain the property, save for emergencies, and continue retirement savings. First-time buyers may qualify for […]
Happy Fourth of July
To all great Americans around the world, a very Happy Fourth of July to you all. This day is incredibly significant as the day the United States officially became its own nation. Let’s celebrate America’s birthday with festivals, parades, fireworks and other festive activities.The 4th of July marks the day America became a country where […]
Household Real Estate Value and Equity Rebound to Record High in 2026Q1
In Q1 2026, owner-occupied real estate value reached a record $48.7 trillion, up $810 billion from the previous quarter and $1.2 trillion over the year. Mortgage debt hit an all-time high of $13.8 trillion, growing 2.8% annually but slower than recent years. Home equity rose to $34.9 trillion, or 71.6% of property value, providing a […]
Virginia Housing Shortfall Could Reach 214K
Virginia’s market-rate housing needs point to a sizable supply gap across the Commonwealth, with the shortfall projected to reach 214K homes by 2030. Historically tight inventory keeps upward pressure on Virginia home prices, making new supply an important focus as mortgage rates continue to fluctuate. Policy tools named for closing Virginia’s supply gap include zoning […]
US Millennials Drive Luxury Home Demand
Millennials are the fastest-growing segment in upscale Real Estate in current 2026, with luxury agents seeing strong interest above $5M from younger buyers. Buyers in their 30s and 40s are purchasing $7M to $25M homes, supported by tech wealth and early family transfers from parents. Tax-free lifetime gift limits began in Early-Q1 2026 at up […]
US Home Sales Beat Expectations
Current annualized existing home sales reached 4.17M in the US, topping the 4.07M forecast and prior 4.04M reading by a clear margin. The result points to resilient housing demand, with buyers still active despite economic uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, and inflationary pressure nationwide today. For Real Estate pros, stronger sales can signal consumer confidence, helping […]
Affordable Landscape Upgrades That Could Add $40,000 to Your Home’s Value
Investing in curb appeal significantly boosts home value and sale price. Key affordable upgrades include fresh mulch, planting shade trees, upgrading walkways, adding landscape lighting, maintaining a healthy lawn, staging the front porch, planting native shrubs, creating outdoor living areas, adding raised edible gardens, and fixing overgrown or diseased plants. Small, consistent improvements yield high […]