Happy Women’s Day
International Women's Day, also known as IWD for short, grew out of the labour movement to become a recognized annual event by the UN.It all started in 1908 when 15K women marched through NYC demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. Things were made official in 1975 when the United Nations […]
8 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
First-time homebuyers should save for a down payment, typically 20%, and budget for additional costs like fees, moving, and furniture. Choose a neighborhood that fits long-term needs, prioritize must-haves, and get a home inspection to avoid surprises. Use a mortgage calculator to stay within budget, explore financing options, and spend time in the neighborhood at […]
Unlocking Opportunities in Today’s Stable Housing Market
A frozen U.S. housing market is impacting manufacturers of appliances, flooring, cabinets, paint, and HVAC systems as high mortgage rates and cautious buyers reduce demand. Homeowners prefer repairs over replacements, lowering premium product sales. Key building categories like windows and roofing are declining. Some signs of stabilization include aging housing stock and slight improvements in […]
2026 Home Prices Down: Market Turning Point?
Home prices ↓ every month since July; January marks sixth straight decline. Seasonal trends and weak buyer demand drive price drops. Avg. mortgage rate just under **7%**, over double pandemic-era ~**3%** rates. More than **1.2M** homes listed in early 2026, ↑ **6%** YoY, giving buyers more options. More buyers may re-enter due to slower price […]
US Home Builders Anticipate Steady Opportunities Ahead
The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index fell to 36 in February. Six-month sales expectations dropped to 46, while buyer traffic slipped to 22. Builders cutting prices declined to 36%, down from 40% in prior months. 65% of builders still used incentives, but fewer expect major buyer hurdles in 2026. The Mortgage Bankers […]
Virginia Housing Market Sees Surge in Pending Sales to Start 2026
Virginia's housing market showed strong momentum in January 2026 with a 2.1% increase in home sales and a 14.4% rise in pending sales compared to last year. Mortgage rates remained steady in the low 6% range, supporting buyer activity. Inventory expanded by 9.4%, with active listings reaching 19,207. Median sales prices stabilized, days on market […]
Your 2026 First-HomeGame Plan (and What to Skip)
Slide 1 Do: shop lenders; 0.25% difference saves thousands long-term. Slide 2 Do: negotiate concessions—50% deals cover closing costs, even rate buydowns. Slide 3 Do: target fixer-uppers, refinance in 6–12 months, build equity fast. Slide 4 Don’t wait for 4% rates or price crashes—forecasts show 1–3% rises in home prices. Slide 5 Don’t ignore taxes, […]
Key Takeaways: January 2026 Virginia Home Sales Report
Virginia home sales in January 2026 rose 2.1% year-over-year to 5,881, despite a seasonal drop from December. The median sales price was nearly unchanged at $397,790, with regional variations. Sold dollar volume increased 1.4% to about $3 billion. Active listings grew 9.4% to 19,207. Early indicators suggest a busier spring market with rising pending sales […]
Financial Planning Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Preparing financially before buying a home is crucial. Upfront costs include the down payment, which can be as low as 3-5% depending on the loan type, plus inspections, appraisal, and closing costs. Savings should cover these and monthly mortgage payments. Review your budget and calculate your debt-to-income ratio to ensure affordability. Maintain a good credit […]
January yields growth in new-home mortgage applications
Purchase mortgage applications for newly constructed homes rose 2% year-over-year and 19% month-over-month in January. Single-family housing starts increased 4.1% from November to December but were 9% lower than the previous year. Full-year 2025 single-family construction slowed, with starts down 6.9% and permits down 7.4%. New-home sales rebounded 3.6% seasonally adjusted in January. Average loan […]