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Selling Your Home In 2025? Here’s What Buyers Want (And How To Deliver)

Thinking about listing your home in 2025? If so, you're smart to start planning ahead. With housing inventory rising in many market segments, today’s sellers need more than just a “for sale” sign to stand out.1 The good news? You can still make a strong impression and command top dollar—if you know what today’s buyers are really looking for. We’ve outlined six of the top homebuyer priorities in 2025, along with a clear action plan to help you position your property for success. Whether you're weeks or months away from listing, these...

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5 Roadblocks To Affordable Homeownership (And Ways To Move Past Them)

Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1  According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, home prices have risen around 32% since the pandemic, and elevated mortgage rates have caused monthly payments to balloon.2 Despite the challenges, homeownership remains a top goal for many Americans. Fortunately, there are ways to turn your dreams of homeownership into reality! In this guide, we’ll explore five common roadblocks to affordable homeownership and...

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Home-Related Tax Deductions

Tax season. Just the words can send shivers down your spine. But if you're a homeowner, there's a silver lining: potential savings!  You’ve probably heard that you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage — but did you know there are many other ways homeowners can reduce their tax burden? Before you start your return, read this post for common home-related tax deductions, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to maximize your savings. Home-Related Tax Savings: The Basics Before we get into the details, it’s important to define some important terms...

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4 Home Remodeling Projects with the Highest ROI

Ask any homeowner about what they would like to change about their home, and most will say, “How much time do you have? Home improvements (cue Tim Allen) or home remodeling projects can stem from a variety of motivations, like preparing your home to put on the market, adding space for a growing family, addressing outdated features or aesthetics, or fixing structural/functional issues with the home.  However, when it comes to home remodeling projects, too many people assume their project will proportionally increase the value of their home. Few actually consider the...

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The 2025 Real Estate Report

Experts Predict Home Values to Increase 1.5% to 3.6% in 2025. Top housing experts and economists give a glimpse of what mortgage rates, home values and the national real estate market will do in 2025. Key Takeaways Mortgages are forecasted to remain higher for longer; but there are things you can do to lower your rate. Home values are predicted to increase incrementally on a national level; and there are projects you can do to increase your home’s value. The national market will slightly favor sellers in negotiations; however, real estate is...

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Tech the Halls: Smart Home Gadgets for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly start to feel more like a neverending to-do list rather than your haven.  That’s where smart home technology comes in. It can help you streamline holiday tasks to focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season's magic.  And there are more upsides to upgrading your home tech: doing so can also enhance the overall value and...

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