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Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate boom has long since cooled, but in its place we’re seeing a market searching for balance. Higher mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and rising home inventory are combining to reshape what it means to buy or sell a home in today’s climate. “The housing market is at a turning point,” says Nadia Evangelou, senior economist and director of real estate research at the National Association of Realtors.1 This turning...

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Ready to Buy or Sell a Home? Here Are 5 Key Factors in Choosing the Right Agent

Navigating the real estate market without guidance is like starting an expedition without a map. Whether you're selling your cherished family home or searching for your dream property, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference. According to a 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors, agent-represented homes sold for a median price of $435,000, compared to just $380,000 for those sold by owners alone.1  But home sellers aren’t the only ones who can benefit. A study by the Consumer Federation of America found that...

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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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