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Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons

Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, understanding seasonal patterns has become more critical than ever. With inventory levels normalizing and market conditions continuing to evolve, knowing when to make your move can dramatically impact your outcome. Whether you're a first-time buyer watching every dollar or a seller trying to maximize your profit, the season you choose...

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Can You Really Trust Online Home Estimates?

For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio—a quick hit of seeing your home's estimated value, right at your fingertips. With 178 million monthly users and over 100 million homes covered, the platform's instant, free, and convenient appeal is undeniable. But here's a famous cautionary tale: Spencer Rascoff, Zillow's former CEO, sold his own home for a staggering 40% less than its Zestimate. This story highlights a critical fact that many homeowners don't realize: Zillow itself calls its Zestimate a "starting point...

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How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)

Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports.1 Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encounter suspicious activity during the closing process, and one in 20 end up victims of wire fraud.2 These aren't isolated incidents targeting the naive or unprepared—they're professional operations that can fool experienced investors and savvy consumers alike. Scammers have adapted to modern technology and remote transactions,...

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What Makes a Great Long-Term Rental Property? A Checklist for Smart Investors

Investing in a long-term rental can be a powerful way to build steady income and long-term wealth—but not every property is a smart buy. From location and tenant demand to cash flow and maintenance considerations, this checklist breaks down the key factors investors should evaluate to identify a rental property that stands the test of time....

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

At the midpoint of 2025, the housing market is shifting — with rising inventory, elevated mortgage rates, and softened price growth reshaping opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Understanding the latest trends and local dynamics can help you time your next move with confidence, whether you’re entering the market, planning to sell, or evaluating your options....

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

Choosing the right real estate agent can make a meaningful difference in your buying or selling experience. From local market knowledge and communication style to negotiation skills and trust, these five key factors will help you feel confident partnering with an agent who truly supports your goals and guides you smoothly through every step of the process....

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

Affordable homeownership can feel out of reach, but many common obstacles are more manageable than they appear. From rising interest rates and limited inventory to credit concerns and upfront costs, this article outlines five key roadblocks — along with practical strategies to help buyers move forward with clarity and confidence....

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Home-Related Tax Deductions

Homeownership comes with potential tax benefits that many buyers and sellers overlook. From mortgage interest and property taxes to energy-efficient improvements and home office deductions, understanding which expenses may be deductible can help you plan smarter and make informed financial decisions related to your home....

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Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family

For many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial storm or care for ailing family members. But that mindset is on the decline: A growing number of families now say that they are embracing multigenerational living and moving in together by choice.  In fact, research by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the share of multigenerational home buyers rose to 14% in 2022––close to an all-time high.1  Buyers cite a...

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