In today's wild market, there are plenty of bad ideas on both sides of the buyer/seller equation. Here's how to correct those misconceptions so that everyone can get what they want.

The current market has buyers and sellers on pause. Interest rates have certainly put a damper on many would-be buyers and sellers’ plans. Depending on their budget, where they want to go or what kind of property they are looking for, inventory may be a concern, as well as insurance. 

Everyone seems to be in a state of flux. Many would-be buyers who are renting are continuing to do so, even though the landlord raised their rent, and while not ideal, they don’t know what else to do.

Sellers, despite being able to cash out and make some good equity, cannot make the…

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Some buyers think that to buy a home you have to put 20% down, but that's NOT THE CASE! The average down payment for First-Time Homebuyers is actually just 6%! Here’s a look at a comparison of the down payment some THINK you have to put down (20%) vs a more realistic down payment! Let’s chat if you’re ready to make the leap towards homeownership!


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Following months of encouraging signs that inflation was finally cooling, a new report showed that it ticked back up in July. With the benchmark interest rate already at a 22-year high and mortgage interest rates the highest they've been since 2000, many buyers may elect to sit on the sidelines and wait for the rate environment to improve. That said, there's no clear insight into when that improvement will actually take place. Nor do experts know how much rates will even fall. With this forecast unclear, it may still make sense for buyers to act now.

3 reasons why it's worth locking in a mortgage rate now.

There are multiple compelling reasons buyers may want to lock in a mortgage rate now. Here are three things to consider. 

Rates could go…

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By Margaret Heidenry

Mortgage rates just jumped to their highest level in 20 years, averaging 7.09% for a 30-year fixed-rate home loan as of Aug. 17, according to Freddie Mac.

In addition to home loan rates hitting their highest levels in two decades, home prices edged upward for the week ending Aug. 12 compared with this same time period last year.

“For the third consecutive week, the median home listing price maintained a slight upward trajectory,” says Realtor.com® economic data manager Sabrina Speianu in her analysis.

Why record-high mortgage rates affect both homebuyers and sellers.

Record-high mortgage rates aren’t just weighing down buyers—they’re tethering sellers to their homes, too.

Speianu explains that most homeowners…

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KIRKLAND, Washington (August 7, 2023) –A downturn in the housing market was inevitable given higher mortgage rates, acknowledged broker Dick Beeson, but he and others who commented on the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service noted some positives for both buyers and sellers.

The Northwest MLS statistics summarizing July activity for 26 counties in the report showed declines in listings, pending sales, closed sales and prices when compared to 12 months ago. The same metrics, which include single family homes and condominiums, were also down from June, with the exception of total active listings and months of inventory. Both showed slight month-over-month improvement.

 Buyers could choose from 10,982 active listings at the end of…

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House hunting in a desert.

Successfully buying in a low-inventory market.

We are experiencing a low inventory of homes for sale in the Phoenix area, as supply is below normal for this time of year, and there are more buyers than properties for sale.

Navigating the real estate market as a buyer when there is low inventory can be challenging, but there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of finding the right property:

  1.        Hire a good real estate agent: A good real estate agent will make your life 100% easier. They can help you navigate the market, provide you with inside information about new listings, and help you make competitive offers that stand out. And remember, all this experience comes free to you, as it is the…

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If you’ve been looking for a new home for a while, don’t give up! We are anticipating interest rates to slowly decrease within the next 2 years. Also when rates do go down, there will be more competition to buy so is waiting worth it? There are programs out there that can help you get into a new home, DM or call me for more information! With low inventory and the right guidance on getting your home ready to sell, this is a great time to get your home sold with less home seller competition. This means if you have your home in show ready condition and in a desirable neighborhood, you may get multiple offers even in todays market! 


Any other questions or if you need help with your home search, or ready to list your home, feel free to contact me! …

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Story by Aarthi Swaminathan

Homeowner Marie Cantu, 35, lives just outside of Seattle, and has been looking to buy a single-family home outside of Boston to be closer to her family.

The mom-of-five has been “seriously looking” for three-bedroom homes for the last six months. Cantu is hoping to rent her home in Washington, and move roughly before the school year starts, so that her children can adjust better to the new neighborhood. Cantu, a stay-at-home mother, homeschools her children. 

Higher rates make housing more expensive — and less affordable — for aspiring homeowners. They have also been a major factor in keeping would-be home sellers out of the housing market.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised the benchmark rate by 25…

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Earlier predictions were that home prices would fall due to rising interest rates. Simply put, that hasn’t happened. While higher rates have slowed appreciation and added a few extra days on the market, home prices are actually climbing at about 4% this year, which is right in line with inflation. That main reason for this is simple supply and demand economics. Most of the country is sitting at historically low levels of inventory.

Sellers have been able to hold fairly strong this year even in the face of continued high interest rates and recession fears. The biggest contributing factor here has been the lack of inventory. People still have to buy due to job and lifestyle reasons such as growing families. With many people holding onto their homes…

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If you’re considering going “all-in” on the home of your dreams, you need to know this term! An appraisal gap is the difference between the appraisers assessment price of the home and the agreed upon purchase price. Be prepared and confident before agreeing to select this as an option. 

See below!

Appraisal gap

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