No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home.

That’s why partnering with a trusted agent is so important. Here’s a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today’s market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one.

Trying To Time the Market

Many buyers are trying to time the market by waiting for home prices or mortgage rates to drop. This can be a really risky strategy because there’s so much at play that can have an impact on those things. As Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says:

“My advice for buyers is don’t try to time the market. There are ​a lot of swing factors, like the upcoming jobs report and the…

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With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down.

Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown

In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG, in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day (see graph below):

a graph of a person with an orange squareWhy? Uncertainty. Many consumers hold off on making major decisions or purchases while they wait to see how the election will play out. It’s a pattern that’s shown up time and time again, and it's particularly apparent for buyers and sellers in the housing market.

This year is no different. A…

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Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out.

There are several key reasons why there aren’t enough homes to go around and understanding them will help you see why the market is working in your favor if you’re ready to make a move.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

1. Underproduction of Homes: For years, the industry hasn’t built enough homes to keep up with demand. As Zillow explains:

“In 2022, 1.4 million homes were built — at the time, the best year for home construction since the early stages of the Great Recession. However, the number of U.S. families…

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a screenshot of a cell phone

Some Highlights

  • There are a number of scary myths about homebuying in today’s market. Here’s what you need to know.
  • Prices are not expected to crash, it is possible to buy even with student loan debt, and there are programs that can help you save for a down payment.
  • Don’t let scary myths delay your homebuying plans. Let's connect so you have a pro to help you separate the facts from your fears.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Selling your home in 2025? Consider these 10 budget-friendly home improvements that can increase your home's value significantly. Discover easy and affordable upgrades that make your property irresistible to buyers, without breaking the bank!

Introduction

The real estate market is constantly evolving, but one thing remains true: first impressions matter. If you're planning to sell your home in 2025, a little upfront investment can result in a higher sale price. Imagine spending just $500 and seeing a $5,000 boost in your property’s perceived value! It’s possible with the right home improvements that buyers love.

In this guide, we’ll cover 10 affordable home upgrades that can dramatically enhance your home's appeal. From painting and lighting to…

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With everything feeling more expensive these days, it’s natural to worry about how rising costs might impact the housing market. Many people are concerned that high prices and tighter budgets could cause more homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage payments, leading to a wave of foreclosures.

But before you start worrying about a housing market crash, here’s a look at what’s really happening. And the good news is: the latest foreclosure data shows there’s no wave on the horizon.

How Today’s Market Is Different from 2008

Let’s ease those fears by looking at the bigger picture. The graph below uses research from ATTOM, a property data provider, to show that the number of homeowners starting the foreclosure process is nowhere near what we saw…

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As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to know what to expect.

While every market is different, understanding what’s happening nationally can give you a good baseline. But for an even more detailed look at real estate conditions in your area, connect with a local real estate agent. They know your local market best and can explain what’s happening near you and how it compares to national trends.

Here’s a look at some of the things a great agent will walk you through during that conversation.

More Homes Are on the Market, and That’s Affecting How Long They Take To Sell

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale…

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Selling a home in Chicagoland can be as complex as the weather itself. Between fluctuating seasons and shifting buyer demand, timing plays a pivotal role in how quickly—and how lucratively—your home sells. So, which day of the week should you choose to list your home? And when is the best time of year to capture the highest offers? The answers may surprise you.

Alright, Chicagoland homeowners, let’s kick things off with a challenge. Can you guess which day of the week is prime time for listing your home in the western suburbs? If your instinct is telling you Saturday or Sunday, you might want to think again. Believe it or not, a little tweak in your listing strategy can make a significant difference, with faster sales and higher profits.

Ready to…

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If your goal is to sell your house in 2025, now’s the time to start prepping. Even though it might seem like there’s plenty of time between now and the new year, you should get a head start on any updates or repairs you want to make now. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“ . . . now is the time to start thinking about what you need for your next home and then taking those steps to prepare to list . . . We have survey data that says 47 percent of sellers are taking longer than a month to get their home ready to sell, so getting them to start that process early can mean more flexibility.”

By starting your prep work early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to get your house market-ready by the end of the year. But be sure to…

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Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.

Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down

One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025 (see graph below):

a graph showing the rate of a forecastWhile that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year.…

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