A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You? This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey (see graph below): Here’s why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to come back to the market. That doesn’t mean the floodgates are opening and that there’s going to be a huge wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this does signal there’ll be more activity this year than last. At least some of the buyers who put their plans on hold over the past few years will jump back in. Whether they’re feeling more confident about moving, they’ve finally saved up enough to buy, or they simply can’t wait any longer – this is the year they’re aiming to take the plunge. And, according to that same NerdWallet survey, more than half (54%) of those potential buyers have already started looking at homes online. That’s a good indicator that a number of these buyers will be looking during the peak homebuying season this spring. So, if you find the right agent to make sure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, you can get your house in front of them. Bottom Line More people are making moves this year, and with the right approach, we can make sure your home is one of the first they see. What do you think buyers will love most about your home? Reach out, and let’s make sure those standout features take center stage in your listing!

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The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you. What’s a Fixer-Upper? A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing. While fixer-uppers need a little TLC, here’s why they may be worth considering, especially right now: They Usually Have a Lower Price Point. Because of the repairs involved, these homes are usually less expensive up front than move-in-ready options. According to a survey from StorageCafe, fixer-uppers come with price tags that are about 29% lower, making them a solid choice if you’re having trouble finding anything in your budget. Less Competition. When you’re ready to make an offer, you’re less likely to deal with competition from other buyers who are focused on move-in-ready homes. Build Equity Faster. From choosing how to redo the floors to picking which cabinets you want in the kitchen, a fixer-upper allows you to design a space that fits your needs and style. And with smart renovations, you can increase your home’s value faster and potentially see a big return on your investment. As The Mortgage Reports notes: “If you’re a house hunter who’s not afraid of sweat equity, buying a fixer-upper could be your ticket to homeownership. Doing so could lead to big savings, even in some of the nation’s largest and most popular housing markets. Plus, adding the right features could help your investment.” What To Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper The possibilities that come with a fixer-upper are exciting, but there are a few things to think about first. Do You Have a Gameplan? Consider if you have the time, skills, or budget to tackle renovations. Be honest about what you can handle yourself, what you’ll need to hire out, and if a fixer-upper is truly a good fit for your lifestyle. Remember, you’ll likely be living in a construction zone at least for a little while. Prioritize the Repairs and Upgrades: Don’t stress yourself out thinking you’ve got to do all the work up front. Space out renovations over time in a way that makes sense for your budget and what’s most important to tackle first. Location Matters: You want the money you’re spending to fix up a house to be worth the investment. So, make sure the home is in an area with increasing home values and amenities locals love, like parks and restaurants. Get a Home Inspection: Hiring an inspector to do a thorough inspection before you buy is a must. What they find will help you understand what needs to be updated, renovation costs, and if it’s a project you want to take on. Budget for Surprises: Renovations rarely go as planned. So, be sure to set aside extra money to cover things like extended repair timelines, an increase in the cost of materials, or other unknowns that may come up. Explore Your Financing Options: Some loans are designed specifically for homes that need work, but they often come with spending limits and timeline requirements. A trusted lender can walk you through the details and help you find the best fit for your renovation plans. Bottom Line Fixer-uppers aren’t for everyone, but if you’re open to doing a bit of work, they can be a great way to overcome today’s affordability hurdles and find something in your budget. With the right mindset and careful planning, you could turn a less-than-perfect house into the perfect home for you. So, if you're thinking about taking on a fixer-upper, let’s find the right one for you. I’ll help you navigate the search, weigh the potential, and connect you with the right resources to make your vision a reality. Ready to get started? Let’s talk!

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3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?” But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress. What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case. 1. Less Competition from Other Buyers The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph below): Fewer buyers in the market means you’ll likely have more time to make thoughtful decisions. It also means you may have more negotiating power. According to the Alabama Association of Realtors: “A significant benefit of buying a home in winter is the reduced competition. Because of the perceived benefits of spring, many buyers delay the start of their house hunt. As a result, you will find fewer people competing for the same properties during winter. Less demand can translate into more negotiating power as sellers may be more willing to entertain offers or agree to concessions to get a deal closed quickly.” 2. More Negotiating Power With homes staying on the market longer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate. This can lead to better deals for you as a buyer, whether that means a lower price or added incentives, like sellers covering closing costs or making repairs. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfin, points out: “. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.” Plus, when demand is lower, sellers often feel more pressure to work with serious buyers. This could give you an edge to negotiate terms that work best for your situation. 3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months, too. According to data from NAR, home prices last year were at their lowest in January, February, and March — right before the spring buying season kicked in (see graph below): This trend isn’t new — Bright MLS shows between 2010 and 2024, home prices in January and February were, on average, 15% lower than during the month of peak home prices (typically June). Buying in the off-season means you’re more likely to avoid paying the premium prices that come with the high demand of spring. On top of that, home prices generally appreciate over time, meaning they tend to go up year after year. That means if you’re ready to buy and you can make it happen, you’re not only taking advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year, but you’re also locking in today’s price before it increases in the future. Bottom Line Spring is a busy season for buyers, but moving before the rush can mean less competition, better deals, and more negotiating power. If you’ve been thinking about a move, now might be the perfect time—let’s find the right place for you!

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