For Buyers / Home Prices

January 16, 2025

by Henry Chu at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty · Published January 16, 2025

One Homebuying Step You Don’t Want To Skip: Pre-Approval

There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here’s a rundown of what it is and why it’s so important right now. What Is Pre-Approval? Pre-approval is like getting a green light from a lender. It lets you know...
For Sellers

January 15, 2025

by Henry Chu at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty · Published January 15, 2025

Roughly 11,000 Homes Will Sell Today – Will Yours Be One of Them?

Are you hesitant to sell your house because you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now? Here’s some perspective that can help. The market actually isn’t at a standstill. While there weren’t as many sales last year as there’d be in a normal market,...
Buying Tips / For Buyers

January 14, 2025

by Henry Chu at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty · Published January 14, 2025

The Truth About Credit Scores and Buying a Home

Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back. The Myth:...
Equity / Home Prices

January 13, 2025

by Henry Chu at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty · Published January 13, 2025

How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You

Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of...

January 10, 2025

How Mortgage Rates Affect Your Monthly Payment

Some Highlights Experts say rates will come down slightly in the year ahead – but some volatility is expected. So, you shouldn’t try to time the market. Instead, it’s better to focus on how even a small change impacts your future mortgage payment. As rates come down, even a little...

Agent Value / Buying Tips / For Buyers

January 9, 2025

What To Save for When Buying a Home

Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process. Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead....

Mortgage Forbearance: A Helpful Option for Homeowners Facing Challenges

Agent Value / For Sellers / Foreclosures / Selling Tips

January 8, 2025

Mortgage Forbearance: A Helpful Option for Homeowners Facing Challenges

Let’s face it – life can throw some curveballs. Whether it’s a job loss, unexpected bills, or a natural disaster, financial struggles can happen to anyone. But here’s the good news. If you’re a homeowner feeling the squeeze, there’s a lifeline that many people don’t realize is still available: mortgage...

Expert Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market

For Buyers / For Sellers / Forecasts / Home Prices / Mortgage Rates

January 7, 2025

Expert Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market

Wondering what’s in store for the housing market this year? And more specifically, what it all means for you if you plan to buy or sell a home? The best way to get that information is to lean on the pros. Experts are constantly updating and revising their forecasts, so...

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Equity / For Buyers

January 6, 2025

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Trying to decide whether it makes more sense to buy a home now or wait? There’s a lot to consider, from what’s happening in the market to your changing needs. But generally speaking, aiming to time the market isn’t a good strategy – there are too many factors at play...

Buying Tips / For Buyers / Infographics

January 3, 2025

Get Ready To Buy a Home in 2025

Some Highlights If buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, here’s how to make it happen. Focus on improving your credit, planning for your down payment, getting pre-approved, and prioritizing your wish list. But first, connect with a trusted agent and lender so you have expert advice...

For Sellers / Selling Tips

January 2, 2025

Home Staging FAQ: What You Need To Know

You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but what exactly is home staging, and is it really worth your time and effort? Here are a few quick FAQs that can help you decide how much you should prioritize...

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

Buying Tips / For Buyers

January 1, 2025

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home....

Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

Buying Tips / First-Time Buyers / For Buyers

December 31, 2024

Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

Turning a dream into reality starts with one thing: a plan. And if buying your first home is on your list of goals, now’s the perfect time to put a plan in motion to help you save. And the best part? Reaching your savings goal doesn’t mean making huge sacrifices...

How Eco-Friendly Features Can Boost Your Home’s Value

For Sellers / Selling Tips

December 30, 2024

How Eco-Friendly Features Can Boost Your Home’s Value

Selling your house? Or just looking to increase the value and appeal of your home for when you do? Here’s something you should know – homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes with environmentally friendly features. What Energy Efficient Features Do Buyers Want? According to recent data from the National Association...

Henry Chu | Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty

One Homebuying Step You Don’t Want To Skip: Pre-Approval

Roughly 11,000 Homes Will Sell Today – Will Yours Be One of Them?

The Truth About Credit Scores and Buying a Home

How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You