Henry Chu at Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty

Why Did More People Decide To Sell Their Homes Recently?

Buying Tips / For Buyers / Mortgage Rates

October 17, 2024

Why Did More People Decide To Sell Their Homes Recently?

Homeowners typically slow down their moving plans as the summer months wrap up, and as a result, fewer homes are listed for sale in the fall. It’s a predictable, seasonal trend in real estate. But this year, mortgage rates came down at the same time the number of homes on...

The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Affordability / Equity / For Buyers / Home Prices / Mortgage Rates

October 16, 2024

The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the...

Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

Agent Value / Buying Tips / For Buyers

October 15, 2024

Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes. Unfortunately, this is turning some buyers away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market. As Builder Online says:...

Why a Condo Could Be Your Perfect First Home

For Buyers

October 14, 2024

Why a Condo Could Be Your Perfect First Home

If you’re looking to break into homeownership but the price of single-family homes has you second-guessing, you might want to consider a condominium (condo) or townhome. These types of homes often come with a lower barrier to entry – and that can help you start to build equity and enjoy...

Buying Beats Renting in These Top Cities

For Buyers / Infographics / Rent vs. Buy

October 11, 2024

Buying Beats Renting in These Top Cities

Some Highlights Based on a recent study, in 22 of the top 50 metros, the monthly mortgage payment is lower than the rent payment. Make sure you work with a pro who can help you crunch the numbers and see how your city stacks up. This may be your opportunity...

Agent Value / For Sellers / Selling Tips

October 10, 2024

How Much Does It Cost To Sell My House?

If you’re toying with the idea of selling your house, you’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost. To be honest, the final number will depend on several factors like the offer you accept, if you help with your buyer’s closing costs, how many repairs you tackle, and more. So, to...

Two Reasons Why the Housing Market Won’t Crash

Economy / Inventory

October 9, 2024

Two Reasons Why the Housing Market Won’t Crash

You may have heard chatter recently about the economy and talk about a possible recession. It’s no surprise that kind of noise gets some people worried about a housing market crash. Maybe you’re one of them. But here’s the good news – there’s no need to panic. The housing market...

Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

For Sellers / Selling Tips

October 8, 2024

Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

Has your house been sitting on the market longer than expected? If so, you’re bound to be frustrated by now. Maybe you’re even thinking it’s time to pull the listing and wait to see what 2025 brings. But what you may not realize is, the decision to hold off could...

Now’s the Time To Upgrade to Your Dream Home

Equity / For Sellers / Mortgage Rates

October 7, 2024

Now’s the Time To Upgrade to Your Dream Home

If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone. A recent Inman survey reveals the top motivator for today’s homebuyers is the desire for more space or an upgraded home (see graph below): But there’s also a good chance...

The Top 3 Reasons Affordability Is Improving

Affordability / Home Prices / Infographics / Mortgage Rates

October 4, 2024

The Top 3 Reasons Affordability Is Improving

Some Highlights Affordability is based on three key factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. And today, it’s improving quickly as rates come down, prices level off, and wages climb. If you put your search on pause because it was too expensive to buy, connect with an agent to talk...

Author: Henry Chu at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty