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Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Home Sitting on the Market
When you see a home sitting on the market longer than expected, the reaction is almost automatic. Buyers start asking themselves:
- What’s wrong with it?
- Why hasn’t anyone bought it yet?
- Am I missing something?
That mindset made sense a few years ago. But in today’s market, you may actually miss out.
More Time on Market Isn’t Automatically a Concern Anymore
A few years ago, homes sold in just a matter of days. Sometimes, hours. Anything that lingered longer than that raised concerns. But that’s no longer the baseline.
Inventory has grown. Buyers have more choices. And homes are taking longer to sell across the board. Those are some of the reasons why the typical time it takes a home to sell has climbed this year.
And it’s not that 73 days is slow. That’s actually pretty normal for this time of year. It just feels slow because you heard so much about houses being snapped up in the buying frenzy a few years ago.
That shift alone explains a lot of what you’re seeing. It’s not necessarily that there’s anything wrong with the house itself. Although, let’s be honest, sometimes that is the case.
Most of the time today, a house that’s taking longer to sell simply means:
- There are a lot of homes for sale in that area
- The seller priced a little too high at first
- The home didn’t photograph as well online
- Buyers passed it over for flashier listings nearby
- The timing just wasn’t right when it first hit the market
None of those are necessarily deal-breakers.
What Buyers Often Get Wrong About These Listings
Because even though you may assume a house that hasn’t sold must have hidden issues, the reality is, that’s not always the case. And, if the house does have issues, it’ll show up quickly in your inspection.
That’s information you can use to negotiate. Not a reason to walk away automatically. And in many cases, that’s where buyers find the best deals.
The key is knowing which homes that have been sitting for a while are worth a second look – and which ones aren’t. That’s why working with a local agent makes a real difference. They’ll be able to look at disclosures and more to help you uncover hidden gems other buyers may overlook.
Bottom Line
A home sitting on the market isn’t always a warning sign. Sometimes it’s an overlooked opportunity.
Home Updates That Pay Off When You Sell Your House
Planning to sell this spring? If so, starting your home updates sooner rather than later can make a real difference. While you may be tempted to wait until the first blooms appear or the spring showers hit, by today’s standards, that’s often waiting too long to get started.
Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. Therefore, it’s worth it to tackle home updates now and make sure your house is set up to stand out. Because you don’t want to be caught scrambling right before the spring rush. Or, running out of time to do the work your house really needs.
The key is focusing on home improvements that actually matter. And that’s exactly where return-on-investment (ROI) data comes in handy.
Which Projects Tend to Pay Off?
Every year, Zonda looks at which home updates deliver the most bang for the buck when you go to sell the home. And the results can be a little surprising.
The green in the chart below shows the updates where sellers have the biggest potential to add value based on that research:
While there’s a wide range of projects represented in this data, the cool part is, some of the top winners aren’t big to-do’s. They’re just swapping out doors.
Small Updates, Big Visual Impact
This goes to show little projects can have a big impact. So, you don’t have to spend a fortune. And you don’t need to tackle everything on this list. But in today’s market, doing nothing can work against you.
Now that buyers have more homes to choose from, a lot of them are going to opt for what’s move-in ready.
The best advice? Focus on what your house needs, whether it’s listed here or not – like the home updates you’ve been putting off. A front door or shutters in need of a little TLC. Piles of leaves in the yard. Scuffed up paint where your kids play inside. Those details matter too.
Mallory Slesser, Interior designer and Home Stager, explains it to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) this way:
“If you’re looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement. It really changes the space.”
These seemingly small things help buyers focus on the home itself – not the work they think they’ll have to do after moving in. And that’s paying off for other sellers. Buyers are often willing to spend more on homes that feel well cared for, updated, and move-in ready.
This Chart Is a Starting Point, Not a Strategy
Here’s the important thing to remember. National data like this is a guideline. Buyer preferences are going to vary by location, price point, and even neighborhood. That means a project that boosts value in one area might be unnecessary (or even overkill) in yours.
That’s why the first step should always be to talk with a local real estate professional before you start.
An experienced agent can help you answer questions like:
- Which updates do buyers in your market expect?
- What can you skip without hurting your sale?
- Where will a small investment make the biggest difference?
- Is it better to update, or sell as-is?
That guidance helps you avoid over-improving and under-preparing.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to sell this spring, you still have time to make updates that help your home stand out – without taking on a full renovation.
The Credit Score Myth Holding Buyers Back
Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back.
According to a Bankrate survey, 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage. That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet, “my credit isn’t good enough” comes up often.
Maybe you’re in the same boat. You look at your score, see it’s not where you want it to be, and assume buying your first place just isn’t realistic right now.
But here’s what you need to know.
Even though a lot of people assume you need flawless credit to buy a house, that’s not necessarily the case.
You Don’t Need Perfect Credit To Buy a Home
So, where’s this myth come from? Part of the confusion stems from the fact that the typical homebuyer today does have a fairly strong credit score. In fact, according to data from the NY Fed, the median credit score for all buyers is 775.
But that doesn’t mean you need a score that high to qualify.
Looking at recent homebuyers, a number were able to get a mortgage with scores below that threshold. Data shows 10% of scores were around 660. Which means some were higher than that and some were lower, but the median in that lowest 10th percentile was around that range (see graph below):
So, even if your score isn’t as high as you want, that doesn’t automatically close the door. FICO explains there is no universal credit score you absolutely have to have when buying a home:
“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .”
The best thing to do is to talk to a trusted lender to see what’s possible for you. Because a portion of buyers are buying with scores in the 600s – and maybe that means you can too.
Bottom Line
Your credit score is important. But that doesn’t mean it has to be perfect.
If credit has been the reason you’ve been waiting to buy a home, it might be time to take another look at your options. If you want help understanding where you stand and what your next step could be, connect with a local lender.
Reference: https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/01/12/the-credit-score-myth-thats-holding-would-be-buyers-back/
Why Selling Your House This Winter Gives You an Edge
Spring gets most of the spotlight, but it isn’t always the smartest time to sell a home. While more buyers are out shopping, there’s also a surge of new listings—meaning more competition.
Winter tells a different story. With fewer homes available, your property has a better chance to shine. And that advantage can have a real impact on your sale.
Winter Is When Your Listing Stands Out
Historically, the number of homes on the market declines during the winter months. This is a consistent, year-after-year trend.
Realtor.com data clearly illustrates this pattern. Inventory drops in winter (shown by the green circles on the graph below) and then rises again as spring gets closer:
a graph with green circles and numbers
Based on the most recent data, this trend may repeat in 2025. The graph shows housing supply beginning to decrease as we move toward year-end. And if history is any guide, inventory is likely to keep falling, just as it typically does.
Here’s why this matters to you.
Even though there are more homes for sale now than in the past few years, inventory is still well below what we saw in a more balanced market (2017–2019). And as temperatures drop, we may see supply dip even further.
That creates an opportunity. By listing now with the help of an agent, you can sell while other homeowners pull their listings and before inventory rises again in the spring.
Fewer sellers right now = more eyes on your home this season.
Why wait until spring, when everyone else is listing, if you can get ahead of the rush?
Winter Buyers Are Serious Buyers
Another major benefit is that buyers searching in winter are often highly motivated.
They’re not casually looking—they usually need to move. Whether it’s a job relocation, a lease ending, a major life change, or simply being ready to take the next step, these buyers are prepared to act. As U.S. News explains:
“. . . buyers who are trudging through wintry weather often have a good reason for being out in the cold – they need to move. Whether it’s a relocation for a new job, a divorce or the arrival of a new baby, buyers who brave the elements are usually serious and able to make quick decisions.”
That means fewer lookers and more qualified buyers coming through your home.
And since inventory typically declines during this time of year, buyers may have fewer options than they did in the fall. If your home is priced correctly and well prepared, it could be the one that stands out.
Bottom Line
Winter may not get the same hype as spring, but that’s exactly what makes it powerful. Less competition, more motivated buyers, and a better chance for your home to be noticed.
If you’re considering selling, this season could work to your advantage. Connect with a local real estate agent to explore what listing now could look like for you.
Referrence: https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2025/12/10/why-selling-your-house-this-winter-gives-you-an-edge/
Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?
You might not want to press pause on your homebuying plans this winter. While many people assume spring is the best time to buy, recent data suggests that January may actually offer the greatest advantage for buyers focused on their budget.
Surprising? Here’s why January is worth a closer look.
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Prices Are Often Lower This Time of Year
According to LendingTree, January is typically the least expensive month to buy a home. Historically, it posts some of the lowest price-per-square-foot figures of the year. By contrast, spring is when buyer demand — and home prices — usually reach their peak. This isn’t guesswork; it’s a consistent pattern backed by years of market data.
So what does that mean in real dollars? Based on the most recent full year of data, buyers who purchased a typical 1,500-square-foot home in January paid about $23,000 less than those who bought in May. While exact savings depend on location, home size, and price range, the overall trend remains clear: January often delivers meaningful savings, especially at a time when affordability remains a concern for many buyers.
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Fewer Buyers and More Motivated Sellers
Winter is traditionally one of the slowest seasons in real estate. Many buyers and sellers step back, assuming it’s better to wait until spring. As a result:
There’s less competition from other buyers
Multiple-offer situations are less common
Sellers are often more open to negotiation
You can shop more deliberately without feeling rushed
Fewer active buyers also mean that sellers on the market in winter are often those who truly need to move. With less demand, they’re more likely to consider offers seriously and negotiate terms. As Realtor.com notes, reduced competition can lead to fewer bidding wars and more opportunities to negotiate closing cost credits, repair concessions, home warranties, or other incentives — savings that can add up quickly.
This doesn’t guarantee discounts on every home, but it does improve your chances of negotiating favorable terms.
Should You Wait for Spring?
Here’s the key takeaway: removing the urgency and competition of the spring market can make it easier to secure a home that fits both your needs and your budget.
Waiting until spring means entering a busier market with more buyers, higher prices, and increased stress. While timing is always a personal decision, it’s worth questioning the assumption that warmer weather automatically brings better opportunities.
Buying in January often means less competition, potentially lower prices, and more motivated sellers — advantages that tend to disappear once spring demand heats up.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been considering your next move, this season may offer more opportunity than you expect.
Interested in seeing what buying in January could look like for you? A local agent can help you explore your numbers and review the homes currently available in your market.
How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget
One of the most powerful advantages you can give yourself as a homebuyer right now is surprisingly simple: keeping your wish list flexible.
Think about it this way. Your wish list and your budget act as the guardrails for your home search. And when your budget needs to stay put, there’s still another lever you can adjust. That’s taking a closer look at whether you truly need every feature on your list. Because often, making a small compromise can be the difference between feeling stuck and holding the keys to your next home.
The data shows many buyers are already doing this to overcome affordability challenges in today’s market. A recent study from Cotality found that most buyers (70%) ended up compromising on at least one item from their original wish list. But before they began searching, only 33% thought they’d need to compromise at all:
What changed? Buyers discovered something important during the search. The features you can’t change matter far more than the ones you can update later.
You can:
Install hardwood floors
Add marble countertops
Upgrade bathrooms over time.
You can’t as easily:
Add more land
Create extra bedrooms or bathrooms
Move the home closer to the people you care about
In the end, factors like location, layout, and the home’s overall bones matter far more than cosmetic details you can change later. And realizing that gives you real power as a buyer.
A Simple Step That’ll Open More Doors
If you’re feeling stuck in your search or scrolling through listings without seeing “the one,” here’s a simple exercise that can completely reset your approach. Write down everything you want in a home, then sort it into three categories:
Must-Haves: These are your non-negotiables. The essentials that make everyday life work—such as the number of bedrooms, commute time, accessibility needs, safety, or proximity to family or your support system.
Nice-to-Haves: Features you’d really enjoy but don’t absolutely need. Think things like a fenced yard, double closets in the primary suite, or a decorative patio.
Dream Features: The true extras. These are the “someday” items—the features you’d love to have but don’t need right now. If you get them, great. If not, that’s okay for now.
Once you sort your list, something becomes clear. Your wish list can either restrict your options or expand them.
Sometimes “nice-to-haves” are being treated like “must-haves.” Loosen that distinction just a bit, and suddenly more homes fit your budget—homes you may have previously skipped over but that could actually suit your lifestyle.
Small Flexibility, Big Payoff
Your next home doesn’t have to check every single box. It just needs to check the ones that truly matter.
That might mean looking at a home that needs some minor cosmetic updates. Or choosing a slightly smaller yard to get a better location.
These aren’t sacrifices. They’re smart trade-offs that help you move forward. Remember, cosmetic features can be improved over time. But finding the right layout, the right structure, and the right location is what sets you up for long-term success.
An Agent Helps You See the Possibilities
If you’re unsure where to stay firm and where you can be flexible, that’s where a trusted agent makes all the difference. They can help you identify real opportunities, clarify which features are worth holding out for, and show you what can be added later—when the timing is right.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to find a home that works for both your budget and your lifestyle, connect with an agent and review your wish list together. With a knowledgeable local expert by your side, a little flexibility can open the door to a lot more possibilities.
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate
If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s understandable. That rate has been one of your biggest financial wins – and it’s tough to let it go. But here’s the thing…
A great rate won’t fix a home that no longer fits your life. Things change, and sometimes your home has to change with them. And you’re not alone in feeling that way.
The Lock-In Effect Is Starting To Ease
Many homeowners have been staying put because of what experts call the lock-in effect – not wanting to move and take on a higher rate. But data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that this lock-in effect is gradually easing.
The share of homeowners with rates below 3% (the yellow in the graph) is slowly shrinking as more people decide to move. Meanwhile, the number of homeowners taking on rates above 6% (the blue) is increasing as they buy their next home:
And while the change may look subtle, it’s actually a significant shift. The share of mortgages above 6% just reached a 10-year high (see graph below). This shows that more people are adjusting to today’s rates as the new normal.
Why Are More People Moving Now, Even with Higher Rates?
Simple — they can’t put their life on hold any longer. Families expand, jobs shift, priorities evolve, and a house that once felt perfect might not work at all anymore — even if the rate is fantastic. And that’s okay. As Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, says:
“More homeowners are deciding it’s worth moving even if it means giving up a lower mortgage rate. Life doesn’t standstill—people get new jobs, grow their families, downsize after retirement, or simply want to live in a different neighborhood. Those needs are starting to outweigh the financial benefit of clinging to a rock-bottom mortgage rate.”
First American calls these major life drivers the 5 Ds:
Diplomas: As your income grows with higher education and career advancement, your buying power expands — and you may be ready to move up from your first home.
Diapers: Your family is growing, and your current home may no longer meet your needs.
Divorce: Whether ending or beginning a marriage, life changes can create the need for a new home.
Downsizing: With kids out of the house, a smaller, easier-to-maintain home may be calling your name.
Death: Losing someone often brings clarity about wanting to live closer to loved ones.
Whatever your reason, consider this: yes, your low rate is great. But staying put might mean keeping your life on pause — and that may not be working anymore.
Realtor.com says nearly 2 in 3 potential sellers have already been thinking about moving for over a year. That’s a long time to delay your goals, your next chapter, and your family’s needs. So maybe the real question isn’t: “Should I move?”
It’s: “How much longer am I willing to stay in a home that no longer fits my life?”
Rates have already come down from their peak earlier this year. And they’re projected to ease a bit more in 2026. Combine that with your real-life motivations, and it might finally be enough to help you move forward.
Bottom Line
Life doesn’t wait for the perfect rate. Maybe you shouldn’t either.
With rates dipping from their highs and expected to soften slightly more in 2026, moving could be more realistic than you think. If you’re ready to explore your options, reach out to a local agent and lender.
Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run
Renting often feels cheaper and more convenient than buying a home—especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no stressing about mortgage rates. You simply pay your rent and move on.
But here’s what most people overlook: renting doesn’t build your financial future. Homeowners, on the other hand, grow their net worth just by owning a home.
If you’ve been questioning whether buying is still worth it, the long-term numbers make the answer clearer than you might expect.
Renting vs. Owning: The Real Difference
When you rent, your payment goes straight to your landlord and disappears. When you own a home, a portion of your payment comes back to you in the form of equity — the wealth you gain as your home appreciates and your loan balance decreases.
So while renting may feel more affordable today, it comes with a long-term cost: missed wealth-building opportunities.
First American recently compared the long-term financial impact of renting versus owning across different time periods — 2006, 2015, 2019, and 2022. They factored in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, repairs, and maintenance versus the equity gained from owning.
Across every time frame, two things were consistent:
Renters lost money over time, while homeowners gained it.
Their data showed homeowners steadily increased their net worth the longer they stayed in their home, while renters continued to spend without any financial return.
The Bottom Line: Time Builds Wealth
Owning a home grows your wealth. Renting doesn’t. And even when you account for homeowner expenses, buying came out ahead in every period the study measured.
That doesn’t mean owning is always cheaper in the short term — but over time, the wealth gap between renting and owning widens significantly.
Affordability Is Slowly Improving
If buying still feels out of reach, you’re not alone. The last few years have been tough for buyers. But things are shifting: mortgage rates have eased, home prices are cooling, and incomes have risen. According to Zillow, typical monthly payments are slightly more manageable than they were a year ago — not dramatically, but enough to matter.
Buying may not be easy right now, but it is becoming more doable. And in the long run, it’s almost always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Renting might feel simpler today, but owning is what builds long-term wealth. With affordability improving, the path to homeownership may be more within reach than you think.
If you’re curious what buying could look like for you, connect with a trusted local real estate professional who can guide you through your options—no pressure.
The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling
Here’s something every homeowner should know before selling: in today’s market, the sellers who win aren’t the ones sitting on the sidelines—they’re the ones who set the right strategy from the very beginning.
Many sellers this year didn’t get the results they hoped for. But it wasn’t because the market failed them. It was because their expectations didn’t match today’s reality.
Realtor.com reports that 57% more homes were taken off the market this year compared to last. That means they listed… but never sold. And the truth is, most of those missed sales came down to two things: pricing and timing.
Here are the top lessons you can take from those sellers:
1. Price It Right from the Start
Pricing is the biggest factor that makes or breaks a sale.
Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more—but the data tells a different story. Redfin reports that only 1 in 4 sellers (25.3%) are actually getting above list price.
A few years ago, you could list high and still attract multiple offers. But today’s buyers have more choices, and they’re being picky. If your home is even slightly overpriced, they’ll skip right past it.
Some sellers end up pulling their listings altogether—when all they really needed was a small price adjustment.
According to HousingWire, the average price reduction right now is just 4%.
That’s it. Just 4%.
If those sellers had priced 4% lower from day one, they may have already sold their home—smoothly and successfully.
Before you list, talk with your agent about how homes in your area are performing. The right agent will help you land on a competitive price that attracts buyers while still protecting your equity. And if you’ve owned your home for a while, your equity likely gives you the flexibility to price smartly and still come out ahead—something many sellers overlook.
2. Don’t Expect Overnight Results
Another common mistake: thinking your home will sell in a single weekend.
A lot of sellers still compare today’s market to the frenzy of 2020–2021, when homes were selling within hours. But those days are gone.
Right now, it takes around 60 days from listing to closing—that’s normal. It only feels slow because we’re comparing it to an unusually fast period in real estate.
Buyers today are more thoughtful and intentional. They’re taking their time to compare homes, explore options, and make confident decisions—which is actually a sign of a healthier market.
So if your home doesn’t go under contract immediately, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean it won’t sell.
To make your home stand out sooner rather than later, ask your agent about the best strategies—like staging, decluttering, professional photos, or strategic pricing—to attract serious buyers quickly.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning to sell, don’t let the headlines worry you. Let the market be your guide.
The listings that didn’t sell this year weren’t failures—they just started with the wrong strategy.
With the right price, the right timing, and a trusted local agent, you can position your home to succeed.
Because in today’s market, winning isn’t about waiting for things to change—it’s about setting the right expectations from day one.
