What’s Motivating Homeowners To Move Right Now

Over the past few years, some homeowners have decided to delay their move because they don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. Maybe you’re thinking the same thing. And honestly, that’s no surprise. It’s a very common roadblock and is one of the biggest factors that’s kept the number of homes on the market so low for so long. But a growing number of homeowners are deciding they just can’t wait any longer. Often, it’s because of personal or lifestyle change. As Redfin explains:“Some homeowners are opting to bite the bullet and give up their low rate in order to move. Many are selling because a major life event like a job change, or divorce . . .”If you’re weighing the decision to move, take a look at some of the top reasons others are choosing to sell. You might find those are reason enough for you to move now, too.It’s Time for a Change A new job in a different city, a desire to be closer to family, or simply wanting a change of scenery can all spark the need to sell. Let’s say you’ve landed a great job offer that requires relocating, listing your current home quickly may be the next logical step.There’s Just Not Enough Space in Your Current HouseSometimes, your current home just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore. A growing family, the need for a home office, or more room for entertaining can all drive the decision to upgrade to a larger space.As an example, if you live in a condo and have a baby on the way, selling might be the next best move so you can find a larger home that suits your needs.Retirement or Wanting To DownsizeOn the flip side, some homeowners are ready to downsize. This could be due to children moving out, retirement, or simply wanting less to maintain.If you’re newly retired and dreaming of a simpler lifestyle, downsizing to a smaller home could free up both time and resources to enjoy this new chapter of life.Changes in Relationship StatusBig changes like divorce, separation, or marriage often lead to a need for new living arrangements. If you just went through a divorce, selling the house you once shared may allow both of you to move forward and find a living situation that works better for you now.Health and Mobility NeedsHealth concerns, especially those that affect mobility, can also drive the decision to sell. A home that once worked well might no longer suit your needs.If this sounds like your experience right now, selling your current home to move into a more accessible space, or even using the proceeds for assisted living, could significantly improve your quality of life.Bottom LineSelling your home isn’t just about market conditions or mortgage rates—it’s also about making the best decision for your lifestyle and future. As Bankrate says:“Deciding whether it’s the right time to sell your home is a very personal choice. There are numerous important questions to consider, both financial and lifestyle-based . . . Your future plans and goals should be a significant part of the equation.” If a major life change has you thinking about moving, now might still be the right time to sell. Work with a trusted real estate professional to help you navigate the process.

The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit

For over 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans achieve the dream of homeownership. But according to Veterans United, only 3 in 10 Veterans realize they may be able to buy a home without needing a down payment (see visual below):That’s why it’s so important for Veterans – and anyone who cares about a Veteran – to be aware of this valuable program. Knowing about the resources available can make the path to homeownership easier and keep life-changing plans from being put on hold. As Veterans United explains:“The ability to buy with 0% down is the signature advantage of this nearly 80-year-old benefit program. Eligible Veterans can buy as much house as they can afford, all without the need to spend years saving for a down payment.”The Advantages of VA Home LoansVA home loans are designed to make homeownership a reality for those who have served our country. These loans come with the following benefits according to the Department of Veterans Affairs:Options for No Down Payment: One of the biggest perks is that many Veterans can buy a home with no down payment at all, making it simpler to get started on your homebuying journey.Limited Closing Costs: With VA loans, there are limits on the types of closing costs Veterans have to pay. This helps keep more money in your pocket when you’re ready to finalize the sale.No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike many other loan types, VA loans don’t require PMI, even with lower down payments. This means lower monthly payments, which adds up to big savings over time.Your team of expert real estate professionals, including a local agent and a trusted lender, are the best resource to understand all the options and advantages available to help you achieve your homebuying goals.Bottom LineOwning a home is a key part of the American Dream, and VA home loans are a powerful benefit for those who’ve served our country. Work with a real estate professional to make sure you have everything you need to make confident decisions in the housing market.

Why You Need an Agent To Set the Right Asking Price

Some HighlightsThe #1 task sellers struggle with is setting the right asking price for their house.Without an agent’s help, you may set a price that turns away buyers and takes a long time to sell. To make sure your house is priced right, connect with a local agent. Because if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling. 

Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See

Trying to decide between renting or buying a home? One key factor that could help you choose is just how much homeownership can grow your net worth.Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board shares a report called the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It shows how much wealth homeowners and renters have – and the difference is significant.On average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times higher than a renter’s. Check out the graph below to see the difference for yourself:Why Homeowner Wealth Is So HighIn the previous version of that report, the average homeowner’s net worth was about $255,000, while the average renter’s was just $6,300. That’s still a big gap. But in the most recent update, the spread got even bigger as homeowner wealth grew even more (see graph below):As the SCF report says:“. . . the 2019-2022 growth in median net worth was the largest three-year increase over the history of the modern SCF, more than double the next-largest one on record.”One big reason why homeowner wealth shot up is home equity.Equity is the difference between your home’s value and what you owe on your mortgage. You gain equity by paying down your mortgage and when your home’s value goes up.Over the past few years, home prices have gone up a lot. That’s because there weren’t enough available homes for all the people who wanted one. This supply-demand imbalance pushed home prices up – and that translated into faster equity gains and even more net worth for homeowners.If you’re still torn between whether to rent or buy, here’s what you should know. While inventory has grown this year, in most places, there’s still not enough to go around. That’s why expert forecasts show prices are expected to go up again next year nationally. It’ll just be at a more moderate pace.While that’s not the sky-high appreciation we saw during the pandemic, it still means potential equity gains for you if you buy now. As Ksenia Potapov, Economist at First American, explains:“Despite the risk of volatility in the housing market, homeownership remains an important driver of wealth accumulation and the largest source of total wealth among most households.”But prices and inventory are going to vary by area. So, lean on a local real estate agent. They’ll be able to give you the local trends and speak to the other financial and lifestyle benefits that come with owning a home. That crucial information will help you decide the best move for you right now. As Bankrate explains:“Deciding between renting and buying a home isn’t just about cost — the decision also involves long-term financial strategies and personal circumstances. If you’re on the fence about which is right for you, it may be helpful to speak with a local real estate agent who knows your market well. An experienced agent can help you weigh your options and make a more informed decision.”Bottom LineIf you’re not sure if you should rent or buy, keep in mind that if you can make the numbers work, owning a home can really grow your wealth over time.And if homeownership feels out of reach, connect with a local real estate agent and lender. They can help you explore programs that may make buying possible.