Getting a dock permit at Smith Mountain Lake isn’t as simple as staking your claim along the shoreline. Appalachian Power holds the keys to anything below the 800-foot contour, and their rules can surprise even experienced buyers.
You may have heard homeowners today have a lot of equity built up. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down.
Because your equity isn’t just a number, it’s a powerful asset that can help you take your next big step in life.
Here’s how it works. As you pay down your loan and home prices rise through the years, the share of your home that you own free and clear grows. That’s your equity.
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you may be focused on the spring market. And hoping that when spring does hit, you’ll see:
But here’s what most buyers don’t realize. Buying just a few weeks earlier could mean paying less, dealing with less stress, and feeling less rushed.
Here are three reasons why accelerating your timeline over the next few weeks could actually be a better play.
As we move into 2026, the national housing market is settling into a more measured and sustainable pace. After several years of pandemic-driven surges, rapid interest rate increases, and tight inventory, conditions are settling into a more predictable pattern. The extremes are behind us. What remains is a market defined by moderation and stability.
Mortgage Rates Recently Hit a 3-Year Low. Here’s Why That’s Still a Big Deal.
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Gretchen Tipps
If you’re one of the thousands of homebuyers waiting for rates to fall, you should know it’s already happening. And they recently crossed an important milestone. Rates officially dipped their toes into the 5s – something that hasn’t happened in about 3 years.
Want to know the #1 thing homeowners regret when they sell without an agent? It’s that they didn’t price their house correctly for their current market.
According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), those sellers agree pricing their home effectively was the hardest part of the process.
Top 5 Most Difficult Task for Sellers Who Didn’t Use an Agent:
Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news? It’s finally happening.
More Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2026. Here’s How To Get Ready.
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Gretchen Tipps
Momentum is quietly building in the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home in the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%.
The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Whether it’s at a family gathering, your company party, or catching up with friends over the holidays, the housing market always finds its way into the conversation.
Here are the top three questions on a lot of people’s minds this season, and straightforward answers to help you feel more confident about the market.
Yes, more than you could a year or two ago.
Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year
Thursday, November 27th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there's a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now.
But here’s what many recent buyers would tell you: even with all that, making a move is worth it.
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