Believe it or not, there are clear signs buyer interest is heating up again.
Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why the housing market might not be as quiet out there as it seems.
A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan
Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday?
According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term income.
And that’s where real estate comes in.
If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you.
Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers
Thursday, July 24th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Over the past few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge for homebuyers. Between rapidly rising home prices and higher mortgage rates, many have felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.
But, something pretty encouraging is happening. While affordability is still tight, mortgage rates have shown signs of stabilizing in recent months. And that may finally make it a bit easier to plan your move.
Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know
Tuesday, July 15th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
If you're a homeowner planning to move, you're probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first:
Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear.
Now that summer’s here, you’re probably planning your next getaway — but what if your escape was already waiting for you at Smith Mountain Lake? Owning a vacation home here means more than just weekend getaways. It’s a chance to create lasting memories, enjoy the water all season long, and invest in a property that can generate rental income and even serve as a future retirement destination.
If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you thought getting approved would be too hard, know this: qualifying for a mortgage is starting to get a bit more achievable, but lending standards are still strong.
Lenders are making it slightly easier for well-qualified buyers to access financing, which is opening more doors for people ready to make a move.
You May Have Enough Equity To Downsize and Buy Your Next House in Cash
Friday, June 13th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Chances are you have a lot more equity than you think.
Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.
It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below):
If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life.
The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.
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