Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. And homeowner’s insurance is what protects that investment. Think of it as your safety net. NerdWallet explains it:

• Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, it helps pay for repairs and possibly even a full rebuild, if that’s deemed necessary.
• Protects Your Belongings: It can also cover personal items like furniture, electronics, jewelry, and clothing if they’re stolen or damaged.
• Provides Liability Coverage: And, if someone gets injured on your property, your policy can help cover medical bills or legal expenses.

But that peace of mind does come with a cost, and lately those costs have been rising.

Why Home Insurance Premiums Are Going Up

There are a number of factors causing insurance premiums to rise today. But, in the simplest sense, here’s what’s driving prices up according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC).

Severe weather events and natural disasters are happening increasingly often, leading to more claims. At the same time, homebuilding materials and labor are more expensive. So, when it comes time to work on those claims, insurers have to manage higher costs to repair or rebuild the affected homes.

That combination adds up to higher premiums. You can see how it’s climbed recently in the graph below. Each bar marks the percentage increase in insurance costs for that calendar year.

The good news is, the annual pace of the increase may be starting to ease according to ResiClub and Cotality. By their count:

• In 2023 and 2024, insurance costs went up 14% a year.
• In 2025, they rose about 10%.
• And in 2026 and 2027, it’s expected to go up about 8% each year.

That’s still an increase, but at least the pace is slowing down. And here’s another silver lining.

While insurance costs are rising, mortgage rates are falling. And that can help offset some of this expense. As Michael Gaines, Senior VP of Capital Markets, Cardinal Financial, explains:

“Rising taxes and insurance do create pressure, but they don’t erase the benefits of a lower rate . . . A small rate improvement, paired with the right loan program and smart planning, can still make homeownership possible . . . It’s less about one factor canceling another out, and more about helping buyers layer the right solutions together.”

Costs Are Going To Be Different Depending on Where You Buy

So how much do you need to budget for this? It depends on the price point and location of house, the coverage you need, and more. And just like with everything else in real estate, costs vary by area.

You can get a rough idea of your state’s typical premiums in the map below:

So, What Can You Do About It?

Generally speaking, your first insurance payment will be wrapped into your closing costs. But after that, it’ll become a recurring expense. That’s why knowing these premiums are rising is so important. It helps you factor that into your budget, so you go in with a full picture of what you can comfortably afford.

If you’re crunching the numbers and trying to find other ways to save, here are a few tips from Insurify and NerdWallet that can help you get the best insurance price possible:

• Shop Around – Compare quotes from multiple companies.
• Bundle Policies – Combine home and auto for discounts.
• Ask About Discounts – Don’t miss out on savings you may qualify for.
• Highlight Upgrades – Features like a new roof or storm windows can cut costs.
• Improve Your Credit – A stronger credit score can mean better premiums.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home, don’t forget to plan ahead for your homeowner’s insurance.

While costs are rising, knowing what to expect and how to shop around can make a big difference as you’re budgeting for your purchase. Because this isn’t coverage you’ll want to skimp on. It’s your best protection for what’s likely your biggest investment.

For a growing number of homeowners, retirement isn’t some distant idea anymore. It’s starting to feel very real.

According to Realtor.com and the Census, nearly 12,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next two years. And the latest data shows as many as 15% of those older Americans are planning to retire in 2026. And another 23% will do the same in 2027.

If you’re considering retiring soon too, here’s what you should be thinking about.

Why Downsize?

Now’s the perfect time to reflect on what you want your life to look like in retirement. Because even though your finances will be going through a big change, you don’t necessarily want to feel like you’re living with less.

But odds are, what you do want is for life to feel easier.

Easier to enjoy.

Easier to manage.

Easier to maintain day-to-day.

The Top Reasons People Over 60 Move

You can see these benefits show up in the data when you look at why people over 60 are moving. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds the top 4 reasons aren’t about timing the market or chasing top dollar. They’re about lifestyle:

• Being closer to children, grandchildren, or long-time friends so it’s easier to spend more time with the people who matter most
• Wanting a smaller, more functional home with fewer stairs and easier upkeep
• Retiring and no longer needing to live near the office, so it’s easier to move wherever you want
• Opting for something smaller to reduce monthly expenses tied to utilities, insurance, and maintenance

No matter the reason, the theme is the same: downsizing isn’t about giving something up. It’s about gaining control and choosing simplicity. And it brings peace of mind to know your home fits the years ahead, not the years behind.

And the best part? It’s more financially feasible now than many homeowners would expect.

The #1 Thing Helping So Many Homeowners Downsize

Here’s the part that makes it possible. Thanks to how much home values have grown over the years, many longtime homeowners are realizing they’re in a stronger position than they thought to make that move.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner today has about $299,000 in home equity. And for older Americans, that number is often even higher – simply because they’ve lived in their homes longer.

When you stay in one place for years (or even decades), two things happen at the same time:

• Your home value has time to grow.
• Your mortgage balance shrinks or disappears altogether.

That combination creates more options than you’d expect, even in today’s market.

So, whether you just retired, or you’re about to, it’s not too soon to start thinking about what comes next. Sure, it can be hard to leave the house you made so many years of memories in, but maybe it’s time to close one chapter to open a new one that’s just as exciting. 

Bottom Line

Downsizing is about setting yourself up for what comes next – on your terms.

If retirement is on the horizon and you’ve started wondering what your current house (and your equity) could make possible, the first step isn’t selling. It’s understanding your options.

It’s time to talk to an agent. A simple, no-pressure conversation can help you see what downsizing might look like – and whether it makes sense for you.

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year. But before you take a look, there’s something you should know.

If a move is on your radar for 2026, here’s the most important thing you need to understand upfront: there isn’t one housing market this year – there are many.

Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are tilting in favor of sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on where you are. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, puts it this way:

“Looking ahead to 2026, regional differences will remain pronounced, with demand favoring areas that offer both economic opportunity and relative affordability.”

To show just how divided the landscape is, here’s a look at where sellers are expected to have the upper hand, and where first-time buyers may finally find their opening this year.

Where Sellers Are Poised To Win Big in 2026

Zillow identified the following metros as some of the strongest seller markets for 2026, based on buyer demand, pricing momentum, and how quickly homes are expected to sell:

In markets like these, buyers are going to be competing for limited inventory, which gives sellers more leverage.

Homeowners in seller’s markets this year can expect:

• Stronger buyer interest

• Shorter time on market

• Better odds of selling close to (or above) asking price

That doesn’t mean every listing is guaranteed success. But it does mean sellers who prepare well and lean on an agent’s expertise should be very happy with their results in 2026.

Markets Where There’s More Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

On the flip side, here’s a look at where buyers have the power – in particular, first-time buyers, since they’ve had the hardest time breaking into the market lately. Realtor.com highlights the top metros where first-time buyers are expected to have better opportunities in 2026:

These markets stand out for a mix of:

• More affordable home prices

• Better housing availability

• Strong local amenities and economic health

For first-time buyers, that combination matters. It’s what could finally turn “someday” into “this could actually work.” In buyer’s markets, they should expect:

• Less intense competition

• More room to negotiate

• A clearer path to getting an offer accepted

What Matters More Than Any Top 10 List

Not seeing your city on the list? Don’t stress. This is just a national snapshot, not a judgment on your local market. The goal here is just to show you how different the market really is depending on where you are.

And remember, you can buy or sell no matter how your local market leans. You just need an agent’s help to figure out the right strategy to get it done. For example:

• A seller in a more buyer-friendly metro may need to be aggressive on their price and prep.

• A buyer in a seller-leaning area may still need to come prepared with their best offer.

To find out where your market falls and what you should expect, you’ll want the help of a local expert.

Bottom Line

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a year where local conditions matter more than ever.

Whether your market leans more buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. And that’s where a local expert comes in. Connect with a trusted real estate agent today.

When you see a house that’s been sitting on the market for a while, the reaction is almost automatic. You start thinking:

• 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.

If you want help identifying which homes are worth a second look (and which ones to skip), talk to a local agent.

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.

This moment marked a critical threshold. Now, rates are sitting in the low 6% territory. And expert forecasts project they’ll hover near this range throughout the year.

Here’s why that’s so good for you.

Why Current Rates Are Such a Big Deal

A mortgage rate doesn’t just affect the interest you end up paying on your home loan. It shapes your entire buying experience.

When rates were up around 7% just one year ago, a lot of buyers felt priced out. Payments were higher. Budgets felt tighter. Affordability was a bigger challenge. That’s especially true for first-time homebuyers, who felt the biggest pinch.

But according to industry experts, that’s starting to change now that rates are slowly inching down. Let’s break down why.

Right now, borrowing costs are in their lowest range in almost 3 years. And that can change the type of home you can afford.

At 6% or below, you’ll see:

• Lower monthly payments. The payment on a $400k home loan is down over $300 compared to when rates were around 7%.
• More buying power, thanks to the extra breathing room in your budget.

In other words, you can now make a stronger offer, purchase in a different location, or buy a home that checks more of your boxes. And that feels like a big shift compared to when rates were at 7%.

This Opens the Door for 550,000 Buyers

To drive home just how much this helps potential homebuyers like you, consider this research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It shows that when mortgage rates sit around this level, millions more households can afford a home. When rates are at 6% or below:

• 5.5 million more households can afford the median-priced home
• And roughly 550,000 of those people will likely buy a home within 12 to 18 months

That’s not just speculation. That’s pent-up demand finally getting the green light they’ve been waiting for. You’ve got the chance right now to get ahead and buy before more people notice the game has just changed.

Because whether rates stay in the low 6s or dip back down into the upper 5s, the math is already working in your favor. And the difference from a low 6% to a high 5% isn’t as big as you may think. But the difference from 7% to 6%? That is very much a big deal, and it’s a number that’s already working in your favor.

An Important Call Out

Mortgage rates don’t operate in a vacuum. Home prices, local inventory, property taxes, home insurance, and your personal finances still matter.

And a rate in this territory doesn’t mean every home suddenly works for every buyer. That’s why getting pre-approved and running your numbers with a trusted lender is key.

Still, this rate environment puts more buyers in play than we’ve seen in years. So, if buying didn’t work for you before, it’s worth taking another look.

Bottom Line

Mortgage rates dropping to a 3-year low isn’t just a headline.

For many buyers, where rates are now could be the difference between watching from the sidelines and finally getting the keys to their next home.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to re-run your numbers and see what’s possible now, this is it.

Connect with a lender to take a look at what today’s rates mean for your budget and your options.

If you’ve seen headlines saying foreclosure activity has been climbing for 10 straight months, it’s easy to assume that’s a sign of trouble for the housing market. But when you look at the full picture, a few simple truths become clear:

• Today’s foreclosure numbers are in line with what’s considered normal
• High home equity is keeping most homeowners in a strong financial position
• None of the data points to a big wave of distressed sales that’ll crash the market

Foreclosure Filings Are Up 32%, But That Doesn’t Mean the Market’s in Trouble

If you peel the layers all the way back, what everyone is actually worried about is that we’re headed for a repeat of what happened in 2008. Back then, riskier lending practices and an oversupply of homes for sale brought home prices down and led to a significant increase in foreclosures. A lot of people felt the impact. But this isn’t the same situation.

Yes, ATTOM data shows foreclosure filings are up 32% year-over-year. And that increase is going to sound dramatic. But context matters, and it doesn’t mean we’re headed for another crash. And the numbers prove it. Take a look at where we were during the last crash (the red in the graph below). And where we are now (the blue):

Even with the uptick lately, we are still nowhere near crash levels – far from it. This isn’t a return to crisis levels. What it is, is a return to normal.

The graph below shows foreclosure filings going all the way back to early 2005. The lead up to, and the aftermath of, the crash is there in red. Those are the years when foreclosure filings went above the 1 million mark each year.

Now, look at the right side and scan back to the 2017–2019 range (the last truly normal years for housing). You’ll see we’re actually just starting to fall back in line with what’s typical for the market, even with the increase lately:

Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM, explains it well:

“Foreclosure activity increased in 2025, reflecting a continued normalization of the housing market following several years of historically low levels . . . While filings, starts, and repossessions all rose compared to 2024, foreclosure activity remains well below pre-pandemic norms and a fraction of what we saw during the last housing crisis . . . today’s uptick is being driven more by market recalibration than widespread homeowner distress, with strong equity positions and more disciplined lending continuing to limit risk.”

The word “normalization” in that quote is extra important. While economic and financial pressures are putting a strain on some homeowners, this isn’t a flood of distressed homes. No matter what the headlines may have you believe, this isn’t a large-scale crisis.

Today’s increase isn’t a sign of trouble. It’s a return to normal.

Why This Isn’t a Repeat of 2008

Even though the last housing crash still shapes how a lot of people interpret today’s news, the reality is, this is a different market:

• Lending standards are stronger
• Borrowers are more qualified
• And homeowners have far more equity

And that equity piece is especially important. Over the last five years, home prices have risen significantly. For many people, their house is worth far more than they paid for it. That means most homeowners have a strong financial cushion to fall back on, if needed.

Basically, if someone faces hardship today, they often have the option to sell, and maybe even walk away with money in their pocket, instead of going through foreclosure. That’s a major contrast to 2008, when many homeowners owed more than their home was worth. 

Bottom Line

Foreclosure activity may be rising, but it’s still well within a normal range – and nowhere close to the danger zones of the past. But the headlines are doing more to terrify than clarify. And that’s exactly why having a trusted real estate expert you can call on is so important.

When you hear something in the news or see something on social about housing that worries you, reach out to a local agent. An expert will have the context needed to explain what’s really happening and how it impacts you (if at all). 

Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that’s actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards.

Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, it’s worth it to tackle repairs 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 updates 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 improvements 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 repairs 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.

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a local about what makes sense for your house. A quick conversation can help you prioritize the updates that’ll pack the biggest punch.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?

If you own a home, checking in on its value from time to time can help you make smarter decisions long before a “For Sale” sign ever goes up.

Your Home’s Value Changes Even If You Have Not Done Anything

It is easy to assume your home’s value only changes when you renovate or make upgrades. In reality, value is influenced by what is happening around you just as much as what is happening inside your home.

Recent sales, buyer demand, interest rates, and neighborhood changes all play a role. That means your home’s value can shift even if nothing about your home has changed at all.

Why This Matters Even If You Are Not Planning to Sell

Reevaluating your home’s value is not just for sellers. It is a helpful tool for homeowners at every stage.

Knowing where your home stands can help you:

• Plan future moves with more clarity
• Decide if upgrades or renovations make sense
• Understand how your equity is growing over time
• Stay informed without relying on guesswork

We can help you evaluate which renovations or updates are most likely to add value and which ones may not make a meaningful difference. That way, you can make informed decisions about where to invest in your home, whether you plan to stay for years or eventually sell.

How Often Should You Reevaluate?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule, but here is a good general guideline:

• Every one to two years for most homeowners
• After major changes like renovations or nearby development
• When market conditions shift
• Before making big financial or lifestyle decisions

Regular check-ins help you spot trends without getting caught up in short-term noise.

Why Online Estimates Do Not Tell the Whole Story

Online home values can be helpful as a reference point, but they do not account for condition, layout, updates, or buyer preferences in your specific area. We often see these numbers miss important details that can significantly affect value.

We can provide you with a personalized evaluation that takes your home’s condition, updates, layout, and location into account, along with current local market activity. This gives you a clearer and more accurate picture than an automated estimate. If you want a more realistic understanding of where your home stands today, reach out to us and we can walk through it together.

Knowledge Is Power at Any Stage

Your home is likely one of your largest assets. Understanding its value should not be reserved for one moment in time.

Reevaluating your home’s value periodically gives you clarity and confidence whether you are staying put or thinking ahead.

If you would like a realistic look at where your home stands today, reach out to us for a professional valuation based on current market activity and local data. No pressure. Just clear insight to help you make informed decisions.

The post How Often Should You Reevaluate Your Home’s Value? (Hint: Not Just When You Sell) appeared first on Dakno Content Blog.

It’s hard to scroll online lately without seeing some version of this claim:

“Big investors are buying up all the homes.”

And honestly, if you’re a homebuyer who’s lost out on a few offers, that idea probably sounds believable. When homes are expensive and competition is tight, it’s easy to assume giant companies are scooping everything up behind the scenes.

But here’s the thing: what people assume is happening and what the data actually shows aren’t always the same.

Let’s look at what’s really happening with large institutional investors in today’s housing market – because the numbers tell a much different story than the headlines.

The Number Most People Won’t See Online

Let’s start with the most important stat. According to John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC), large institutional investors – those that own 100 or more homes – made up just 1.2% of all home purchases in Q3 of 2025 (see graph below):

That’s it. Out of every 100 homes sold, only about 1 went to a large institutional investor.

And here’s an important point that often gets missed: that level of investor activity is very much in line with historical norms. It’s not unusually high, and it’s actually well below the recent peak of 3.1% back in 2022 – which itself was still a small share of the overall market.

So, while it can feel like big investors are everywhere, nationally, they’re a very small part of overall home sales.

Why Investor Activity Gets So Much Attention

There are two main reasons this topic gets so much attention:

1. Investor activity isn’t spread evenly.Investors are more active in certain markets, which can make competition feel intense for homebuyers in those areas. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:“On a national level, “large investors”—those owning at least 100 single-family homes—only own around 1% of total single-family housing stock. That said, in a handful of regional housing markets, institutional and large single-family landlords have a much larger presence.”
2. Investor is a broad term.Part of what makes the share of purchases bought by investors sound so big is because many headlines lump large Wall Street institutions together with small, local investors (like your neighbor who owns one or two rental homes). But those are very different buyers.In reality, most investors are small, local owners, not massive corporations. And when all investors get grouped together in the headlines as a single stat, it inflates the number and makes it seem like big institutions are dominating the market (even though they’re not).

Yes, big investors exist. Yes, they buy homes. But nationally, they’re responsible for a very small share of total purchases – far smaller than most people assume.

The bigger challenges around affordability have much more to do with supply, demand, and years of underbuilding than with large institutions competing against everyday buyers.

That’s why it’s so important to separate noise from reality, especially if you’re trying to decide if now is the right time to move.

Bottom Line

If you want to talk through what investor activity actually looks like in our local market, and how it impacts your options (or doesn’t), connect with a local real estate agent.

Sometimes a little context makes all the difference.

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:

1. Getting the price right
2. Preparing or fixing up the house
3. Selling within the desired time frame
4. Handling all the legal documents
5. Finding the time to manage all aspects of the sale

And that makes sense. Pricing isn’t as simple as picking a number from an online estimate or copying what your neighbor got last year. It takes real insight into:

• What buyers are actually willing to pay today
• How much competition you have in your area
• What similar homes nearby are really selling for
• How desirable your area or neighborhood is
• The condition of your house

Without that context, it’s easy to overshoot the mark, especially now that buyers can be more selective. And in today’s market, that’ll backfire.

Overpricing Isn’t a Small Mistake, It Snowballs

Your price is part of what shapes a buyer’s first impression. And when it’s too high, a chain reaction begins.

If buyers think you’re asking too much, they’re going to turn the other way. And when buyers bypass your house, you’ll get fewer showings. Fewer showings lead to fewer offers. And fewer offers usually mean making a price cut to try to draw buyers back in.

And that’s happening a lot lately, especially on homes sold without a pro.

The same NAR report shows most homes sold without an agent (59%) had to reduce their asking price at least once (see the orange in the graph below).

The Part Sellers Don’t See Coming

The trouble is, price cuts don’t always fix the problem. They can attract bargain hunters rather than strong, confident buyers. That’s because many buyers see a price drop as a sign there’s something wrong with the house. And that assumption can turn buyers away too.

By the time your house finally sells, you may net less than if you’d priced it correctly from the start. Again, the data backs this up.

NAR shows that homes sold with an agent sell for nearly 8% more than homes sold without one.

That’s not because agents magically add value. It’s because they have the expertise needed to get it right. The price. The prep. The presentation. And the paperwork.

Nail all of that from day one, and you’ll be set up to get as much money as you can out of your sale.

So, even though you thought selling without an agent meant saving money, that’s not necessarily true. The facts show selling on your own can mean selling for less in the long run. And that may be enough to totally change your perspective.

Bottom Line

Today, the biggest risk of selling without an agent isn’t the paperwork or the hassle. It’s the price. And once pricing goes wrong, it’s hard to course correct.

So, if you’re thinking about selling and want to understand what your home would realistically go for in today’s market, connect with a local agent. A quick pricing conversation now can save you from much bigger regrets later.