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Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment. But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… expensive, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle. That’s because there’s so much chatter today about how buying a home isn’t affordable. But the truth is, the math may work out better than you'd expect based on what’s changed recently. Buying Is More Affordable Than Renting in Many Areas In a lot of places today, owning a home actually costs less each month than renting a 3-bedroom home. And recent data from ATTOM shows that’s true in nearly 58% of counties across the U.S. (see chart below). And that's after you factor in things like insurance and typical maintenance costs. In other words, even though it may feel like a bit of a shock, the numbers show rent often stretches monthly budgets more than owning does. That’s thanks to slower home price growth, more homes for sale, and monthly mortgage payments starting to ease as rates come down. Affordability Still Varies by Region Now, even though nationally the balance has shifted, that doesn’t mean buying is more affordable in every market or for every renter. While buying is more affordable than renting in nearly 58% of counties nationwide, that share looks different depending on your region (see graph below): The biggest improvement is happening in the Midwest and South. But if you’re living in the West, things could still feel tight. The takeaway? How affordable buying is really depends on where you live. And the only way to know how this plays out where you live is to look at the numbers locally. So, What’s Still Holding Buyers Back? Maybe you’re nodding along so far but thinking, “Okay, but I still can’t afford the upfront costs.” If that’s your reaction, you’re not the only one. For many renters, the biggest hurdle isn’t the monthly payment alone. It’s the down payment, too. But you’re not out of options. Here’s the part most people don’t hear enough about: there are thousands of down payment assistance programs available across the country, and many buyers qualify without realizing it. And the average benefit? Roughly $18,000. That kind of support can help cover part of your down payment or closing costs, which means you may not need to save nearly as much as you think to get started. When you combine that with monthly payments that may work better than expected, especially as rates continue to ease and prices cool, buying may feel far more realistic than it looks at first glance. Bottom Line The point isn’t that everyone should rush out and buy a home tomorrow. It’s that renting isn’t always the more affordable option people assume it is – and buying may be more realistic than it feels once you look at the full picture. If you’re renting and feeling stuck in the “someday” loop, it might be worth a simple conversation with a local real estate agent or lender. Just a chance to see what’s possible and whether it makes sense for you.
For a lot of parents or grandparents, watching a family member struggle to buy their first home right now is hard. That's because you saw firsthand how homeownership gave your life more stability and helped grow your net worth – and you want your loved ones to have those same opportunities. But with all the affordability challenges in recent years, that can feel like an uphill battle – even though it’s slowly improving lately. Here’s what you may not realize. You may be in a unique position to help (thanks to the equity in your current house). The Equity Advantage You May Not Be Thinking About You’ve likely owned your home for years, maybe even decades. And during that time, two things happened: Home values rose Your mortgage balance shrank (or you paid it off entirely) That combination has created substantial equity for many homeowners like you. And while you may think of that equity as something you want to have in your pocket for retirement, it can also serve another purpose: helping the next generation clear the biggest hurdle in their way. The #1 Thing Holding Young Buyers Back When John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) asked renters what’s keeping them from buying, the top answer wasn’t mortgage rates or home prices. It was the upfront cost, particularly saving enough for their down payment (see graph below): That’s where you may be able to make more of a difference than you realize. You can’t control rates or prices. But you may be able to use your equity to help with this upfront expense. And giving money to your loved one so they buy a home doesn’t mean putting your own future at risk. Even a small portion of your equity can put them in a position to finally get the keys to their first place – and, if you’re strategic about it, you’d still have a lot leftover for when you retire. With an estimated $68 and $84 trillion of wealth expected to transfer from older generations to younger ones over the next two decades, many families are already thinking differently about when and how that wealth will be passed down. Maybe it makes sense for your family to think about too. Help from Loved Ones Is Making a Move Possible for Many First-Time Buyers A growing share of young buyers are using gifts and loans from their loved ones to springboard into homeownership. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly 1 in 5 first-time buyers use a cash gift from their family or loved ones for their down payment. And other young buyers are using their inheritance or a loan from someone they know to finally break into the market (see charts below): This Is About Opportunity, Not Obligation Every family’s situation is different, and your decision should be made carefully. It’s just that, if you’ve built up a lot of equity, you may have more room to help than you think. It’s not just a financial gift. It’s giving stability, security, and a foundation that could change their lives for the better – especially at a time when they may not be able to do it on their own. Bottom Line If you’re curious what your home equity could make possible, for you or for your loved ones, start with a simple conversation with a local real estate agent. Because sometimes the most meaningful investment you can make is for the next generation.
There’s one decision you're going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits. Whether buyers make an offer, or scroll past it. Whether you walk away with the maximum return, or you end up cutting the price later. And that’s your asking price. The #1 Mistake Sellers Make Today: Trusting the Wrong Number If you’re thinking of moving and trying to figure out what your house may sell for, it’s tempting to start with an online home value tool. They’re fast, free, and easy. And you don’t have to talk to anyone. But here’s the problem: they don’t know your house. And that can be a bigger drawback than you realize. Where Online Estimates Fall Short Online tools often lag behind the market. They look in the rearview mirror, relying on closed sales and delayed information. And in that sense, they’re using incomplete data. That’s not a miss in how these systems are built. Some information just isn’t available online. Bankrate explains: “While these tools can be a useful starting point, keep in mind that they typically do not provide the most accurate pricing. Algorithms can only rely on the information available; they can’t account for things like a home’s condition or renovations made since the last public information was updated.” They can’t see: The unique features that make your house special All the work you’ve put in to keep it in good condition Or, how in-demand your specific neighborhood is right now So, while they may do a good job in some cases, they can’t be as accurate as a local agent who has boots on the ground day in and day out. In a market where buyers have more options, a seemingly small margin of error can cost you thousands if you price too low, or weeks of lost momentum and time if you price too high. If you want to sell for the most money and in the least amount of time, you don’t want the fast answer on how to price your house. You want the right one. That’s why the savviest homeowners today don’t rely on algorithms when it actually matters. They rely on people, specifically trusted local agents. What an Expert Agent Brings to the Table According to 1000WATT, sellers overwhelmingly believe real estate agents have the best sense of a home’s true value, far more than any automated tools. That confidence isn’t accidental. As Bankrate puts it: “A professional appraiser or real estate agent can visit the home in person, assess the neighborhood as a whole as well as the individual property, perform more thorough market research, and consider subjective details.” And those details matter. A skilled local agent doesn’t just pull reports. They know what’s happening right now: What buyers are paying this month, not last month, or even last year How your home compares to the current competition in your neighborhood Which features add value based on what buyers are willing to pay for today How to price your house to create urgency in this market And once an agent steps foot in your house, they may even find your online estimate undershot your value. So, if you stuck with the estimate you got online, you’d actually be leaving money on the table. And no one wants that. Bottom Line While online tools can give you a rough starting point, only a local expert can give you a price that actually works. If you want to know the right number for your house, not just the easiest one to find, connect with a local real estate agent.
If you saw headlines that talked about how “home sales fell sharply in January,” it probably raised an eyebrow – especially if you’re thinking about selling your house. But context matters. Yes, in January, home sales declined. But that has more to do with seasonality and the weather than it does with any big drop off in demand. What’s Really Behind the Decline? Reports coming out of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) say the pace of home sales fell roughly 8.4% last month compared to the month before. And that’s true. But it isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. Data show it’s normal for sales to dip in January. In the last 4 years, that pattern has held true all but once. And sure, the decline we saw this year was a steeper drop off than the norm (the yellow bars on the right), but that can be explained too. More on that in a moment. The really important part you’re not going to get from the headlines is this: typically speaking, the pace of home sales picks back up in February as the spring market starts to take off. That’s shown in the green bars below. So even though the market slowed a bit momentarily, it should start to pick back up. And just in case you’re wondering, why the bigger drop this year, especially with mortgage rates being lower than last year? Here’s your answer. As Realtor.com explains: “Winter storm Fern, which dumped snow and ice across large swaths of the country, likely disrupted some closings, weighing on the data and making it difficult to pick out the housing market momentum trend from the weather noise.” This January, 40 states were hit with widespread winter weather according to the National Weather Service. And in real estate, that slows down the momentum. Here’s why. Existing home sales data tracks closed transactions, not new contracts. So, if inspections, appraisals, or final walk-throughs get delayed by storms, those deals often slide into the next month instead of falling apart – especially when buyers and sellers are still trying to move forward. Will Home Sales Pick Back Up? January’s missing sales are more likely “postponed” than “lost.” They haven’t disappeared. They’re just taking a little longer to close. The rest of the data still points to a market that has traction heading into spring. Affordability has improved for the 7th month in a row, and buyers are regaining negotiating power in many markets throughout the nation. So, this one monthly report doesn’t mean buyers aren’t buying. It just means, as weather warms up, activity should too. Bottom Line Don’t confuse a weather-impacted month with a market losing steam. If anything, improving affordability is an indicator of more activity to come, not less. If you have questions about what you’re hearing online or in the news, reach out to a local real estate agent. Because the truth is, a little context can give you back your peace of mind.
At some point, a house that once felt perfect just… doesn’t anymore. Maybe you need more space. Maybe working from home turned your dining room into a permanent office. Maybe the layout just doesn’t match how you live now. If your current house is starting to feel like it’s holding you back instead of supporting your life, it’s natural to think about making a move. But that brings up the next big question: once you sell, where do you go? For a growing number of buyers, the answer is something brand new. New Construction Is a More Popular Choice Lately According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more people are buying new homes than they have in years. The latest annual data available shows 16% of homes purchased were newly built. At first glance you may not see why that’s a big deal. But that’s actually the highest share of new home purchases in almost two decades. Why More Buyers Are Choosing a Brand-New Construction For many buyers, especially move-up buyers, new construction isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about lifestyle, convenience, and peace of mind. 1. Everything Is Brand New You’re not inheriting someone else’s projects. No wondering how old the roof is. No budgeting for a new HVAC right after move-in. No big surprises when the previous owners patch job fails. For move-up buyers who’ve been dumping money into updating their current house, that’s a win. 2. You Can Customize Before Move In If you choose a home that's still under construction, you could have the chance to pick the flooring, counters, cabinets, hardware, lighting, and so much more. That level of personalization can be a draw for move-up buyers like you, because it allows you to hand pick the fit and finishes you've been wanting for so long. 3. A Home Designed for How People Live Today Most new construction homes are built to current building standards and buyer preferences, which means you could see built-in smart home features, better energy efficiency (which can lower utility bills), and even more modern floor plans and features. And if your layout just isn’t working for you anymore, you may find exactly what you need now in a new home. 4. Neighborhood Amenities New developments often include shared community spaces like walking trails, parks, playgrounds, or even pools and gyms. For families and active households, that’s a big bonus to have that just a few steps out of their front door. 5. Builder Incentives Not to mention, since there are more new homes on the market than the norm, builders are motivated to sell what they have. So, you may find they’re more willing to negotiate than you’d expect on things like price, upgrades, and more. Bottom Line If your current house isn’t meeting your needs anymore, don’t assume your only choice is an existing home. New construction is becoming a real contender, especially for move-up buyers who want space, features, and a home that works for how they live now. Curious whether new construction might be a fit for you? Talk to a local real estate agent.
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. How Much Equity Does the Typical Homeowner Have? 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. And according to data from the Census and ATTOM, two-thirds of homeowners have a substantial amount of it today. 39% own their home outright without owing anything on it. And another 27% have at least 50% equity in their homes (see chart below): That’s a big deal. And just in case you’re wondering how that translates into real dollars, Cotality says the typical homeowner has almost $300k in equity today. That’s six figures. And whether you have that much, even more, or a bit less, here are a few examples of how you can use it. Ways You Could Use Your Home Equity 1. Move Into a Home That Better Fits Your Life Your needs change over time. Maybe your home is starting to feel cramped, or maybe you have more space than you need now that your adult children have moved out. Either way, you can use your equity as a down payment on a home that’s a better fit for what you need now, and going forward. You may even have enough equity to buy your next house in cash. 2. Upgrade Your Current Home And if you’re not ready to move just yet, you could reinvest it in your current home instead. Renovations like a kitchen refresh or updated bathrooms could add value when it’s time to sell down the line. Just be sure to talk to a real estate agent before you tackle your project list, so you can prioritize updates that’ll give you the biggest return later on. 3. Fund a Major Life Goal Equity can also help fund your life goals – whether it’s starting a business, saving for retirement, covering education costs, or helping out someone you love. Some homeowners are even passing down some of that wealth to help fund a loved one's down payment on a home. 4. Avoid Foreclosure in Tough Times If you’re struggling with payments, your equity can also be a lifeline. Many homeowners who hit financial hardships can sell their homes and walk away with money in their pockets instead of facing foreclosure. If that’s something on your mind, talk to a real estate expert about your options and how your equity can help. Your Next Steps If you’re interested in using your equity for one of the reasons above, here’s what to do: Step 1: Ask a local agent for a personalized equity assessment on your home. Step 2: Meet with a financial advisor if you’re interested in using that equity. Because when it comes to tapping into this resource, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind – like making sure you still have a good loan-to-value ratio (LTV) even if you use some of your equity. That means, as a general rule of thumb, you want to maintain at least 20% equity in your home as a financial cushion – something many homeowners didn’t know back in the crash of 2008. The good news is, according to the Intercontinental Exchange, most of today’s equity meets that guideline: “As of Q4, mortgage holders have $17.3T in home equity, including $11.2T in tappable equity ‒ accessible via cash-out refinances or home equity lines while maintaining 20% equity in the property . . . ” Bottom Line Your home equity is one of the biggest financial assets you have. Whether you’re thinking about moving, remodeling, or working toward a big goal, it’s worth exploring your options. Reach out to a financial advisor to learn more. What’s one goal you have that you'd go after right now, if you had the funds for it?
After a long stretch where buyers were competing for too few homes, inventory has made a comeback over the past year. And depending on where you live, that’s opening up your options in a meaningful way. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes available for sale in January was the highest it’s been since 2020. Here’s why that’s such a big deal. Getting back to pre-pandemic levels signals a slow and steady return to what’s typical: Now, it’s worth noting, nationally we’re not there yet – and having more inventory improving won’t suddenly “fix” the market. But the growth we’ve seen lately still changes how competitive the market feels. When there are more homes for sale, buyers gain time, options, and leverage. When there aren’t, the pressure ramps up quickly. In the years since 2020, there weren’t enough homes for sale, and that made the market feel different. Rushed. Stressful. Intimidating. But now it’s finally getting better. A Growing Portion of the Country Is Getting Back to Normal Depending on where you live, inventory growth is going to vary. Some places are bouncing back faster than others. According to Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, in January 2025, just a little over one year ago, only 41 of the 200 largest metros were back to normal inventory-wise. But around the end of year, almost half (90) of the largest 200 metro areas were back at or above typical levels. That’s a big improvement in roughly a year. And it’s not done yet. Inventory Is Expected To Keep Growing Looking ahead, forecasts suggest the number of homes for sale could rise another 10% this year, which means even more markets should join the list of places where supply has rebounded. Here’s a graph that shows what an extra 10% would do for the market this year. You can see that projected growth (shown in the dotted line) hits inventory levels seen in 2017-2019 by roughly this fall (the gray lines). That means we may reach normal by end of year, nationally: And that changes your home search in a good way. As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, puts it: “. . . housing market conditions are gradually rebalancing after several years of extreme seller advantage. Buyers are beginning to see more options and modest negotiating power as inventory improves . . .” In other words, the market is starting to work with buyers again — not against them. Bottom Line Inventory isn’t fully back to normal everywhere. But it’s moving in the right direction. And, in some areas, it’s already there. If you’ve been waiting for a moment when you have options and a little breathing room, this is the strongest setup buyers have seen in a long time. If you want to know what’s happening in your local market, talk to an agent.
Buying your first home can feel frustrating when the numbers don’t line up the way you expected. You may know you’re ready but finding something that fits your life and your budget is the hard part. That’s where townhomes come in. Townhomes are becoming a bigger part of today’s housing supply, and that shift is opening doors for first-time buyers in a way we haven’t seen in years. That’s because they offer a more realistic path to step into homeownership without stretching yourself too thin, especially in a market where affordability can still feel tight. There Are More Townhomes To Choose From Builders are building more townhomes than they have in decades. In fact, when you look at data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), nearly 1 in 5 new single-family homes being built today is a townhome. That's the highest share on record (see graph below): To put that in perspective, just a decade ago, townhomes made up closer to 1 in 10 new construction homes. That gives today’s buyers far more townhome options than they had in the past. And that’s a really good thing. Townhomes are one of the best ways for first-time buyers to finally get their foot in the door. And seeing that there’s more available for sale means one thing: you may have more opportunity to break into the market than you think. Here’s why they’re such a popular choice for buyers like you. Townhomes Tend To Be More Affordable While prices vary by market, Redfin data shows townhomes are typically priced lower than detached single-family homes nationally. And that gap has grown in recent years as the supply of this type of home has grown too (see graph below): There are two main reasons you may find a better deal on a townhome today. Reason #1: Size Townhomes are usually smaller by design. Most modern townhomes fall in the 1,300–1,500 square foot range, which helps keep prices, and monthly payments, lower. Basically, it works like this. Since they usually have a smaller footprint, they’re cheaper to build, and that makes them less expensive to buy, too. Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at NewHomeSource, explains how this helps buyers: “With the high cost of housing across the country, townhomes have emerged as a vital, more accessible entry point into homeownership. They are often priced lower than detached houses, offering buyers – especially first-timers, young professionals, and those downsizing – the chance to build equity without breaking the bank.” Reason #2: Builder Motivation And here’s another thing working in your favor. With more inventory than in recent years, homebuilders are motivated to sell what they’ve already built. So, many may be more willing to negotiate, whether that means price flexibility, closing cost help, or potentially throwing in upgrades. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “. . . home builders say they’re ready to attract more first-time home buyers. They’re responding to affordability pressures through lower cost homes and builder incentives. About 40% of builders cut prices on newly built homes at the end of last year . . . Roughly two-thirds of builders also offered additional incentives, like mortgage rate buydowns.” Bottom Line If buying your first home feels just out of reach, the right option might not be a different timeline. It might be a different type of home. If you want to talk through whether a townhome makes sense for you or see what’s available in your area, connect with a local real estate agent.
Their passion for this place shows in their enthusiastic marketing of their client’s homes, and when it comes to finding a piece of this paradise for their buyers. Come to the Wine Country and enjoy the good life. Kathleen and her team are here to help you make your move.
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