Virginia Beach & Hampton Roads

U.S. homeowners have more tappable equity than ever, and borrowing against it just got cheaper. Here’s what that means for your next big financial move. Right now, American homeowners are sitting on a record $11.5 trillion in tappable equity.  That’s equity you could access without selling your hom

For many, selling a home is more stressful than a wedding. We explore why selling a home can be overwhelming and offer tips to manage the stress for a smoother sale.  Selling a home is considered more stressful than planning a wedding.  Yes, you read that right! According to a recent study by Opend

  Discover how staging your living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen—the "Triple Threat"—can help your home sell faster and for more money. When it comes to selling your home, not all rooms are created equal.  In fact, there are three spaces that buyers pay the most attention to. And if you get t

The average first-time homebuyer is now 38—and that’s not a bad thing. Here’s why delayed homeownership is becoming the norm, what’s causing the shift, and how to move forward with confidence. Buying your first home doesn’t look anything like it did 30 years ago.  The average first-time buyer in 2

  Most people think of homeownership as one big expense. And I get it, between mortgage payments, maintenance, insurance, taxes… the list seems never-ending. But what often gets overlooked is the way your home can pay you back when tax season rolls around. If you're a homeowner, you may be sitting

Everyone knows that spring is typically the best season to sell a home. But, there’s a mistake I see sellers make every year based on that information. When most people think of spring, their mind skips to late in the season—or even early summer—when the weather is perfect, flowers are blooming, a

Thinking about buying a home this year?  You’ve probably heard all kinds of advice: “Wait for rates to drop.” “Home prices are too high.” “Now’s the best time to buy!” Truth is, no one has a crystal ball. But if you’re trying to decide whether now is the right time to buy, there’s one thing you nee

Recently, I came across a podcast featuring Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist. Much of the conversation was what you might expect—housing market predictions for 2025, what Zillow got wrong about 2024, and a breakdown of trends shaping real estate across the country.  In other words, the kind o

Market Trends Favor Sellers Right Now If you've been contemplating selling your home, the current market conditions are highly advantageous. Let's delve into the key indicators: Rising Home Values: The median sales price has surged to $355,000. This reflects a 1.4% increase from the previous mon

The decision to buy or rent isn’t just about today’s costs—it’s about your future plans, financial stability, and lifestyle goals.  According to ATTOM’s 2025 Rental Affordability Report, in most U.S. markets, homeownership costs less than renting a comparable property. But does that mean buying is

The decision to buy or rent isn’t just about today’s costs—it’s about your future plans, financial stability, and lifestyle goals.  According to ATTOM’s 2025 Rental Affordability Report, in most U.S. markets, homeownership costs less of a person’s wages than renting a comparable property. But does

With the start of a new year, resolutions often focus on what we should do—exercise more, save money, or finally tackle that home project. But what about the things we shouldn’t do? For homeowners, avoiding certain pitfalls can be just as important as setting ambitious goals. This "Reverse Resolut

If you're about to buy a home, you might think you've budgeted everything. But are you prepared for all the fees that come with closing?  Nearly 91% of buyers in the Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2024 said they encountered at least one unexpected cost during the closing process.  Let’s bre

Navigating Rising Rents: A Renter's Guide to Saving Money and Knowing Your Rights The rental market can be a challenging landscape, especially with rising rents. According to Zillow, the gap between single-family home rents and apartment rents is wider than ever, with single-family home

Ever dreamed of upgrading to your dream home without breaking the bank? Well, you might be closer than you think. The secret lies in a powerful financial tool: equity. What is Equity, Anyway? Equity is the difference between your home's current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage.

Selling your home is a significant financial decision, often requiring expert guidance. To ensure you select the right real estate agent, follow this concise checklist. Compare agents online     Use tools like HomeLight’s Agent Match to find highly rated agents based on:    A high volume of hom

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is a major choice that can have significant financial implications. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, making it essential to weigh your options carefully. Renting offers flexibility and typically requires lower upfront costs. Mon

Great news for homebuyers! Mortgage rates have plummeted to their lowest point in over a year and a half, making this an exciting time for anyone who has been waiting on the sidelines to dive into the housing market.This recent decline is more than just a small dip; it represents a significant opp

June is a busy month in the housing market because many people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and are looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to ensure you’re ready. If You’re Buying This JuneA lot of homebuyers with ch

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Virginia Buying a home is an exciting and significant step in anyone's life. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, the process can be both thrilling and overwhelming. If you're considering purchasing a home in Virginia, you've chosen a