A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers...

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go? But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.The Inventory Sweet SpotMore homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more...

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It Might Be Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

Last year, 70% of buyers abandoned their home search – and maybe you were one of them. It makes sense. Inventory was low, prices were high, and mortgage rates were up and down like a rollercoaster. All of that made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford.But guess what? The market is shifting.So, if you paused your moving plans in 2024, it might be time to hit play again. Here’s why.More Inventory Opens Up More OptionsEven if you could make the numbers work, the lack of available homes in recent years probably made it hard to come by something that fit your needs. But...

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you.You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation.Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation ProcessThe complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s where...

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Rent vs. Buy, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

Some HighlightsA study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why.?Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership. What’s your #1 reason for wanting to buy?

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market.What Is an ADU?According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include its own areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms independent of the main house. And they can take shape in a few different ways. Fannie Mae adds, an ADU...

Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on February 1, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.1. FHA LoansIf your down payment savings...

Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on January 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

Turning a dream into reality starts with one thing: a plan. And if buying your first home is on your list of goals, now’s the perfect time to put a plan in motion to help you save.And the best part? Reaching your savings goal doesn’t mean making huge sacrifices overnight – small, consistent steps can get you there over time. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up the process.Step 1: Build a Budget That Works for YouKnowing where your money’s going is the first step to saving more of it. Take some time to track the money you’ve got coming in and going out. This helps you spot areas...

Investors Are Not Buying Up All the Homes

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on December 1, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

Some HighlightsThere’s a misconception Wall Street is buying all the homes on the market. But data proves that isn’t true.?Experts agree the share of homes bought by investors is declining – and most are smaller investors, like your neighbor who owns a second home, not Wall Street.No matter what you’ve heard, the majority of homes are still being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors. Connect with an agent if you have questions.?

How Real Estate Agents Take the Fear Out of Moving

Written by Treasure Island FL Mortgage Syndicated User on November 1, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Buyers, For Sellers, Mortgage Treasure Island FL, Treasure Island FL Mortgage.

Feeling a bit unsure, or even afraid, to move with everything going on right now? The decision to move shouldn’t be scary, it should be exciting. And the best way to eliminate any fear is to work with a pro. Real estate agents are so much more than just transaction facilitators; they’re trusted guides to help you navigate the complexities of the housing market with confidence and ease. And a great agent can turn what may feel like a daunting process into a manageable—and even enjoyable—experience.That’s why, in a Bright MLS survey, respondents agreed partnering with an agent is essential...

Category: For Buyers