Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

Welcome to a curated selection of the latest real estate insights—handpicked just for you. As your dedicated agent for life, I believe in empowering you with the knowledge you need to navigate the world of homeownership with confidence. Sit back and absorb the compelling narratives that await in this issue. Whenever you find yourself pondering the next steps in your real estate journey, remember that I am only a conversation away. My commitment to you, your family, and friends is unwavering, and I'm ready to assist with tailored, strategic advice whenever you need it.   Your Forever Agent,    Hope Leitner, CRS, CalDRE #01874321 Is the Housing Market Turning? The U.S.  avoided a recession in 2023 , and some say it will have a  soft landing  in 2024. Existing home sales volume began to edge higher by the end of 2023, and prices rose 4.0% year over year to a median of $387,600.  Read more HERE Private Lands in U.S. National Parks: What You Need to Know Believe it or not, there are

Before you buy a home, it’s important to   plan ahead . While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a   down payment , many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand   what closing costs are and how much you should budget for . What Are Closing Costs? People are sometimes surprised by closing costs because they don’t know what they are. According to  Bankrate : “Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .” In other words, your closing costs are a collection of fees and payments involved with your transaction. According to  Freddie Mac , while they can vary by location and situation, closing costs typically include: Government recording costs Appraisal fees Credit report fees Lender origination