Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market. That’s why  data  from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a  record low  number are going the route of selling on their own. Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent ( see graph below ): And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it comes with a lot of responsibilities. The selling process requires setting the right price, navigating a growing amount of legal paperwork, and creating a solid strategy to attract buyers. And going it alone often means taking on more than you bargained for. Let’s look at two big reasons why working with a pro can make all the difference. 1. Getting the Price Right One...

  One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief. While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show. Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025 After a lot of  volatility  and uncertainty, the  most updated  forecasts suggest  rates  will start to stabilize over the next year, and should  ease  a bit compared to where they are right now ( see graph below ): As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR),  says :  “While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.” Key Factors That’ll Impact the Future of Mortgage Rates It’s important to note that the tim...