Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  Remember the chatter in the headlines about all the homes big institutional investors were buying? If you were thinking about buying a home yourself, you may have wondered how you’d ever be able to compete with that. Here’s the thing. That’s not the challenge so many people think it is – especially right now. Let’s break down what’s really going on and why the recent shift in the approach investors are taking could tip the scales in your favor. Large Investors Are Pulling Back The truth is institutional investors never represented as big a share of the housing market as people think. And now, they’re backing off even more. Today, big real estate investors aren’t buying as many homes. In fact, they’re actually selling more than they’re buying. According to  data  from  Parcl Labs , 6 out of 8 of the largest institutional single-family rental investment companies in America sold more homes than they bought in the second quarter of 2025 ( see graph below ): And here’s...

  Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home? You’ve probably asked yourself lately:  Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your  only  choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only  buy a home  when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you. But here’s the thing you need to know about renting. While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning – it can really cost you more over time. In fact, a recent  Bank of America  survey found that  70% of aspiring homeowners worry about what long-term renting means for their future.  And they’re not wrong. Owning a home may seem way out of reach, but if you make a plan now and steadily work toward it,  home...

  Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering:  does it really make sense to buy a home right now? But here’s one thing that doesn’t get enough airtime. Real estate has always been about the long game. And when you look at the big picture, not just the latest clickbait headlines, it’s easy to see why so many people say it’s still the best investment you can make – even now. According to the just-released  annual report  from  Gallup , real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for the 12th year in a row.  That’s over a decade of beating out stocks, gold, and bonds as America’s top pick. And this isn’t new. Real estate usually claims the #1 title. But here’s what’s really interesting. This year’s results came ...

  The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that. What Is Home Staging? It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there. It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when you sell – especially in today’s market. A  study  from the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that aren't staged at all ( see below ): Which Rooms Matter Most?...

  Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back? A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing:  those rates were never meant to last . They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in time. And as the market finds its footing again, it’s time to reset expectations. Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those rates were a result of emergency economic policies during the height of a global pandemic. Now that the economy is in a different place, we’re seeing mortgage rates in the high 6% to low 7% range. And while experts currently  project  a slight easing in the months ahead, most industry leaders agree: rates are not going back to 3%. Instead, many  forecasts  suggest mortgage rates will se...

  Home Projects That Add the Most Value Some Highlights Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which  home projects  you take on. ​Because not all of them will be worth it. Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to recoup  the costs . Let’s connect so you know which projects are actually worthwhile.​

  Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First. If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But don’t worry. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Here’s why. Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford after the rates adjusted. But now, lenders are more cautious, and they evaluate whether you could still afford the loan if your rate increases. So, don’t assume the return of ARMs means another crash. Right now, it just shows some buyers are looking for creative solutions when affordability is tough.  You can see the recent trend in this  data  from the  Mortgage Bankers Association  (MBA). More peo...