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When you think about a house, chances are your mind goes to kitchens, bathrooms, maybe even the attic—but hardly anyone thinks about the crawl space. Yet this hidden area plays a huge role in the health of your home. It's easy to ignore, but problems down there can creep up…

Looks like the housing market is showing some real signs of life again. New home sales bumped up in February and are up over 5% compared to last year. Prices have dropped about 10% from their 2022 peak, which is helping more buyers get back in the game. Builders are…

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just announced a new rule that gives home sellers more control over when their listing goes public. Called “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers,” it lets sellers delay public marketing on sites like Zillow or Redfin—while still sharing the listing privately with agents in the…

Single women are making big moves in the housing market, and they’ve been doing it for decades. Back in 1981, they made up 11% of home buyers—second only to married couples. Today, that number has nearly doubled to 20%, while single men sit at just 8%. What makes this even…

Home sales across Virginia's New River Valley region slipped again in February, continuing the trend we’ve seen this winter. Only 151 homes sold during the month, which is down about 3% compared to last year. Carroll and Pulaski counties took some of the biggest hits, with double-digit percentage drops. That…

The home building industry was already facing challenges in 2025, but new tariffs on building materials and government layoffs have only made things worse. If mortgage rates don’t come down soon, we could see serious supply issues and shrinking profit margins. Why does this matter? The housing sector is a…

The 2025 housing market is shifting, but it’s not a repeat of past crashes. Home inventory is climbing—up nearly 27% from last year—and it’s expected to grow another 15% by the end of the year. Normally, when more homes hit the market, prices start to drop. But this time, other…

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged, maintaining the federal funds rate at 4.25% to 4.5%. This decision comes amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty, largely fueled by trade policies that have increased costs for businesses and consumers. President Trump's recent tariffs on imports have driven up…

Raising backyard chickens sounds like a dream but before you dive in, there’s more to it than just tossing some hens in the yard and waiting for breakfast to appear. The biggest draw, of course, is the eggs. Fresh, rich, and loaded with nutrients, they put store-bought ones to shame.

For years, being a loan officer was pretty straightforward—people needed a mortgage, you found them one, and that was that. But those days are fading fast. The mortgage game is changing, and if you’re not evolving, you’re getting left behind. Today’s clients aren’t just looking for someone to approve their…

When it comes to determining a home’s worth, assessed value and market value often come up, but they serve different purposes. The assessed value is primarily used for property taxes, determined by a local tax assessor who evaluates the home based on factors like its size, condition, and local assessment…

In the week of March 10, 2025, we've seen some exciting news in the mortgage market: purchase mortgage applications jumped up by 9%. This increase is a good sign as we head into the spring home buying season, and it looks like more people are looking to buy homes compared…

Receiving a home as a gift from your parents might sound like a dream come true, but it comes with more strings than you’d expect. With wealth transferring between generations at an unprecedented rate, many parents are either buying homes for their children or passing down property they already own.

For years, the real estate industry has operated behind locked doors. MLS systems, broker exclusives, and lead-generation models have all revolved around one thing—control. But AI is about to change that, and it won’t be asking for permission. While realtors argue over commission structures and listing rules, artificial intelligence is…

Thinking about selling your home? Timing could make a big difference in how much you walk away with. Zillow’s latest research shows that homes listed in the second half of May sold for an average of 1.6% more in 2024—adding about $5,600 to the sale price of a typical U.S.

The New River Valley housing market saw a sharp drop in new listings this February, making it even tougher for buyers to find homes. Residential listings fell by 31.5% compared to last year, and land listings dropped 14.6%. This means fewer options for buyers, but also a more competitive environment…

If you’re thinking about buying a home or planning a big renovation, you might want to brace yourself. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, a move that could send construction costs climbing and make housing even less affordable. While the administration says…

Since early 2020, home prices have skyrocketed, with U.S. home values up a staggering 45%. Some cities, like Miami, saw even sharper increases, making it one of the nation’s hottest markets. Rents climbed alongside home prices, especially in places like New York City, where the median asking rent now sits…

Whether you're looking to make a move or just staying informed, here’s what’s on the horizon. Interest rates are expected to hover around 6%, making affordability a major factor for buyers. While inflation has eased, potential job market fluctuations could impact consumer confidence. The good news? A recession isn’t anticipated,…

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has eliminated an Obama-era housing rule, aiming to simplify local housing decisions. The 2021 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule required local governments receiving HUD funds to complete extensive reports on housing disparities and policies. HUD says the rule added unnecessary…

For decades, the MLS has been the backbone of real estate, giving agents equal access to property listings. But cracks are showing. Between lawsuits, rising fees, and outdated regional systems, "REALTORS©" are paying more for a service that doesn’t always serve them. Meanwhile, Zillow continues to grow, and some believe…

As we stepped into 2025, Virginia's housing market exhibited a modest yet encouraging uptick in activity. In January, there were 5,758 home sales across the commonwealth, marking an increase of 1.8%, compared to the same period last year. This slight rise suggests a resilient market despite prevailing economic uncertainties. Home…

Property taxes are supposed to be based on what your home is actually worth. But in many places, local governments are inflating home values on paper, forcing homeowners to pay higher taxes—sometimes much higher than what’s fair. This means people are getting taxed on money they haven’t actually made because…

Pricing a home isn’t just slapping a number on it and hoping for the best. It’s a mix of strategy, timing, and understanding what buyers are willing to pay. The right price can attract a flurry of interest, while the wrong one can leave your home sitting on the market,…

When determining a home's square footage, whether a basement is included depends on several factors, including its level of finish, whether it's above or below grade, and local regulations. A finished basement is typically equipped with drywall, flooring, proper insulation, and often heating and cooling systems, making it a functional…

A growing battle is unfolding between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its employees over a controversial new directive requiring weekly work reports. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National Council 222, which represents over 5,300 HUD workers, is demanding an immediate halt to the…

A recent report by First Street suggests that over the next 30 years, U.S. property values could change by nearly $1.5 trillion. Rather than relying on alarmist language, this analysis highlights evolving weather conditions and economic factors that are quietly shifting the real estate landscape. Home insurance premiums, for instance,…

Recent changes at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have sparked a lively debate among home buyers and industry watchers alike. The agency has embarked on a restructuring mission that includes significant workforce reductions aimed at modernizing its operations. Alongside the staff cuts, HUD has implemented what some…

There was a time when buying a fixer-upper was seen as a savvy move—a way to get into the market at a lower price and build equity through renovations. But according to new research from Zillow, that era might be coming to an end. Home buyers today are putting a…

Buying a home is a big milestone, but it also comes with some new financial responsibilities—especially when tax season rolls around. The good news? Home ownership can unlock tax breaks that could save you thousands each year. From deductions on mortgage interest to credits for energy-efficient upgrades, understanding the tax…