If you’ve been following real estate news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. And at first glance, that sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing. The reality isn’t quite that straightforward. In most places, prices aren’t flat at all. What the Data Really Shows While we’ve definitely seen prices moderate from […]
As leaves change and days grow shorter, the real estate market often cools—but fall 2025 may offer one of the more favorable windows for homebuyers in years. Mortgage rates are easing, inventory is rising, and sellers are showing more flexibility. But like always, the local picture in Western New York makes all the difference. Let’s […]
You want mortgage rates to fall – and they’ve started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go? Experts say there’s room for rates to come down even more over the next year. And one of the leading indicators to watch is the 10-year treasury yield. Here’s why. The Link […]
If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now’s the time to lean in. It’s officially the best time to buy this year. According to Realtor.com, this October will have the most buyer-friendly conditions of any month in 2025: “By mid-October, buyers across much of the country may finally find the combination of inventory, pricing, and […]
Closing on a home in the fall is exciting. The weather cools, the market slows, and you may even get an edge as a buyer. But October closings also bring an important question: What costs are you responsible for when you split the year with the seller? Let’s break it down so you know exactly […]
A recent survey from Bank of America asked would-be homebuyers what would help them feel better about making a move, and it’s no surprise the answers have a clear theme. They want affordability to improve, specifically prices and rates (see below): Here’s the good news. While the broader economy may still feel uncertain, there are […]
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, there’s one expense you can’t afford to overlook: closing costs. Almost every buyer knows they exist, but not that many know exactly what they cover, or how different they can be based on where you’re buying. So, let’s break them down. What Are Closing Costs? Your […]
You’ve seen it in more yard signs and heard it on the news: Autumn 2025 is looking more favorable for buyers. After years of red-hot competition, the market is softening in many places, giving home seekers more leverage. But as always, real estate is local—and what applies in one ZIP code might not hold in […]
If you’ve been thinking about downsizing to lower your expenses, be closer to family, or just make life easier, here’s a trend worth paying attention to: More homeowners are buying their next house outright, without taking on a new mortgage. And, if you’ve owned your home for a while, you may be able to do […]
Fall is here, and before you know it, Western New York will be blanketed in snow. The change of seasons is the perfect time to check off a few tasks that will keep your home cozy, safe, and ready for the months ahead. At Great Lakes Real Estate, we like to think of this as […]
Pricing a home is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when selling — and it’s not as simple as picking a number you “hope” to get. Price too high, and your home can sit on the market, grow stale, and ultimately sell for less than it could have. Price too low, and you […]
There’s a new divide in housing right now. In some states, buyers are gaining ground. In others, sellers still have the upper hand. It all depends on where you live. Curious what’s happening in your state? These 3 maps show how the split is playing out across the country. In each one: Darker Shades of […]
For the past couple of years, it’s been tough for a lot of homebuyers to make the numbers work. Home prices shot up. Mortgage rates too. And a number of people hit pause because it just didn’t feel possible. Maybe you were one of them. But there’s some encouraging news. If you’ve been waiting for […]
Want to know something important you probably don’t have a professional check for you nearly as often as you should? Spoiler alert: it’s the value of your home. Because here’s the reality. Your house is likely the biggest financial asset you have. And if you’ve lived in it for a few years or more, chances […]
Mortgage rates are finally heading in the right direction – and buyers are starting to jump back in. According to the data, buyer demand picked up considerably once mortgage rates hit a new low for 2025. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that applications for home loans were up 23% compared to the first week […]
Recent data reveals a pivotal shift in the U.S. housing landscape: for the first time in nearly a decade, the number of homeowner households has declined. At the same time, renter households are rising—underscoring growing affordability challenges. In response, the federal government is considering declaring a national housing emergency, aiming to ease costs, boost supply, […]
Falling Rates: What Just Happened As of September 11, 2025, average U.S. mortgage rates fell to their lowest in nearly a year. The 30-year fixed rate dropped to about 6.35%, down from around 6.50% just a week earlier. This drop is largely driven by a softer jobs report, weaker Treasury yields, and growing expectations that […]
You’ve probably seen “modular homes” advertised or noticed signs along the road. They promise fast builds and modern design—but what exactly is a modular home, and how do they stack up versus a conventional house? Whether you’re considering buying new, used, or building one, here’s what you need to know—especially if you’re in Western New […]
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) meets this week, and expectations are high that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate. But does that mean mortgage rates will drop? Let’s clear up the confusion. The Fed Doesn’t Directly Set Mortgage Rates Right now, all eyes are on the Fed. Most economists expect they’ll cut the Federal Funds […]
Waiting for the perfect buyer to fall in love with your house? In today’s market, that’s usually not what’s holding things up. And here’s why. Let’s be real. Homes are taking a week longer to sell than they did a year ago. According to Realtor.com: “Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical home […]