Entries by Bruce Andrews

What You Need To Know About Concessions

Some Highlights Now that there are more homes for sale, buyers have more options. And sellers need to be more flexible to close the deal. That’s why almost half of homeowners are making some type of concession. This can include covering closing costs, paying for repairs, or dropping the price. Not sure which concessions to […]

2025 Isn’t Your Year? Here’s How to Get Ready to Buy in 2026

It’s already August, and if you’re realizing that 2025 just isn’t your year to buy a home—you’re not alone. Maybe your dream home didn’t come up, interest rates were too high, or you just weren’t financially or emotionally ready. The good news? You still have time to regroup and make sure 2026 starts strong. Here’s […]

Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

Believe it or not, there are clear signs buyer interest is heating up again. Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why the housing market might not be as quiet out there as it seems.  Buyers Are Looking, and Search Trends Prove It One of the clearest ways to measure what […]

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth. Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one. That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market […]

A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan

Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday? According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term income. And that’s where […]

3 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today

Some Highlights Prices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes. There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people who buy new homes tend to get lower […]

The Home Inspection Process—What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

The home inspection is one of the most critical steps in a real estate transaction, yet it’s often misunderstood. Whether you’re a buyer wanting peace of mind, or a seller hoping for a smooth sale, knowing what to expect—and how to prepare—can make all the difference. What Is a Home Inspection? A home inspection is […]

What to Watch Out for During Showings: A Buyer’s Guide to Spotting Red Flags

You Found a Great House… But Is It Hiding Something? Showings can be exciting. You’re finally stepping foot in homes you’ve browsed online a hundred times. But behind the fresh paint and staged furniture, there may be more than meets the eye. In today’s fast-moving market, it’s easy to fall in love at first sight—but […]

The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in. “I’ll never save enough.” “I need a small fortune just to get started.” “I guess I’ll just rent forever.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck. Here’s the thing: a […]

The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it’s a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is […]

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed. Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is out of reach […]

Home Price Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Some Highlights With all the headlines circulating recently, you may be wondering what’s next for home prices? Here’s what the expert forecasts say. Home prices are still forecast to rise nationally this year, just at a much slower pace. But price trends are going to vary by area. To have a quick conversation about what’s […]

Picking the Right Agent—What Every Buyer and Seller Should Ask

Choosing the right real estate agent can be the difference between a smooth transaction and a stressful one. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property you’ve owned for decades, the right agent should feel more like a trusted partner than just a salesperson. But how do you know who the right agent […]

Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets. What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a […]

Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you. Will Home Prices Fall? Many buyers are hoping home prices […]

The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See

Foreclosure headlines are making noise again – and they’re designed to stir up fear to get you to read them. But what the data shows is actually happening in the market tells a very different story than what you might be led to believe. So, before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to look at […]

The Latest Mortgage Rate Forecasts

Some Highlights If you’re tempted to delay your move in hope that mortgage rates will come down, you may want to rethink that strategy based on the latest forecast. Experts say mortgage rates are projected to stay in the 6s this year. So don’t expect a big drop. If you want to talk about what […]

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money. Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how an agent helps you steer clear of them. 1. Overpricing […]

House Hacking 101—Live Smarter, Build Wealth Faster What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Do It Right in Western New York   For many people, the biggest barrier to building wealth is the monthly mortgage or rent payment. Now imagine if someone else was covering that bill for you—while you still got to […]