Thursday, August 6, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.
Will mortgage rates drop significantly soon? That’s one of the biggest questions homebuyers are asking right now.
If you’ve been waiting to buy a home because you’re expecting mortgage rates to fall dramatically, you’re not alone. Many buyers are hoping rates will eventually return to the unusually low levels we saw during the pandemic.
But there’s an important question to consider:
What if mortgage rates don’t fall as much, or as quickly, as you’re expecting?
Based on the latest forecasts, that’s a real possibility.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to choose between buying today at the current rate and waiting indefinitely for rates to fall. There are other strategies that may help improve affordability.
Here’s what today’s homebuyers should know.
1. Mortgage Rates Aren’t Expected To Drop Dramatically
If you’ ...
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home buyer, real estate tips, home buying, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
What Does Homeowners Insurance Really Cost? Here's What Every Homebuyer Needs To Know
How much is homeowners insurance? Is homeowners insurance required when buying a home? How can you lower your insurance costs? These are some of the most common questions homebuyers ask, and for good reason. While mortgage rates and home prices often grab the headlines, homeowners insurance is another important cost that deserves a place in your budget.
The good news? Although insurance premiums continue to rise, the pace of those increases is finally beginning to slow. Understanding how insurance works before you buy can help you avoid surprises and make more confident financial decisions.
Homeowners Insurance Is Becoming a Bigger Part of the Buying Decision
Buying a home involves more than your down payment and monthly mortgage.
Homeowners insurance is required by most lenders, and it's designed to protect one of your biggest financial investments. Your first year's premium is typically colle ...
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home buyer, home buying process, home buying, real estate market 2026, housing market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Is It Time To Move Up? Your First Home May Be the Key to Your Next Chapter
Thinking about upgrading to a bigger home? Is now a good time to sell your starter home? Can your home equity help you buy your next house? If you've been asking these questions, you're not alone. Many homeowners who bought their first home a few years ago are wondering if it's finally time to take the next step, and today's housing market may be creating an opportunity that's worth exploring.
Buying your first home was never just about having a place to live. It was the beginning of building your future. It gave you stability, memories, and one of the most powerful financial tools available: home equity.
Now, your life may look very different.
Maybe your family has grown. Perhaps you're working from home and need a dedicated office. Maybe you've simply outgrown the space that once felt perfect.
If that's the case, your first home may be doing exactly what it was always meant to do, helping you mo; ...
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home buyer, real estate tips, home buying process, for buyers, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
Thursday, July 16, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Is Real Estate a Good Investment in 2026? Why Americans Still Rank It #1 for 14 Straight Years
Is real estate still the best investment in 2026? Is buying a home better than renting? According to Americans, the answer is yes. For the 14th consecutive year, real estate was ranked as the nation's favorite long-term investment, outperforming stocks, gold, bonds, and savings accounts.
If you've been wondering whether buying a home still makes sense in today's market, you're not alone. Between higher mortgage rates, affordability concerns, and nonstop headlines about the economy, many buyers are questioning whether now is the right time to invest in real estate.
The latest data suggests confidence in homeownership is making a strong comeback.
Real Estate Continues To Outperform Every Other Long-Term Investment
Every year, Gallup asks Americans a simple question:
"What is the best long-term investment?"
For the 14th year in a row, real estate finished in first place, ahead of stocks ...
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home buyer, home seller, real estate market 2026, housing market 2026, home buyer tip 2026, home seller tips 2026, seller tips 2026
Thursday, July 9, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
What Could the Second Half of 2026 Mean for Home Buyers and Sellers in Los Angeles?
The first half of 2026 hasn't exactly been easy for anyone trying to buy or sell a home.
Mortgage rates stayed higher than many expected. Affordability remained a challenge. Global events created uncertainty in financial markets. And for many buyers and sellers across Glendale, Burbank, La Crescenta, and throughout Los Angeles County, the safest move felt like doing nothing at all.
But real estate markets rarely stay frozen forever.
As we move into the second half of the year, several indicators suggest the market may finally be preparing for a shift. While nobody can predict the future with certainty, there are reasons for cautious optimism.
Mortgage Rates Could Finally Start Moving Lower
Ask almost any buyer what kept them on the sidelines this year and you'll probably hear the same answer:
Mortgage rates.
Even small changes in rates can significantly impact monthly payments, which directly ...
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home buyer, home seller, real estate market 2026, housing market 2026, home buyer tip 2026, home seller tips 2026, seller tips 2026
