Thursday, January 22, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Mortgage Rates Just Hit a 3-Year Low. Here’s Why It Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for a “better time” to buy, this is your signal.
For the first time in nearly three years, mortgage rates have dipped into the high 5% range. That’s a meaningful shift, not just a headline. It’s the kind of change that can directly impact your buying power, your monthly payment, and your entire financial future.
Let’s break down why this matters, and how to turn it into your advantage.
Rates Have Quietly Slipped Into the 5s – And That Changes Everything
Not long ago, buyers were battling rates near 7%, making monthly payments painfully high and qualifying limits tight, especially for first-time buyers or families trying to upgrade.
But today, that narrative has shifted. Rates have fallen over 1% from their recent peak, landing squarely in the low 6s, and in some cases, breaking into the 5s.
Why does tha ...
Read More
home buyer, home buying process, home buying, for buyers, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026, housing market 2026
Thursday, December 18, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Why Buying a Home in January 2026 Could Save You Thousands
Is January 2026 the Best Time To Buy a Home?
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but waiting for the "right" time, here’s something that may surprise you: January may actually be one of the best months to make your move, especially if you're trying to save money.
Let’s break down why winter, and specifically January, gives you a powerful edge in today’s market.
1. January Offers Some of the Lowest Prices of the Year
Data from LendingTree and ATTOM shows that January consistently has the lowest median price per square foot of any month. In fact, in 2024, buyers who closed in January paid just $178.60 per square foot, compared to $194.20 in May.
For a typical 1,500 sq ft home, that difference amounts to over $23,000 in savings. Imagine using that toward your down payment, renovations, or keeping more cash in your pocket.
With affordability still top-of-mind for 2026 homebuyers ...
Read More
home buyer, for buyers, buying a home, first time home buyers, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026, housing market 2026
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Are Builders Overbuilding Again? Here’s What the Data Actually Shows
If you’ve noticed more new construction around town, you’re not alone. But does that mean we’re heading for another 2008-style housing crash? Not even close.
Let’s break down what’s really happening in today’s market and why the slowdown in builder activity is actually a smart move — not a red flag.
Builders Are Tapping the Brakes, Not Slamming the Gas
One of the best leading indicators of future home construction is building permits - basically, permission to break ground. And right now, that number is on the decline.
According to recent U.S. Census data, builders are pulling back, not charging forward. Take a look at the chart below:
Back before the 2008 crash, overconfident builders flooded the market with new homes - far more than buyer demand could support. That oversupply helped fuel the housing crisis.
But today? Builders are more cautious. They& ...
Read More
home buyer, home seller, real estate tips, home prices, selling homes, homeownership, competitiveness, for buyers, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, first time home buyers, 2025 housing market, buyer tips 2025, seller tips 2025, real estate market 2026, home seller tips 2026, housing market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
2026 Housing Market Outlook: Is This Your Year to Buy?
After a couple of years where the housing market felt out of reach, 2026 is shaping up to be the year things finally shift — and it might just open the door for you.
Whether you’ve been waiting for rates to drop or home prices to ease, here’s what the latest expert forecasts say is coming — and how it may help you buy with more confidence.
1. More Homes Are Expected to Sell
With affordability stretched thin, many buyers (and sellers) have stayed on the sidelines. But forecasts show that’s about to change.
Experts are projecting more home sales in 2026 than in the past two years. Why? Because life doesn’t wait — people still need to move, and more of them will finally feel like they can.
2. Mortgage Rates May Keep Slipping Lower
If high rates have been your biggest barrier, this part is for you.
After peaking near 7% earlier this year, mortgage rates are finally showing signs of ...
Read More
home buyer, home buying process, home prices, for buyers, buying a home, housing market 2026, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
What Buyers Say They Need Most - and How the Market Is Finally Responding
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the market to feel a little more realistic - you’re not alone.
According to a new survey by Bank of America, two things top the list for today’s homebuyers:
63% want lower home prices
50% want lower mortgage rates
Sound familiar?
The good news is — the housing market is finally starting to deliver on both.
Let’s break down how today’s market is adjusting and what it means for your next move.
Home Prices Are Moderating (Finally)
Over the past few years, prices moved fast — sometimes so fast it pushed buyers out of the game.
But today?
That red-hot pace is cooling. Nationally, price growth has slowed to low single digits, compared to the 20%+ surges we saw from 2020 to 2022.
For buyers, that shift changes everything:
It’s easier to plan your budget
You won’t feel rushed to & ...
Read More
home buyer, home buying process, home prices, home buying, buyer's market, los angeles, glendale, for buyers, buying a home, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, first time home buyers, buyer tips 2025
