Wednesday, November 5, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Why Your Home Equity Still Puts You Way Ahead (Even If You’ve Heard Prices Are Dropping)
Have you recently seen headlines warning about home prices dropping and started to wonder, “Is my home losing value?”
If you're planning to sell your home soon, that kind of news can feel unsettling. But here's what most of those headlines miss: even if prices have softened in some markets, your home equity is likely still in great shape—and may actually be higher than ever.
Let’s walk through why.
Home Equity Has Grown Significantly Since 2020
Here’s the reality: home equity tends to move in sync with home prices. When home prices go up, your equity grows. When prices level out, so does equity—but that doesn’t mean it vanishes.
After the intense home price surge of 2020–2021, it was inevitable that things would slow down. But that slowdown has not erased years of equity gains.
Even in cities that have seen recent declines, like Aus ...
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Thursday, September 18, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
You Might Be Sitting on More Home Equity Than You Think
Have you ever wondered how much your home is really worth today?
If you’ve been in your house for a while, it might surprise you to learn just how much equity you’ve built up - without even realizing it. And if you’re thinking of selling, this could be your moment to turn that hidden value into your next big move.
Let’s break down what that means for you.
What Exactly Is Home Equity?
Home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example:
If your home is worth $700,000 and you owe $300,000, you have $400,000 in equity.
That’s real, usable wealth you’ve built just by owning your home.
And according to CoreLogic, the average homeowner with a mortgage currently has around $302,000 in equity - but if you’re in a high-demand market like Glendale, Burbank, or La Crescenta, it could be even higher.
Why Your Equi ...
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Wednesday, August 27, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Is the Housing Market Slowing or Just Taking a Breather?
Selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s deeply personal.
If your home didn’t sell the way you hoped, or you felt forced to take it off the market, you’re not alone. Across the country, frustrated homeowners are hitting pause. In fact, 21 out of every 100 homes listed in June were removed without selling.
It’s a tough spot to be in—and it can feel like you missed your chance.
But here’s what you need to hear: slowdowns never last forever. History—and the data—shows that the market always rebounds.
Why Sellers Pull Back: The Pain Behind the Pause
Let’s be real about what home sellers are feeling right now:
“I feel like I missed the peak.”
– You saw neighbors sell fast last year—and now you're left wondering if the opportunity passed.
“I don’t want to reduce my price.”
– You’re emotionally (and f ...
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Thursday, August 7, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Why Selling Without an Agent Could Cost You Thousands
Thinking about selling your home without a real estate agent to “save money”?
Here’s the truth: It could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
According to the latest data, homes sold with an agent in 2024 went for nearly 15% more than those sold by owner. That’s a price gap you can’t afford to ignore — especially in today’s competitive market.
This Isn’t the Market for DIY Selling
Back in the ultra-hot market of 2020–2022, you might’ve gotten away with sticking a FSBO sign in the yard and calling it a day. Homes were selling fast, often with multiple offers and bidding wars.
But in 2025?
That’s no longer the case.
Buyers today are choosier. And with more inventory than we’ve seen in recent years, standing out is essential. A DIY approach without professional marketing, pricing expertise, and negotiation skills could leave you sitting on the ...
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Thursday, June 26, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
What Every Homeowner Should Know About the Changing Real Estate Market in 2025
f you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, the 2025 housing market looks a lot different than it did just a few years ago. But this shift is a good thing — it means the market is moving toward stability.
Let’s break down what’s happening and what it means for your home sale.
1. Inventory Has Risen – And That Changes the Game
According to Realtor.com, housing inventory is now at its highest level in 6 years (see chart below). That means buyers have more choices, and sellers have more competition.
Source: Realtor.com
If you’re in an area where inventory has normalized, buyers may have more leverage than you’re used to seeing. That means pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
2. Pricing Correctly Is Essential
Today’s buyers are well-informed — and quick to move on if your price isn’t right. The reality is, nearly 1 in 5 listings sa ...
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