Thursday, June 5, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
When buyers have more choices, your home needs to stand out. That’s where staging comes in.
What’s Staging, Really?
It’s not about perfection. It’s about helping buyers imagine themselves living in your space. And it works. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes often sell faster and for more money.
Focus on the Right Rooms
You don’t need to stage every inch of your home. The key areas that impress buyers most? The living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. That’s where they imagine daily life — and where staging makes the biggest difference.
Let Your Agent Be Your Guide
Your agent knows what local buyers want. They can help you decide:
What to declutter or rearrange
Whether to bring in a pro stager
How to make the biggest impact with your budget
NAR reports median costs of $500 for agent-led staging and $1,500 for professional staging — both can be worth it depending on your home.
B ...
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Thursday, June 5, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Granada Hills, CA – Vic Markarian of the Markarian Realty Group has released compelling new market data indicating that home values throughout Los Angeles County are projected to increase steadily over the next five years. This information comes at a critical time for potential homebuyers who may be hesitating in today’s market conditions.
“Homeownership isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about time in the market,” says Vic Markarian, recognized by many as a top real estate agent in Granada Hills, CA. “Our analysis of the latest Home Price Expectations Survey confirms what we’ve been telling clients: waiting could cost you significantly in the long run.”
The data reveals that despite moving past the dramatic price surges of 2021-2022, housing experts anticipate a healthy 3-4% annual growth rate through at least 2029. This steady appreciation means buyers who enter the market now could see substantial equity gains ...
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Thursday, May 29, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
For many in Los Angeles and across the country, high mortgage rates and rising prices have made renting feel like the safer option. But while renting might seem more affordable month to month, it could cost you more in the long run.
Renting Feels Easier—But It Comes at a Price
Renting can offer flexibility, fewer responsibilities, and sometimes a lower payment—but it doesn’t help you build wealth. A recent Bank of America study found 70% of renters are worried about how renting will impact their long-term financial future—and they’re right to be concerned.
Homeownership Builds Wealth Over Time
Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live. It’s one of the most effective wealth-building strategies in the U.S. Why? Because home values typically appreciate over time. Take a look at this long-term trend:
Even through economic ups and downs, home prices continue to rise. And as a homeowner, that price growth becomes your equity. ...
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Thursday, May 15, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
If you’re holding onto a 3% mortgage, it makes total sense to be cautious about moving. After all, it’s one of the lowest rates in recent history — and giving that up may feel like a financial step backward.
But here’s something most people don’t realize: Homeowners don’t move because of rates… they move because life changes.
So instead of asking, “Why would I move?” The real question is: “Will this home still meet my needs 3–5 years from now?”
Life Changes — And So Do Housing Needs
Take a minute to look ahead:
Is your family growing?
Are you retiring soon or downsizing?
Is remote work or lifestyle change affecting your needs?
Are you running out of space (or have too much)?
If your current home fits you perfectly and nothing is changing, staying put might make sense.
But if there's even a small chance that you’ll need to move in the next few years — it’s worth plann ...
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Thursday, May 15, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
If you’re carrying student loans, you’re not alone — and you may be wondering if homeownership is out of reach because of it.
You’re not the only one asking that question. In fact, a recent survey found that 72% of people with student debt believe it will delay their ability to buy a home.
But here’s the truth: Student loans don’t have to hold you back from becoming a homeowner.
Do You Really Need to Wait?
Many first-time buyers assume they need to pay off their student loans completely before they can even think about buying a house. But that’s often not the case.
According to Yahoo Finance:
“Student loans don’t have to get in your way when it comes to becoming a homeowner. With the right approach and an understanding of how debt impacts your home-buying options, buying a house when you have student loans is possible.”
In other words, it's about balance — not elimination.
What the Data Says
According to the ...
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