Thursday, December 4, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate
If you’re one of the many homeowners sitting on a 2–3% mortgage rate, you’ve likely thought:“I’d love to move… but not if it means giving up this great rate.”
You're not alone — that low rate may feel like your best financial asset. But here’s the reality:A low rate doesn’t help if the home no longer fits your life.
And as the data shows, more and more homeowners are reaching the same conclusion.
Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Rates
The “lock-in effect” — where homeowners stay put to hold on to their low mortgage - has been strong. But it’s starting to ease.
According to the latest data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the share of homeowners with rates below 3% is trending down, while more are taking on 6%+ rates — despite the cost.
And it's not just a blip.
In fact, the number of mortgages with a rate ...
Read More
home seller, home prices, mortgage, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, first time home buyers, 2025 housing market, buyer tips 2025, mortgage rates, mortgage update 2025, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026, home seller tips 2026, housing market 2026
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Real Estate Listing Agent in Montrose, CA, Advises Clients That Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates Could Cost Thousands More in Rising Home Prices
Montrose, CA – As some prospective homebuyers across California still wait for mortgage rates to decline before entering the market, they may be overlooking a crucial factor: rising home prices could ultimately cost them far more than current interest rates. Market data shows that home values continue to appreciate, and delaying a purchase to wait for better rates could result in buyers paying tens of thousands more for the same property just months later.
Vic Markarian, a seasoned real estate agent in Montrose, CA, emphasizes the importance of looking at the complete financial picture. “Many buyers focus solely on interest rates, but they’re missing the bigger story,” says Vic Markarian. “When you factor in home appreciation, waiting for rates to drop by half a percent while prices climb five to t ...
Read More
home buying, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, 2025 housing market, buyer tips 2025, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 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, 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 ...
Read More
home seller, selling homes, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, 2025 housing market, for sellers, seller tips 2025, real estate market 2026, housing market 2025, seller tips 2026
Monday, October 20, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Top Realtor in Montrose, CA, Sees Median Price Jump Despite Increased Inventory
Montrose, CA – Competitive bidding dynamics have returned to Montrose’s luxury market, driving median sale prices from $1.198 million in June to an impressive $1.45 million in July, even as available inventory increased from 17 to 26 active listings. The resurgence of multiple-offer situations and accelerated closing timelines demonstrates buyer confidence in the area’s long-term value proposition.
Professional staging and strategic marketing have become critical differentiators in capturing buyer attention quickly. Vic Markarian, experienced real estate agent in Montrose, CA, emphasizes that successful sellers are those who invest in presenting their properties optimally from day one. The Vic Markarian Realty Group’s approach combines Vic’s engineering precision with comprehensive team support, ensuring properties stand out in competitive conditions. Their trac ...
Read More
home seller, selling homes, competitiveness, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, seller tips 2025, housing market 2026, real estate market 2026, home seller tips 2026
