Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Market




Selling a house comes with a lot of moving pieces, and the last thing you want is a deal falling apart over unexpected repairs uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. That’s why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers ever step through the door. And one way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection.

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection? 

A pre-listing inspection is essentially a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market. Just like the inspections your buyer will do after making an offer, this process identifies any issues with the condition of your house that could have an impact on the sale – like structural problems, faulty or…

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Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up




At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.

Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace

The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts are saying…

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More Buyers Are Making Moves — Is It Time To Sell?




More people are taking steps to buy a home. And, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to move, this may be the sign you’ve been looking for.

For the past few years, a lot of would-be homebuyers hit pause on their plans. With rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges, buying just didn’t seem doable. But now, more of them are getting back out there. That’s because they’re getting used to the fact that this may be the new normal for the market – especially as forecasts show mortgage rates may be starting to stabilize. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): 

"Home buyers seem to be getting over the shock of mortgage rates in the mid- to upper-6% range."

And…

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Are Investors Actually Buying Up All the Homes?




Are you trying to buy a home but you feel like you’re up against deep-pocketed Wall Street investors snatching up everything in sight? Many people believe mega investors are driving up prices and buying up all the homes for sale, and that’s making it hard for regular buyers like you to compete.

But here’s the truth. Investor purchases are actually on the decline, and the big players aren’t nearly as active as you might think. Let’s dive into the facts and put this myth to rest.

Most Investors Are Small, Not Mega Investors

A common misconception is that massive institutional investors are dominating the market. In reality, that’s not the case. The Mortgage Reports explains:

“On average,…

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Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous




Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job?

Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts.

The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here's some information that can give you a bit of perspective, so you don’t have these concerns.

Focus on What You Can Control

Since homeownership is new to you, you’re probably feeling like it’s hard to know what to budget for.…

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MARKET UPDATE - JANUARY 2025

U.S. existing-home sales fell for the first time since September, slipping 4.9% month over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.08 million units, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), as elevated home prices and higher interest rates continue to impact buyer activity. Despite the drop, sales were up 2% compared to the same period last year, marking the fourth consecutive monthly year over-year increase.

The limited number of properties for sale has continued to push home prices higher nationwide. At last measure, the national median existing-home price was $396,900, a 4.8% increase from one year earlier, with prices up in all four regions, according to NAR. Meanwhile, total housing…

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An Unforgettable Experience at the LeadingRE Luxury Summit & LIMITLESS Conference! 

(Hilton Head Island, SC) – (March 5, 2025) – Beth Boulware, Director of Marketing and several agents with Charter One Realty, joined top luxury real estate specialists at the Luxury Summit February 24-26, 2025 at Wynn Las Vegas. The exclusive event was open only to those affiliated with Luxury Portfolio International®, the luxury marketing program of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), a global network of premier local and regional real estate firms worldwide. Luxury Summit was part of LeadingRE Conference Week, a series of specialized events that attracted participants from more than 30 countries.

Boulware and her agents attended…

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The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year




Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.

But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.

Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you'd even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.

Let’s…

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Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market




The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget.

But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’re been looking for.

1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale

Data from Realtor.com says the number of existing homes for sale improved by an impressive 22% in 2024. And experts…

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Home Price Growth Is Moderating – Here’s Why That’s Good for You




Over the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering if they’d ever get a shot at owning a home. But here’s some welcome news: that whirlwind pace of home price growth is slowing down.

Home Prices Are Rising at a Healthy Pace

At the national level, home prices are still going up, but at a much more moderate, normal pace. For example, in November, the year-over-year increase in home prices was just 3.8% nationally, according to Case-Shiller. That’s a far cry from the double-digit spikes that occurred in 2021 and 2022 (see graph below):

This more normal home price growth might make buying a home feel more attainable for…

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