real-estate – Page 2 – Make Your Move with Mari

Buying and Selling? What You Need to Know

If you’re a homeowner planning to move, you’re probably wondering what the process is going to look like and which you should tackle first:

Is it better to start by finding your next home?
Or should you sell your current house before you go out looking?

Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where we can really help make your next step clear.

We know the market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. We can make a recommendation based on our expertise and your needs.

But here’s a little bit of a sneak peek. In many cases today, getting your current home on the market first can put you in a better spot. Here’s why that order tends to work best.

The Advantages of Selling First

1. You’ll Unlock Your Home Equity

Selling your current home before you try to buy your next one allows you to access the equity you’ve built up – and based on home price appreciation over the past few years, that’s no small number. Data from Cotality (former CoreLogic) shows that the average homeowners is sitting on $302K in equity today.

And once you sell, you can use that equity to pay for the down payment on your next house (and maybe even more). You could even have enough to buy your next house in cash. That’s a big deal, and it could make your next move a whole lot easier on your wallet.

There are also ways to use the equity in your home before selling that we can discuss. (That’s how we bought our home three years ago when we downsized.)

2. You Won’t Be Juggling Two Mortgages

Trying to buy before you sell means you could wind up holding two mortgages, even if just for a few months. That can get expensive, fast – especially if there are unexpected repairs or delays. Selling first removes that stress and helps you move forward without the financial strain. As Ramsey Solutions says: “It’s best to sell your old home before buying a new one to avoid unnecessary risks and possible headaches.”

3. You’ll Be in a Stronger Position When You Make an Offer

Sellers love a clean, simple offer. If you’ve already sold your house, you don’t need to make your offer contingent on that sale – and that can help you stand out. We can position your offer as strong, so you have the best shot at getting the home you want.

This can be a big advantage in competitive markets where sellers prefer buyers with fewer strings attached.

One Thing To Keep in Mind

But like with anything in life, there are tradeoffs. As you weigh your options, consider this potential drawback, too:

1. You May Need a Place To Stay (Temporarily)

Once your house sells, you may need a short-term rental or to stay with family until you can move into your next home. We can help you negotiate things like a post-closing occupancy (renting the home from the buyer for a set period) or flexible closing dates to help smooth out that transition as much as possible.

Here’s a simple visual that can help you think through your options (see below):

Bottom Line

In many cases, selling first doesn’t just give you clarity, it gives you options. It helps you buy with more confidence, more financial power, and less pressure.

If you’re ready to make a move but not sure where to begin, let’s talk. We will walk you through your equity, your timing, and what’s going on in the market right now so you can decide what’s right for you.

You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com.

Mari and Hank

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

Think No One Is Buying Right Now??

Think again.

Maybe you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are down compared to last year. You might even be thinking – is it even a good time to sell?

Here’s the thing. There’s no denying that the pace of the market has cooled compared to the frenzy we saw just a few years ago. Cumulative days on market for 2025 is 61 as opposed to 47 one year ago. But that’s not a red flag. It’s a return to normal. And normal doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Buyers are still out there – and homes are still selling.

Why? Because real life doesn’t pause for perfect conditions. There are always people who need to buy – and this year is no exception. Buyers who are in the middle of a big change in their lives, a new marriage, a growing family, or a new job still need to move, no matter where mortgage rates are. And they may be looking for a home just like yours.

Every Minute 8 Homes Sell

Let’s break it down using the latest sales from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Based on the current pace, we’re on track to sell 4.03 million homes this year (not including new construction).

4.03 million homes ÷ 365 days = 11,041 homes sell per day
11,041 homes ÷ 24 hours = 460 homes sell per hour
460 homes ÷ 60 minutes = roughly 8 homes sell every minute

That means in the time it takes to read this; another 8 homes will sell. Let that sink in. Every minute, buyers are making moves – and sellers are closing deals.

If you’ve been holding off on selling your house because you think buyers aren’t out there, let this reassure you – there are still buyers looking to buy.

On Cape Cod more than 900 single family homes have closed this year with nearly 1,100 more pending. The median sales price for the year thus far is $756,490.00. That’s 3% higher than last year.

Remember: median sales price is the midway point. There are just as many homes for sales below the median price as above.

But since the market is balancing out, selling today takes more than just putting up a sign in the yard. You’ve got to price your house right, market it well, and know how to reach the buyers who are ready to act. That’s where we come in.

We’ll help you navigate this market, position your home to stand out, and guide you through every step.

We know the market so we also can assist you in finding the right home that meets your goals.

Bottom Line

The market hasn’t stopped. Buyers are still buying. Life is still happening. And if selling your home or buying one (or both!) is part of your next chapter, you can make it happen.

Roughly 11,000 homes are selling every day. When you’re ready to make the change you need to, let’s connect at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com and we’ll start working on where’s next for you.

Mari and Hank

Maybe You Can Help Your Kids with Their First Home

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life.

Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in today’s market. Even if they have a stable job and a solid plan, buying can still feel out of reach. But that’s where your equity could make all the difference.

To give you an idea, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $311,000 worth of equity, according to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic). That’s significant. And some parents are using a portion of their equity to help their children become homeowners, too.

According to Bank of America, 49% of buyers between 18 and 26 got money from their parents to use toward their down payment (see chart below):

Even though the data doesn’t specify how many parents used their equity, the wealth they’ve built through homeownership may have helped make it possible – especially given how much equity the average homeowner has today.

While what’s right for each person’s specific situation will vary on a case-by-case basis, that’s a powerful legacy to pass on. It helps those younger people buy a home, build equity of their own, and begin the next chapter of their life with a little less financial stress and a lot more stability. And for those parents? It’s a way to turn what they’ve built into something deeply meaningful.

This isn’t just about money. For many homeowners, it’s about being the reason their child gets to say, “we got the house.” And giving them the kind of head start they might’ve only dreamed of at their age. And here’s the part that really sticks. Compare the Market says:

“Of those who did receive monetary aid from parents and grandparents to buy a house, 45% of Americans said they would not have been able to purchase a house without financial support from parents and grandparents.”

Bottom Line

Your equity could be the thing that makes homeownership possible for your children when they might not be able to do it on their own. So, here’s the question.

If helping your kids buy a home was more feasible than you thought, would you want to explore that option?

If you want to learn more or find out the best way to make it happen, talk to your lender and a financial advisor you trust.

If you’re not working with a lender, we can recommend several who we have worked with over the years and trust. Let us know if we can help.

Mari and Hank

” I Have a 3% Mortgage, Why Would I Move?”

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”

But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead:

What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now?

Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?

If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it’s not immediate, it’s worth thinking about your timeline.

Because even a year or two can make a big difference in what your next home might cost you.

What the Experts Say About Home Prices over the Next 5 Years

Each quarter, Fannie Mae asks more than 100 housing market experts to weigh in on where they project home prices are headed. And the consensus is clear. Home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029 (see graph below):

While those projections aren’t calling for big increases each year, it’s still an increase. And sure, some markets may see flatter prices or slower growth, or even slight dips in the short term. But look further out. In the long run, prices almost always rise. And over the next 5 years, the anticipated increase – however slight – will add up fast.

Here’s an example. Let’s say you’ll be looking to buy a roughly $400,000 house when you move. If you wait and move 5 years from now, based on these expert projections, it could cost nearly $80,000 more than it would now (see graph below):

That means the longer you wait, the more your future home will cost you.

If you know a move is likely in your future, it may make sense to really think about your timeline. You certainly don’t have to move now. But financially, it may still be worth having a conversation about your options before prices inch higher. Because while rates are expected to come down, it’s not by much. And if you’re holding out in hopes we’ll see the return of 3% rates, experts agree it’s just not in the cards.

So, the question really isn’t: “why would I move?” It’s: “when should I?” – because when you see the real numbers, waiting may not be the savings strategy you thought it was.

Bottom Line

Keeping that low mortgage rate is smart – until it starts holding you back.

If a move is likely on the horizon for you, even if it’s a few years down the line, it’s worth thinking through the numbers now, so you can plan ahead.

When the time comes, where’s next for you? Let’s have a conversation about how increasing mortgage rates will impact your next move. That way, you can make an informed decision about your timeline.

You can reach us at our new business cell phone numbers (508) 388-1994 [Mari] or (508) 338-9928 [Hank]. Talk soon…

Mari and Hank

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

What Happens Next

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move.

Some of our clients have also looked at the current political situation and have said they are waiting “to see what happens” before taking action.

While we can’t predict the political future — no one can — we can share with you what leading housing experts are saying about the market for the rest of 2025.

These insights will give you clarity – and a little more optimism than you might expect. Business Insider sums up the forecasts (and why they’re good news for you):

“As mortgage rates go down this year, affordability may improve slightly for homebuyers. Inventory is also expected to grow, which should help moderate price growth and make finding a home easier.”

Let’s break it down.

1. Mortgage Rates Should Come Down (Slightly)

While a major drop isn’t on the table, forecasters are calling for a modest decline in rates in the months ahead as the economic outlook becomes more certain. Based on the information we have right now, here’s a look at where they say rates should be by year-end (see graph below):

Even this slight decrease is a welcome change. A seemingly small decline can still help bring down your future mortgage payment and give you a bit more breathing room in your budget.

Just remember, everything from inflation to employment and broader economic shifts will have an impact on where rates go from here. So, don’t try to time the market. And do expect some volatility along the way.

2. Inventory Will Continue To Grow

Inventory has already improved a lot this year. A big portion of the growth the market has already seen is because homeowners are getting tired of sitting on the sidelines. They’ve tried the wait and see approach with rates, and it hasn’t really paid off. And at a certain point, you need to move no matter what the market is doing. This is one reason more homes have been listed lately. And experts say that should continue. As Lance Lambert, Co-founder of ResiClub, says:

“The fact that inventory is rising year-over-year . . . strongly suggests that national active housing inventory for sale is likely to end the year higher.”

If rate forecasts pan out as the experts say, that could be enough to tip some more sellers off the fence and back into the market – giving you even more options for your move.

3. Home Prices Are Moderating

As more homes hit the market, there will also be less upward pressure on home prices. Expert forecasts are still calling for growth, but the pace of that growth is slowing down as inventory climbs. The average of all seven shows prices will rise about 2% this year (see graph below):

That means you could finally get a little bit of relief from rapidly rising home prices. When you combine the forecast for healthier price growth with projections for slightly lower mortgage rates, that could mean more buying power in the months ahead.

Keep in mind, though, the housing market is hyper-local. So, this is going to vary by area. Some markets will see prices climbing higher. And some may even see prices dip a little if inventory is up significantly in that location. So, lean on a local agent for insights into what’s happening in your area.

Bottom Line

So, if you want or need to move this year, know that the experts say things should start looking up.

So, let’s connect via our new business cell phone numbers (508) 388-1994 [Mari] or (508) 338-9928 [Hank] so you can take advantage of any market shifts that work in your favor.

Talk soon…

Mari and Hank

The Price Has to be Right

There’s one big mistake sellers need to avoid when marketing their houses this year: setting the price too high. While it might seem that overpricing gives you room to negotiate or boost your profit, the reality is, it usually backfires.

In fact, Realtor.com says almost 20% of sellers — that’s one in five — had to reduce their price to get their house sold. And you don’t want to be one of them. Here’s why starting too high can lead to trouble.

Overpricing Pushes Buyers Away

With mortgage rates and home prices where they are right now, some buyers are stretching their budgets to make a move. So, when they see a house that’s priced too high, they’re not thinking, “I can negotiate.” They’re more likely to think, “next” and skip over your house entirely. An article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains: “Some sellers are pricing their homes higher than ever just because they can, but this may drive away serious buyers . . .”

And if they skip over your listing, you’ll miss out on the chance to get them through the door. That’s the last thing you want because fewer showings mean fewer chances to receive an offer.

The Longer Your House Sits, the More Skeptical Buyers Will Get

Here’s the other issue. An overpriced house tends to sit on the market longer. And the longer a house lingers, the more buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it. Is there a problem with the house itself? Are you difficult to work with? Even if the only issue is the price, that extra time creates doubt.

As U.S. News says: “. . . setting an unrealistically high price with the idea that you can come down later doesn’t work in real estate . . . A home that’s overpriced in the beginning tends to stay on the market longer, even after the price is cut, because buyers think there must be something wrong with it.”

At that point, you’ll have no choice but to lower your price to drum up interest. But that price reduction comes with its own downside: buyers may see it as another red flag, that there really is an issue with the house.

The Key To Finding the Right Price for Your House

So, what’s the secret to avoiding all these headaches? It’s simple. Work with us to set a realistic price not your cousin Bob “who knows a little something about real estate” because he bought a house 20 years ago. We will be honest with you about how you should price your house.

You don’t want to partner with someone who just agrees to whatever number you throw out there. That’s not an expert who’s going to get you the best results.

We will use real-time data from the Cape market to help you land on a price that makes sense — one that grabs attention, attracts buyers, and still helps you walk away with a great return. And, sorry, what your neighbor up the street — who didn’t have as nice a house as you — got two years ago doesn’t count.

Bottom Line

Remember, if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling. Instead of shooting too high and scaring off buyers, work with a local agent who knows how to price it right.

Let’s team up and make sure your house hits the market with the right price, gets noticed, and gets sold.

Let’s talk soon…

Mari and Hank

11,000 Homes Sell Every Day. When’s Yours?

Are you hesitant to sell your house because you’ve heard that no one is buying with rates and prices where they are right now? Here’s some perspective that should help.

The market isn’t at a standstill. While there weren’t as many sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.15 million homes still sold (not including new construction), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And the expectation is that number will rise in 2025. That means more people will likely move this year, and they need homes to buy homes like yours.

But even if we only match last year’s sales pace, here’s what that looks like.

Every Minute Homes Are Selling – Literally

4.15 million homes ÷ 365 days in a year = 11,370 homes sell each day
11,370 homes ÷ 24 hours in a day = 474 homes sell per hour
474 homes ÷ 60 minutes = roughly 8 homes sell every minute

Think about that. Just in the time it took you to read this, 8 homes sold.

On Cape Cod, home sales are up 6.8% for 2024. through November. End of the year stats should be available soon.

If you’ve been holding off selling your house because you think buyers aren’t out there, let this reassure you – there are still buyers looking to buy.

While higher home prices and mortgage rates have slowed down the market and forced some buyers to the sidelines, that doesn’t mean the market isn’t active. Many buyers are still eager to make a move because life doesn’t wait for “perfect” market conditions. (And as we wrote about last week, time in the market is a more sensible strategy than trying to time the market.)

Every day, thousands of people need to buy homes. Life goes on no matter what interest rates or prices are. People get new jobs or are transferred. Some get married and can’t keep living in their parents’ basement. Others have children and need more space.

Let’s talk. We can get your house in front of buyers while other hesitant homeowners are still pausing their plans because they think buyer demand has disappeared. Let’s work together to get your house sold.

Mari and Hank