Today Real Estate – Page 4 – Make Your Move with Mari

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

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.

” 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

Should I Buy My Home Now or Continue to Wait?

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works.

Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why.

Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep Climbing

Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for the Home Price Expectation Survey from Fannie Mae, and they consistently agree on one thing: nationally, home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029.

Yes, the sharp price increases are behind us, but experts project a steady, healthy, and sustainable increase of 3-4% per year going forward. And while this will vary by local market from year to year, the good news is, this is a much more normal pace – a welcome sign for the housing market and hopeful buyers (see graph below):

And even in markets experiencing more modest price growth or slight short-term declines, the long game of homeownership wins over time.

So, here’s what to keep in mind:

Next year’s home prices will be higher than this year’s. The longer you wait, the more the purchase price will go up.
Waiting for the perfect mortgage rate or a price drop may backfire. Even if rates dip slightly, projected home price growth could still make waiting more expensive overall.
Buying now means building equity sooner. When you play the long game of homeownership, your equity rewards you over time.

What You’ll Miss Out On

Let’s put real numbers into this equation, because it adds up quickly. Based on those expert projections, if you bought a typical $400,000 home in 2025, it could gain nearly $80,000 in value by 2030 (see graph below):

That’s a serious boost to your future wealth – and why your friends and family who already bought a home are so glad they did. Time in the market matters.

So, the question isn’t: should I wait? It’s really: can I afford to buy now? Because if you can stretch a little or you’re willing to buy something a bit smaller just to get your foot in the door, this is why it’ll be worth it.

Yes, today’s housing market has challenges, but there are ways to make it work, like exploring different neighborhoods, asking your lender about alternative financing, or tapping into down payment assistance programs.

The key is making a move when it makes sense for you, rather than waiting for a perfect scenario that may never arrive.

Bottom Line

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market.

If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, remember this: real estate rewards those who get in the market, not those who try to time it perfectly.

Want to take a look at what’s happening with prices? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, having a plan in place can set you up for long-term success.

Let’s connect at 508-360-5664.

Mari and Hank

Exciting News!

We have some exciting news to share!

Today Real Estate has launched a new technology platform to provide a more interactive search experience to better serve your real estate information needs. You’ll notice a new look and feel to alerts and reports you receive.

With the increase in our business, we also have new dedicated business numbers to work more efficiently and effectively with you. Please update your contact info for us to:

Mari: (508) 388-9924

Hank: (508) 338-9928

Our business email addresses remain the same, as do our personal cell phone numbers.

Please call us on our new numbers and let us know what you think of the new platform.

We’re also looking forward to seeing you this coming Saturday afternoon (4/19) from 1:00 – 3:00pm at the Today Real Estate parking lot on Cotuit Rd. in Sandwich as Grear White Shred will available again this year to safely discard your valuable documents.

With tax season over, there are records that you need to safely dispose of, as well as old bank statements, pay stubs and other documents that you’ve been planning to get rid of.

Merely ripping them up and putting them in your recycling really isn’t good enough, if you want to truly protect your identity and personal information. Great White Shred will turn everything into something like confetti – free of charge!

We ask that, if possible, you bring a monetary donation for the Sandwich Food Pantry.

Enjoy free ice cream from Perry’s ice cream truck, too!

Thanks to Patti Lotane/Cape Cod 5 and Aerial Advantage Photography for their support.

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