Roughly 11,000 Homes Will Sell Today – Will Yours Be One of Them?

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Roughly 11,000 Homes Will Sell Today – Will Yours Be One of Them?.

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

The market actually 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.

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.

Every day, thousands of people need to buy homes. So, while higher home prices and mortgage rates have slowed the market down and forced some buyers onto 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.

With the right agent by your side, you can get your house in front of those buyers while other hesitant homeowners are still putting their plans on pause because they’re worried buyer demand has disappeared. Let’s get your house sold.

Bottom Line

On average, 11,000 homes sell every day, and yours could be one of them. In the time it took you to read this, another 8 homes sold.

When you’re ready to take the next step, connect with a trusted local real estate agent so you have an agent to create that perfect strategy.

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Mortgage Forbearance: A Helpful Option for Homeowners Facing Challenges

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Mortgage Forbearance: A Helpful Option for Homeowners Facing Challenges.

Let’s face it – life can throw some curveballs. Whether it’s a job loss, unexpected bills, or a natural disaster, financial struggles can happen to anyone. But here’s the good news. If you’re a homeowner feeling the squeeze, there’s a lifeline that many people don’t realize is still available: mortgage forbearance.

What Is Mortgage Forbearance?

As Bankrate explains:

“Mortgage forbearance is an option that allows borrowers to pause or lower their mortgage payments while dealing with a short-term crisis, such as a job loss, illness or other financial setback . . . When you can’t afford to pay your mortgage, forbearance gives you a chance to sort out your finances and get back on track.”

A common misconception is that forbearance was only accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it did play a significant role in helping homeowners through that crisis, what many people don’t know is that forbearance is still a tool to support borrowers in times of need. Today, it remains a vital option to help homeowners in certain circumstances avoid delinquency and, ultimately, foreclosure.

The Current State of Mortgage Forbearance

Forbearance continues to serve as a valuable safety net for homeowners facing temporary financial challenges. While the overall rate of forbearance has seen a slight increase recently, it’s important to understand what’s driving this change and how it fits into the broader picture.

According to Marina Walsh, VP of Industry Analysis at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA):

“The overall mortgage forbearance rate increased three basis points in November and has now risen for six consecutive months.”

This may seem concerning at first glance, but let’s break it down. The graph below, going all the way back to 2020, puts things into perspective:

a graph of a graph of mortgagesWhile the share of mortgages in forbearance has significantly declined since its peak in mid-2020, there has been a slight but notable increase in recent months. This uptick is largely tied to the effects of two recent hurricanes — Helene and Milton.

Natural disasters like these often create temporary financial hardships for homeowners, making forbearance a crucial safety net during recovery. In fact, 46% of borrowers in forbearance today cite natural disasters as the reason for their financial struggles.

Even with the most recent uptick, the share of mortgages in forbearance is nowhere near pandemic levels, and, thankfully, reflects a very small portion of homeowners overall.

Why Forbearance Matters

Forbearance can help borrowers avoid the spiral of missed payments and foreclosure. It provides breathing room to address challenges and plan next steps. And while most homeowners today are not in a position to need forbearance, thanks to strong equity and foundations of the current housing market, it is an option for the few who do need it.

If you or a homeowner you know is facing financial difficulties, the first step is to contact your mortgage lender. They can walk you through the forbearance process and help you understand your options. Keep in mind that forbearance is not automatic — you need to apply and discuss the terms with your lender.

Bottom Line

In tough times, knowing your options can bring peace of mind. Forbearance isn’t just a financial tool — it’s a lifeline. And while the recent increase in forbearance rates might make headlines that give you pause, the truth is this option is working exactly as it should: helping those who need it most get through difficult moments without losing their homes.

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Expert Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market

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Expert Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market.

Wondering what’s in store for the housing market this year? And more specifically, what it all means for you if you plan to buy or sell a home? The best way to get that information is to lean on the pros.

Experts are constantly updating and revising their forecasts, so here’s the latest on two of the biggest factors expected to shape the year ahead: mortgage rates and home prices.

Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Everyone’s keeping an eye on mortgage rates and waiting for them to come down. So, the question is really: how far and how fast? The good news is they’re projected to ease a bit in 2025. But that doesn’t mean you should expect to see a return of 3-4% mortgage rates. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

 “Are we going to go back to 4%? Per my forecast, unfortunately, we will not. It’s more likely that we’ll go back to 6%.”

And the other experts agree. They’re forecasting rates could settle in the mid-to-low 6% range by the end of the year (see chart below):

a blue and white graph with numbers and textBut you should remember, this will continue to change as new information becomes available. Expert forecasts are based on what they know right now. And since everything from inflation to economic drivers have an impact on where rates go from here, some ups and downs are still very likely. So, don’t get caught up in the exact numbers here and try to time the market. Instead, focus on the overall trend and on what you can actually control.

A trusted lender and an agent partner will make sure you’ve always got the latest data and the context on what it really means for you and your bottom line. With their help, you’ll see even a small decline can help bring down your future mortgage payment.

Will Home Prices Fall?

The short answer? Not likely. While mortgage rates are expected to ease, home prices are projected to keep climbing in most areas – just at a slower, more normal pace. If you average the expert forecasts together, you’ll see prices are expected to go up roughly 3% next year, with most of them hitting somewhere in the 3 to 4% range. And that’s a much more typical and sustainable rise in prices (see graph below):

a graph of green and white textSo don’t expect a sudden drop that’ll score you a big deal if you’re thinking of buying this year. While that may sound disappointing if you’re hoping prices will come down, refocus on this. It means you won’t have to deal with the steep increases we saw in recent years, and you’ll also likely see any home you do buy go up in value after you get the keys in hand. And that’s actually a good thing. 

And if you’re wondering how it’s even possible prices are still rising, here’s your answer. It all comes down to supply and demand. Even though there are more homes for sale now than there were a year ago, it’s still not enough to keep up with all the buyers out there. As Redfin explains:

“Prices will rise at a pace similar to that of the second half of 2024 because we don’t expect there to be enough new inventory to meet demand.”

Keep in mind, though, the housing market is hyper-local. So, this will vary by area. Some markets will see even higher prices. And some may see prices level off or even dip a little if inventory is up in that area. In most places though, prices will continue to rise (as they usually do).

If you want to find out what’s happening where you live, you need to lean on an agent who can explain the latest trends and what they mean for your plans.

Bottom Line

The housing market is always shifting, and 2025 will be no different. With rates likely to ease a bit and prices rising at a more normal and sustainable pace, it’s all about staying informed and making a plan that works for you.

Reach out to a local real estate pro to get the scoop on what’s happening in your area and advice on how to make your next move a smart one.

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Home Staging FAQ: What You Need To Know

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Home Staging FAQ: What You Need To Know.

You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but what exactly is home staging, and is it really worth your time and effort?

Here are a few quick FAQs that can help you decide how much you should prioritize staging as you prep for your move.

What Is Home Staging?

Staging is the process of arranging and decorating your house to highlight its best features and make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. It can range from simple touch-ups to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget.

How Does It Help Me Sell My House?

Studies show good staging does have an impact on your sale. Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home (see visual):

What Are My Staging Options?

Now that you see the value, let’s think through your options. The most common is leaning on your agent for their expert advice. They know what buyers like because they’re in showings all the time and hear that feedback first-hand. That expertise is crucial to getting your house market-ready. Basic staging with an agent usually means they give you insight into how you should:

  • Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal items
  • Arrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel bigger
  • Add plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessories

Full-service staging is another option if your house needs more hands-on attention. This is when you hire a staging professional or staging company to come in, make recommendations, and do the work for you. Going this route is more involved and that makes it more costly too. That’s because it can include renting furniture and decor to more fully transform a space.

How Do I Know Which One To Pick?

Not sure which one you need? You don’t have to figure that out on your own. Your real estate agent will help determine what level of staging will make the most impact on your house and market.

They can help you decide if professional staging is worth the investment, or if you can knock it out with their advice alone. And just so you know, here are some of the factors an agent will look at to figure that out:

  • Market Conditions: If the market is slower, going all in on staging can make your home look move-in ready and attractive to buyers who may otherwise be hesitant. If your local market is very active and homes are selling fast, you may be able to get by with doing less.
  • Your Home’s Condition: If your home is vacant or has a unique layout, using a professional stager who can bring in the right furniture and accessories may help buyers truly visualize its full potential.
  • Your Budget: Talk to your agent to get an idea of staging costs in your area, as it can be the difference between your house selling and sitting. But if your budget is tight or your home only needs minor updates, your real estate agent can help you think outside of the box by suggesting simple DIY staging tips to help your home look its best.

Bottom Line

Staging your house properly can make it much more attractive to buyers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and every home shines differently. If you’re considering staging, talk to your real estate agent—they’re your best resource for determining what your home really needs to stand out and sell for top dollar. 

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How Eco-Friendly Features Can Boost Your Home’s Value

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How Eco-Friendly Features Can Boost Your Home’s Value.

Selling your house? Or just looking to increase the value and appeal of your home for when you do? Here’s something you should know – homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes with environmentally friendly features.

What Energy Efficient Features Do Buyers Want?

According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), when buyers think about eco-friendly features, they’re looking for (see visual below):

a blue and white rectangles with white text

  • Heating and cooling costs: 82% of buyers consider heating and cooling costs to be one of the most important factors when looking for a home. And efficient heating and cooling systems with programmable thermostats can significantly lower monthly energy bills.
  • Windows and doors with proper insulation: These help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without overworking the HVAC system, which turns into saving on energy bills.
  • Energy-efficient lighting and appliances: These can save money on utility bills and reduce a home’s overall energy use too.
  • Commuting costs and environmentally friendly community features: Living in a community designed with energy-saving amenities and shorter commutes can reduce expenses and environmental impact.
  • Landscaping for energy conservation: Strategically placed trees and shrubs can lower cooling costs in the summer.
  • Solar panels: Solar panels can also provide long-term savings and are an attractive feature for eco-conscious buyers.

The common theme? Environmentally friendly features are popular with buyers because they help them save money and make homes more comfortable to live in. But making some of these updates before you sell your house doesn’t just benefit buyers – it’s worthwhile for you too.

How Green Features Benefit You

If your appliances or systems are aging, upgrading them now means you can enjoy the savings and comfort while you’re still living in the home.

The U.S. Department of Energy has introduced Home Energy Rebates, which can provide households with up to $14,000 in savings on energy-efficient upgrades. This includes insulation, duct sealing, heat pumps, and more. These rebates make it more affordable than ever to improve your home’s efficiency.

Then, when you decide to sell, you’ll reap the rewards again. Energy-efficient homes stand out in a competitive market and appeal to the growing group of environmentally conscious buyers.

Studies also show that homes with energy-efficient upgrades, like those with high-efficiency HVAC systems or modern insulation, are more desirable for buyers- and they generally net a higher price. Research from Freddie Mac found that homes with high energy-efficiency ratings sold for 2.7% more on average than homes without these upgrades.

Work with a Real Estate Agent to Maximize Value

Not sure which upgrades to prioritize? That’s where a local real estate agent comes in. They can help you identify the eco-friendly features that buyers in your area value most. Whether it’s adding Energy Star appliances or improving insulation, they’ll guide you in making the best choices for your house and your budget.

Bottom Line

Making environmentally friendly upgrades can pay off in more ways than one. You can enjoy saving on energy bills and improved comfort now. Additionally, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to a more sustainable future while adding value to your home. Ready to learn more about how you can make your house stand out? Contact a local real estate agent today.

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Why More Sellers Are Hiring a Real Estate Agent

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Why More Sellers Are Hiring a Real Estate Agent.

a screenshot of a graph

Some Highlights

  • More homeowners are realizing they need an agent’s help in this complex market – and that’s why a record-low number of people are selling without a pro by their side.
  • Without an agent’s help, tackling pricing, staging and repairs, paperwork, negotiation, and more can be a real headache.
  • Selling without a pro isn’t worth the hassle. Connect with an agent to see if you’d work well together.
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The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends

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The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends.

Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way.

According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below):

a screen shot of a graphThat’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching up over weeknight dinners, watching your kids play with their cousins, or just knowing someone’s there when you need them, living near loved ones changes everything.

Let’s dive into why so many people are making this move and how it could be the best decision for you, too.

Why Family Comes First

Living near family and friends is a universal motivator that cuts across all types of buyers, whether you’re buying your first home or making a big lifestyle change.

But it’s especially important to repeat buyers. Unlike first-time homebuyers, who may be more focused on looking in more affordable areas, repeat buyers often have more flexibility on where they live. Many Baby Boomers, for example, have built significant equity in their homes, giving them the freedom to prioritize what matters most – like retiring near their grandkids. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says:

“25% of Baby Boomer households plan to retire near their children and grandchildren . . .”

Making a move to be closer to friends and family is all about creating a meaningful next chapter in your life where loved ones are just around the corner.

The Benefits of Living Near Loved Ones

But moving closer isn’t just a lifestyle choice – it’s a decision that offers real benefits:

  1. Spending More Time Together Whether it’s joining family dinners, going to weekend activities, or simply having someone nearby to talk to, these moments strengthen relationships and make life more fulfilling.
  2. Sharing Resources Living close to family can provide practical advantages, too – like sharing childcare, tools, or household items.
  3. Cutting Down on Travel Instead of spending hours on the road to spend time together, you can enjoy more spontaneous visits. This not only enhances your quality of life, but it also provides peace of mind in case of emergencies.
  4. Being There for Big Moments It also offers both emotional and practical support during life’s milestones. From graduations to tough times, being close to loved ones helps you feel connected and cared for.

Ready To Make Your Move?

At the end of the day, home isn’t just a place you live – it’s where your people are. Whether you’re looking to spend more quality time with family or enjoy the practical benefits of being closer to loved ones, the decision to move closer to those you care about is a deeply personal one.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about making a change, a local real estate agent would love to help. Together, you can explore neighborhoods that brings you closer to the people and places you love most.

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How Home Equity May Help You Buy Your Next Home in Cash

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How Home Equity May Help You Buy Your Next Home in Cash.

Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership. And right now, homeowners across the country are sitting on record amounts of it.

Here’s a look at how that equity could be a game changer for you, and why it’ll flip your perspective from “Why would I move right now?” to “Why wouldn’t I?”

Home Equity: What Is It?

Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is valued at $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.

Why Equity Is Such a Big Deal for Homeowners Looking To Sell

Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows how significant today’s home equity really is. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages (shown in green in the chart below) or have at least 50% equity in their homes (shown in blue in the chart below):

a pie chart with textAnd that’s a big deal. Think about it: 2 out of 3 homeowners have at least 50% equity in their homes. To put a more tangible number on it so you can think about what that really means for someone like you, CoreLogic shows the average homeowner has $311,000 worth of equity built up. That kind of net worth can go a long way if you’re trying to make a move.

And that’s part of the reason why the share of all-cash buyers recently reached a new high. According to an annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 26% of buyers were able to buy without a mortgage (see graph below):

a graph with numbers and linesImagine buying your next house in cash. No mortgage. No monthly payment. No interest rate to mess with. If you want to find out how much equity you have to see if that’s an option for you, connect with a real estate agent and ask for a professional equity assessment report (PEAR).

Who knows, you may find out you have enough equity to buy your next place outright– and with today’s mortgage rates, not having to take out a home loan is pretty incredible. Even if you don’t have enough equity to buy in all cash, you may still have enough to make a larger down payment, which has its own benefits too.

Bottom Line

Homeowners have an incredible amount of equity today – and that’s why the share of all-cash buyers is on the rise. To see how much equity you have and talk through how it can help fuel your next move, connect with an agent.

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Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.

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Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This..

When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch.

But what many people don’t realize is that even in today’s market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even keep a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market before it ultimately sold.

And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell are going to vary, there are some general themes that come through. If you’re having trouble getting your house sold, here are the top three hurdles that could be getting in the way, and how an expert agent can help you solve these issues.

1. Priced Too High

It’s no surprise that price plays a major role when you sell. And in today’s market, overpricing a home in a high-mortgage rate environment is the biggest thing keeping homes on the market longer than the norm. As. U.S. News Real Estate says:

“Talk to any real estate expert, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that a house is selling slowly because the price is too high.”

While it’s tempting to push the price higher to get more for your home, overpricing can really turn away potential buyers. It can also make your house sit on the market for far too long. And the longer it sits, the more skeptical buyers will be that there’s something wrong, even if there isn’t.

Not to mention, buyers today have so many tools and resources to view homes in your area and compare prices. So, if your house is priced too high, you’ll risk driving away potential offers.

To find out if this is happening with your listing, talk to your agent about what they’re hearing at open houses and showings. If the feedback is consistent, it may be time to re-evaluate your asking price. 

2. Not Freshened Up Before Listing

You only get one chance to make a great first impression on a buyer. That’s why sprucing up your house can be the difference between it selling or sitting.

First, take into account your home’s curb appeal. There may be easy ways you can clean up the landscaping to make it tidy, inviting, and really make an impact. As an article from Realtor.com notes:

” . . . for better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover. You want to make sure potential buyers’ first impression of your home is a good one—and inspires them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more.”

But don’t stop at the front door. Small touches like removing personal items, reducing clutter, and cleaning the floors give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. And inexpensive upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or updated listing photos to match the current season can go a long way with that wow factor. 

When in doubt, lean on your real estate agent for expert advice and whether you need a new game plan to close the deal.

3. Limited Access

Another big mistake you can make as a seller is limiting the days and times that buyers can view your house. Because at the end of the day, if buyers can’t take a look around, your chances of selling decline — drastically.

And here’s something else to consider. No matter what type of market you’re dealing with, buyers from outside the area are often highly motivated, but they don’t have as much flexibility or time as those who are local. So, give your house the best visibility by making it available as much as possible.

Bottom Line

You deserve to check selling your house off your list of goals this year. So, if your house isn’t getting enough attention or your listing is getting stale, don’t be afraid to ask your trusted real estate agent how you can revamp your approach. 

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Only an Expert Agent Can Give You an Accurate Value of Your Home

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Only an Expert Agent Can Give You an Accurate Value of Your Home.

In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home.

Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an accurate picture of what your house is really worth.

The Myth: Online Home Value Estimates Are Accurate

Online home valuation tools give you an approximate value for your house based on the data that’s publicly available for your home. While this can give you a rough starting point, the keyword here is rough. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:

“Online Home Value Estimators Aren’t 100% Accurate . . . The estimates are only as reliable as the amount of public record data the real estate websites can access. The less data gathered for your particular neighborhood, county and state, the less you can depend on this number.”

The Reality: Online Estimates Miss Key Factors

Here’s the biggest issue with online estimates: they don’t take into account the unique aspects of your home or your local market. And that’s why an agent’s expertise can make such a difference when figuring out what your house is really worth. Here’s an example. A real estate agent will also factor in:

  • The Home’s Condition: Online tools can’t tell whether your home has been well-maintained or if it needs significant repairs. The condition of your house plays a huge role in its value, and only an in-person walk-through can account for that.
  • The Latest Neighborhood Trends: Is your neighborhood up-and-coming? Are there new developments or amenities nearby that make your home more desirable? Automated tools often overlook local trends that can significantly affect the value of your home.
  • Accurate Comparable Sales: While online estimates may use past sales data as a baseline, they don’t always reflect the most recent or most relevant comparable sales, or comps. Real estate agents, on the other hand, have access to up-to-date market data and can give you a much more accurate estimate based on real-time sales in your area.

Agents have a deep understanding of the local market, and they can provide insights that automated tools simply can’t match. As Bankrate explains:

“Online estimation tools determine pricing using algorithms that rely on publicly available information. These algorithms can vary widely from one tool to the next and typically don’t account for a home’s current condition or any upgrades or renovations that are not reflected in public records. So they are not as accurate as in-person methods, like a real estate agent’s comparative market analysis . . .”

Bottom Line

While online home value estimates can be a helpful tool to get a rough idea of what your home is worth, they aren’t foolproof. The true value of your home depends on a range of factors that automated tools just can’t account for.

To get the most accurate estimate, work with a local real estate agent. That way you have expert guidance and up-to-date market insights to set the best possible price for your home.

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