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The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See Simplifying The Market

Foreclosure headlines are making noise again – and they’re designed to stir up fear to get you to read them. But what the data shows is actually happening in the market tells a very different story than what you might be led to believe. So, before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to look at the full picture.

Yes, foreclosure starts are up 7% in the first six months of the year. But zooming out shows that’s nowhere near crisis levels. Here’s why.

Filings Are Still Far Below Crash Levels

Even with the recent uptick, overall foreclosure filings are still very low. In the first half of 2025, just 0.13% of homes had filed for foreclosure. That’s less than 1% of homes in this country. In fact, it’s even far less than that at under a quarter of a percent. That’s a very small fraction of all the homes out there. But like with anything else in real estate, the numbers vary by market.

Here’s the map you need to see that shows how foreclosure rates are lower than you might think, and how they differ by local area:

a map of the united statesFor context, data from ATTOM shows in the first half of 2025, 1 in every 758 homes nationwide had a foreclosure filing. Thats the 0.13% you can see in the map above. But in 2010, back during the crash? Mortgage News Daily says it was 1 in every 45 homes.

Today’s Numbers Don’t Indicate a Market in Trouble

But here’s what everyone remembers…

Leading up to the crash, risky lending practices left homeowners with payments they eventually couldn’t afford. That led to a situation where many homeowners were underwater on their mortgages. When they couldn’t make their payments, they had no choice but to walk away. Foreclosures surged, and the market ultimately crashed.

Today’s housing market is very different. Lending standards are stronger. Homeowners have near record levels of equity. And when someone hits financial trouble, that equity means many people can sell their home rather than face foreclosure. As Rick Sharga, Founder of CJ Patrick Company, explains:

“. . . a significant factor contributing to today’s comparatively low levels of foreclosure activity is that homeowners—including those in foreclosure—possess an unprecedented amount of home equity.”

No one wants to see a homeowner struggle. But if you’re a homeowner facing hardship, talk to your mortgage provider. You may have more options than you think.

Bottom Line

Recent headlines may not tell the whole story, but the data does. Foreclosure activity remains low by historical standards and is not a sign of another crash.

If you’re simply watching the market and want to understand what’s really going on, or how this impacts the value of your home, connect with an agent. They’ll help you separate fact from fear by showing you what the data really says.

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The Latest Mortgage Rate Forecasts Simplifying The Market

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Some Highlights

  • If you’re tempted to delay your move in hope that mortgage rates will come down, you may want to rethink that strategy based on the latest forecast.
  • Experts say mortgage rates are projected to stay in the 6s this year. So don’t expect a big drop.
  • If you want to talk about what this means for your move, connect with a real estate agent. As forecasts change, having an expert who can keep you updated is essential.
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Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House Simplifying The Market

Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money.

Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how an agent helps you steer clear of them.

1. Overpricing Your House

It’s completely natural to want top dollar for your house, especially if you’ve put a lot of work into it. But in today’s shifting market, pricing it too high can backfire. Investopedia explains:

“Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract buyers and stays on the market for longer.

And your house sitting on the market for a long time could lead to price cuts that raise red flags. That’s why pricing your house right from the start matters.

A great real estate agent will look at what other homes nearby have sold for, the condition of your house, and what’s happening in your market right now. That helps them find a price that’s more likely to bring in buyers, and maybe even more than one offer.

2. Spending Money on the Wrong Upgrades

The housing market has nearly a half million more sellers than buyers according to Redfin. That means you have more competition as a seller and may have to do a bit more to get your house ready to sell. But not all projects are going to be worth it. If you spend money on the wrong projects, it could really cut into your profit.

A local real estate pro knows what buyers in your area are really looking for, and they can help you figure out which projects are worth it, and which ones to skip. Even better, they’ll know how to highlight any upgrades you make in your listing, so your house stands out online and gets more attention.

3. Refusing To Negotiate

Now that inventory has grown, it’s important to stay flexible. Buyers have more options – and with it comes more negotiating power. U.S. News explains:

“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”

That’s where your agent comes in. They’ll help you understand what buyers are asking for, what’s normal in today’s market, and how to find a win-win solution. Sometimes making a small compromise can keep the deal moving and help you move on to your next chapter faster.

4. Skipping Research When Hiring an Agent

All of these mistakes are avoidable with the help of a skilled agent. So, you want to be sure you're working with the right partner. Still, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of sellers pick the first agent they talk to.

Many homeowners may skip basic steps like reading reviews, checking sales history, and interviewing a few agents. But that’s a mistake. You want someone you know you can rely on – someone with a good track record. The right agent can help you price your house right, market it well, and sell it quickly (and maybe for more money).

Bottom Line

Selling a house doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you have an experienced agent by your side. Connect with a local agent so you have an expert to help you avoid these common mistakes and make the most of your sale.

What’s one thing you’d want expert advice on before putting your house on the market?

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Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now Simplifying The Market

Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why.

There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 1 in 5 homes for sale right now is new construction. So, if you’re not looking at newly built homes, you’re missing out on a big portion of what’s available.

And with more new homes on the market, builders are motivated to sell their current inventory. As a result, many are taking steps to draw in buyers.

Builders Are Cutting Prices

According to Buddy Hughes, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

“Almost 40% of home builders reduced sales prices in the last month . . .”

That means builders are being realistic about today’s market and adjusting to what buyers can afford. It’s their way to keep their inventory moving.

So, builders may be more willing to negotiate price than you’d expect – and that means your dollar may go further if you buy a newly built home. Lean on your agent to see what’s available and what incentives builders are offering in and around your area.

Builders Are Offering Lower Mortgage Rates

Here’s something most people don’t know. Right now, buyers of brand-new homes often get better mortgage rates than buyers of existing homes.

That’s because many builders are also offering rate buydowns to make their homes more attractive and keep sales moving. Basically, they’re willing to chip in to lower your rate, so you’re more likely to buy one of their homes.

Data from Realtor.com shows, in 2023 and 2024, buyers of newly built homes got a mortgage rate around half a percent lower compared to those who bought existing homes (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing a line graphThat kind of savings adds up and makes a big difference when you’re figuring out your monthly budget.

So, if you haven’t found something you love yet, it’s time to add newly built homes to your search. You may find that what you’ve been looking for is already out there, it’s just in a new home community.

Bottom Line

More choices, the potential to negotiate on the price, and maybe even better mortgage rates make these options a bright spot in today’s housing market.

If you haven’t considered a newly built home yet, what’s holding you back?

Talk to a local real estate agent about what’s available and if a newly built home makes sense for you.

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Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers Simplifying The Market

Over the past few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge for homebuyers. Between rapidly rising home prices and higher mortgage rates, many have felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.

But, something pretty encouraging is happening. While affordability is still tight, mortgage rates have shown signs of stabilizing in recent months. And that may finally make it a bit easier to plan your move.

Mortgage Rates Have Stabilized – For Now

Over the past year, mortgage rates have had their share of ups and downs, making it tough for buyers to know what to expect. But recently, rates have started to level out and have settled into a more narrow range (see graph below):

a graph of a rateAs the graph shows, rates have stayed within that half-percentage-point since late last year. Yes, there’s been movement within that range, but wild swings and sudden ups and downs just haven’t been the story lately. And that’s a bigger deal than you may realize. As HousingWire explains:

“Analysts, economists and mortgage professionals are coining this quarter’s activity as one of the most “calm” periods for mortgage rates in recent memory.”

How This Helps Today’s Buyers

Let’s be real. Unpredictability makes it tough to plan ahead. When rates are bouncing around and making big jumps week to week, it’s easy to be intimidated. But with rates staying in a pretty steady range over the past several months, you have a clearer picture of what your potential monthly payment could look like. That makes moving feel less uncertain – and more doable.

So, stop waiting. And start planning. Even though rates may not be where you want them to be right now, they have been much less volatile for quite some time.

Will This Stability Last?

According to the experts, it looks like that stability might hang around for a bit. Rates may come down ever so slightly in the months ahead, but it’ll likely be a slow and mild change. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“I expect a generally downward trend for rates this year, but at a slow enough pace that it might not be noticeable in any given month.”

So, if you’ve been holding out for the perfect mortgage rate, the best advice is to avoid trying to time the market. It may not look terribly different than the opportunity you already have in front of you. As Jeff Ostrowski, Housing Market Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“Trying to time mortgage rates is really difficult. There’s no guarantee that rates are going to be any more favorable in three months or six months.”

And if we look at the latest expert forecasts that go out a bit further, even those tell much of the same story. Two out of the three projections say rates will still likely be in the mid-6% range by the end of 2026 (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing the rate of a mortgage rateThis puts today’s buyers in a much better spot. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, explains:

“Mortgage rates have moved within a narrow range for the past few months . . . Rate stability, improving inventory and slower house price growth are an encouraging combination . . .”

Just remember, mortgage rates are still going to react to changing economic conditions, inflation, and more – and that means they could shift again. But right now, you’ve got more predictability, and that means more opportunity, too. 

Bottom Line

While affordability is still a challenge, the market may be offering a bit more stability – and that makes planning your next move a lot easier.

Connect with an agent or a lender if you want to run the numbers and see what a monthly payment would look like in today's market. That way you can stop waiting and start planning.

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The 5-Year Rule for Home Prices Simplifying The Market

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Some Highlights

  • If recent home price headlines have you feeling worried, here’s some perspective.​​
  • Home values almost always go up in the long run. ​And the long-term gains offset any short-term dips. Basically, if you plan to live there for 5 or more years, you should be able to buffer yourself against any short-term declines.
  • Connect with an agent to have a conversation about what’s happening with prices in your market.
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The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear Simplifying The Market

Buying your first home is a big milestone – and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier.

Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to your agent. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork.

Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers.

Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First

Rocket Mortgage says this is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at homes online is fun. But doing it before you know your numbers? That’s risky. You don’t want to fall in love with a house that’s way outside of your financial comfort zone. That's a fast track for getting frustrated.

Instead, find your agent and talk to a lender early – before looking at any houses. With your lender’s help, you’ll be able to get pre-approved for your home loan. That’ll give you a better idea of what you’ll be able to borrow. And it helps you set a realistic budget. Then, your agent will be able to make you a customized list of homes, so you’re only seeing what’ll work for what you can spend. More clarity, less frustration.

Tip #2: Set a Budget and Stick To It

Remember, just because you can borrow up to a certain amount, chances are you won’t want to max that number out. It’s really important to avoid overextending your budget, especially in today’s market. Other housing expenses like home insurance, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and taxes are on the rise, and you need to factor those in. Bankrate offers this advice:

“When you’re building a budget to narrow your search for properties, don’t just think about how much house you can afford, but how much in recurring costs you can handle once you’ve purchased your home.”

So, lean on the pros for advice on expenses you may not be thinking of, so you can work them into your budget. 

Tip #3: Don't Skip the Inspection 

When you find the right home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But skipping the inspection just to make your offer look stronger is a gamble that could cost you.

Instead, work with your agent to schedule a real inspection. They'll connect you with local pros, make sure it’s booked, and help you understand the results so you can negotiate repairs or ask for money off at closing, if needed. It’s better to invest in this time up front to avoid what could be thousands in surprise repairs later.

Tip #4: Your First Home Doesn’t Have To Be Your Forever Home

For a lot of buyers, this is where unnecessary pressure creeps in. But remember, you don't have to land your dream home right out of the gate. That’s why it’s called a starter home. It's a starting point, not your final destination.

An agent will help you explore all your options, including ones you may not have thought about. For example, a well-kept condo, a townhouse in a great location, or a house with good bones can be a perfect first step into homeownership. The goal? Get in. Start building equity. Then, grow from there.

Bottom Line

Buying your first place is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel like a step in the dark. Talk to an agent about where you’re starting from, what’s stressing you out (or holding you back), and what you actually need to know.

What’s one question you wish you could ask an expert right now?

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The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading Simplifying The Market

There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash.

Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why.

Over 100 leading housing market experts were surveyed in the latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. Their collective forecast shows prices are projected to keep rising over the next 5 years, just at a slower, healthier pace than what we’ve seen more recently. And that kind of steady, sustainable growth should be one factor to help ease your fears about the years ahead (see graph below):

a graph with green barsAnd if you take a look at how the various experts responded within the survey, they fall into three main categories: those that were most optimistic about the forecast, most pessimistic, and the overall average outlook.

Here’s what the breakdown shows:

  • The average projection is about 3.3% price growth per year, through 2029.
  • The optimists see growth closer to 5.0% per year.
  • The pessimists still forecast about 1.3% growth per year.

Do they all agree on the same number? Of course not. But here’s the key takeaway: not one expert group is calling for a major national decline or a crash. Instead, they expect home prices to rise at a steady, more sustainable pace.

That’s much healthier for the market – and for you. Yes, some areas may see prices hold relatively flat or dip a bit in the short term, especially where inventory is on the rise. Others may appreciate faster than the national average because there are still fewer homes for sale than there are buyers trying to purchase them. But overall, more moderate price growth is cooling the rapid spikes we saw during the frenzy of the past few years.

And remember, even the most conservative experts still project prices will rise over the course of the next 5 years. That’s also because foreclosures are low, lending standards are in check, and homeowners have near record equity to boost the stability of the market. Together, those factors help prevent a wave of forced sales, like the kind that could drag prices down. So, if you’re waiting for a significant crash before you buy, you might be waiting quite a long time.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been on the fence about your plans, now’s the time to get clarity. The market isn’t heading for a crash – it’s on track for steady, slow, long-term growth overall, with some regional ups and downs along the way.

Want to know what that means for your neighborhood? Because national trends set the tone, but what really matters is what’s happening in your zip code. Connect with a real estate agent to have a quick conversation so you can see exactly what the local data means for you. 

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Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know  Simplifying The Market

If you're a homeowner planning to move, you're probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what 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 an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear.

They know your local market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. And they’ll be able to make a recommendation based on their 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 (and how an agent can help).

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 (formerly CoreLogic) shows the average homeowner 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.

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. Your agent can position your offer to be as strong as possible, 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. Your agent 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):

But the best way to determine what’s best for you and your specific situation? Talk to a trusted local agent.

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, talk to a local agent. They'll walk you through your equity, your timing, and your local market so you can decide what’s right for you.

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Should You Buy a Vacation Home? Simplifying The Market

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Some Highlights

  • Now that summer’s here, you may be planning your next getaway. But what if you didn’t have to? ​
  • Buying a vacation home means having a built-in escape you can use year after year. It gives you the chance to generate rental income and have a go-to retirement destination in the future.
  • If you’re dreaming of owning your own slice of paradise, connect with an agent to see if you can make it happen this summer.​