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Finding the perfect house is exciting, but realizing the neighborhood isn’t a perfect fit for you after you’ve moved in…not so great. Maybe the street turns into a speedway at rush hour. Maybe the neighbor’s dog thinks barking is a competitive sport. Or maybe it just doesn’t feel right, and you can’t quite put your finger on why. Either way, it’s a hard thing to fix once you’ve signed the papers and unpacked the boxes. So before you fall completely in love with a house, make sure you’re also feeling good about where it’s located. A little extra effort up front can save you from a lot of frustration later. Taking the time to really explore the area, not just the house, can give you a much better sense of what daily life will be like. Here are 8 things you can do to figure out if the neighborhood is a good match or spot any red flags before it’s too late: 1) Visit at Different Times It’s not enough to cruise through on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day. Go back on a weekday morning, rush hour, and even a Friday night. That peaceful cul-de-sac might turn into a party zone after dark. If that’s what you’re looking for, great! If not…at least you dodged a bullet. 2) Ditch the Car and Walk Around A lot of people go straight from their house to their car once they live somewhere, but whether you plan to take evening strolls or just dash in and out on your way to work, it’s still worth seeing what it’s like to be out on foot. It’s easy to miss things when you’re just driving through. Walking gives you a much better feel for the neighborhood. You’ll notice how people care for their homes, how clean the streets are, and whether neighbors seem friendly. 3) Chat With the Locals You’d be surprised how much people will share—from the annoying barking dog two doors down, to how often the power goes out on the street. Even a casual “Hi, we’re thinking about moving here, how do you like it?” can open the floodgates. 4) Test Drive Your Commute Don’t just trust an app to give you an accurate ETA from home to work! Try doing the actual drive, or hop on the mass transit you’ll use to get to work during your normal commute time. Ten miles can feel like 100 if you’re crawling the whole way. Yes, that means pretending to go to work on a random Tuesday morning. But getting up early to do a test run once or twice could save you from having to get up an hour earlier than you want to every day! 5) Hang Out Nearby Spend some time in the places you’d actually go if you lived there. Grab coffee at the local café, walk around the closest grocery store, sit in the nearby park, or browse a few shops. Notice how the area feels. Are the people welcoming? Is it walkable? Can you picture yourself running errands here, grabbing a quick bite, or just enjoying some downtime? Getting a feel for the everyday spots you’d rely on is just as important as liking the actual street you might live on. 6) Listen (And Sniff While You’re at It…) It might feel a little odd at first, but take a moment to just stand still and pay attention to what you hear and smell. Are there constant traffic sounds, barking dogs, or trains in the distance? Any weird odors in the air—like something industrial or, well, just not pleasant? These little things might not seem like a big deal during a quick visit, but they can start to matter when you’re living there every day. Trust your senses—they’ll pick up on things photos and listings never show. 7) Learn the Rules It’s no fun buying into a neighborhood only to find out you can’t park your RV or paint your door red. Whether it’s a formal HOA, city zoning rules, or just neighborhood-specific quirks, it’s worth finding out what’s allowed—and what’s not. Things like parking restrictions, short-term rental limits, or even rules about landscaping and paint colors can all shape your experience. It’s not always easy to get your hands on the full HOA documents unless you’re a serious buyer, but if you have specific concerns, a polite email or call to the right contact (a listing agent, HOA board, or property management company) can usually get you the answers you’re looking for. Better to ask now than be surprised later. 8) Cyberstalk the Area A quick search can tell you a lot. Look up crime maps, school ratings, reviews of nearby businesses, or even neighborhood Facebook or Reddit groups. You’ll get a sense of what people are talking about—whether it’s safety concerns, community events, or local issues. Take it all with a grain of salt (online forums can get dramatic), but spotting consistent patterns can help you understand what it’s really like to live there. © JVDreamHomes2025

When you bought your first home, there was no shortage of advice. From mortgage tips to house hunting strategies, the world was full of guidance for first-time buyers. But now that you’re on the selling side for the first time, it might feel like you’re supposed to just know what you’re doing since you’re not completely new to the process. Selling a home isn’t just buying in reverse. It comes with its own set of challenges, decisions, and potential missteps. Maybe you’re wondering how much to list for, whether you really need to repaint the living room, or why your agent is asking you to leave the house every time there’s a showing. If any of this sounds familiar, don’t sweat it—your past buying experience is about to come in handy! If you can remember what made a home appealing (or a dealbreaker) when you were looking, you’ll have a much better shot at getting your own home sold quickly and for the best possible price. Put Yourself Back in the Buyer’s Shoes! As a first-time seller, it’s easy to focus on what you want from the sale. But the key to success is understanding what buyers are looking for. Think back to when you were house-hunting—what turned you off? What made you fall in love with a home? What aggravated you when you were looking at houses? In case it’s been a while since you were in those shoes, let’s take a look at some of the things you probably noticed as a buyer, and use those insights to make your home as appealing as possible. Price It Right from the Start Remember those overpriced homes you scrolled past because they didn’t seem worth it? Or the ones that sat on the market so long you assumed something was wrong with them? Buyers today have access to endless data, and they won’t hesitate to move on if your price doesn’t align with reality. Work with an agent to set a competitive, market-driven price from the beginning to avoid unnecessary price drops and delays. Make It Easy to Show When you were looking for houses, there were probably a few sellers who made it almost impossible for you to see it at the time you wanted to, or had really limited times they allowed buyers to come see their house. It’s frustrating and often results in buyers moving on to a more accessible home. The more flexible you are with showings, the more potential buyers will get to see your home. And more buyers can lead to more (and better!) offers. First Impressions Matter Remember walking into a house and instantly knowing it wasn’t for you? Maybe the curb appeal was lacking, or the inside felt dark and cluttered. First impressions are everything. Make sure your home is welcoming—fresh landscaping, a well-lit entryway, and a neutral, tidy interior can make all the difference. Declutter and Depersonalize Think about that one home you toured where every wall was covered in family photos, or the kitchen was overflowing with personal items. You probably took a quick look around to make sure the seller didn’t have a hidden camera behind one of their knick-knacks before joking about the family portrait from 1987! It’s hard for buyers to picture themselves in a space that feels too much like someone else’s home. Clear the clutter, remove personal items, and create a clean, blank slate that buyers can envision as their own. Address Small Repairs Before They Become Big Issues Buyers will notice that leaky faucet, peeling paint, or a door that won’t quite close. While these might seem like minor details, they can leave buyers wondering what else has been neglected. Taking care of small fixes ahead of time signals that your home has been well-maintained and can prevent last-minute negotiation headaches. Smell M atters More Than You Think You probably walked into a home or two that made you recall a friend or family member’s home, which can be a nice walk down memory lane… as long as the home it reminded you of didn’t reek of strong pet odors or lingering food smells! Even if a home looks great, bad odors can be an instant dealbreaker. Before listing, do a deep clean, air out the house, and consider neutral scents to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Listen to Feedback When you were a buyer, you probably had opinions about nearly every home you toured, and there’s a good chance your agent shared those thoughts with the seller’s agent. Now that you’re the seller, expect the same from buyers—and don’t take it personally. If multiple people mention the same issue (like an outdated bathroom or a pricing concern), consider making adjustments to improve your chances of selling quickly. Trust Your Real Estate Agent’s Advice It might be your first time selling a home, but for a real estate agent, it’s what they do every day. A seasoned agent brings valuable expertise from both the buying and selling side, ensuring you price your home correctly, market it effectively, and navigate negotiations smoothly. They’ll also help you anticipate potential challenges before they become roadblocks, making the entire process as seamless as possible. The Takeaway: Selling your first home can feel overwhelming, but if you shift your mindset and think like a buyer, you’ll set yourself up for success. Price it right, make it easy to show, and present your home in the best possible light. And most importantly, work with a knowledgeable agent who can guide you through the process. © JVDreamHomes2025

If you’re considering selling your house “for sale by owner” (FSBO), you probably think now is as good a time as any in history to give it a try. After all, technology has made it easier to market your house to potential buyers in the market, and there’s a shortage of houses for sale. So how difficult could it be to sell your house on your own? Apparently not that easy… Some percentage of homeowners try to sell their house FSBO every year, usually in an attempt to try and save money on commissions. But even though it’s supposedly gotten easier to sell a house, fewer sellers are attempting to do it as each year passes. According to the 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of REALTORS®, FSBOs dropped to an all-time low of 6% of all home sales in the past year, and there’s been a downward trend over the last 40 years. FSBO sales accounted for up to 21% of home sales back in 1985, but have decreased each year since and have been in the single digits since 2010. What Makes Selling FSBO So Difficult? In reality, selling a home isn’t quite as simple as putting up a “For Sale” sign in your yard, and waiting for buyers to pour in. From pricing and marketing to negotiations and paperwork, selling a home involves much more than just finding a buyer. But even if you have a handle on every aspect and nuance of selling a home, one thing you can’t easily overcome is how buyers think, feel, and act. Unfortunately for FSBO sellers, many buyers are hesitant to consider their properties because they’re concerned about dealing directly with the owner. Here are some reasons why: Buyers don’t trust FSBOs – Another recent survey found that 43% of FSBOs said buyers simply didn’t trust them because they weren’t represented by an agent. Buyers often wonder why a seller might be choosing to go FSBO. Concerns about undisclosed issues, incomplete paperwork, or even potential discrimination can arise, especially since agents are bound by ethical and legal obligations to disclose certain information that an unrepresented seller may not. Many buyers want an agent representing them – Just because you’re comfortable trying to represent yourself, that doesn’t mean your ideal buyer is. Buyers often prefer to work with a real estate agent because they not only provide them access to a broad range of listings, but also valuable assistance with paperwork, negotiations, and the inspection process. Most importantly, an agent provides a layer of detachment and negotiation expertise that makes buyers feel secure. It’s less awkward if they don’t like your house – Even before wanting a buffer between themselves and a seller during negotiations, many buyers like having some space between themselves and the seller just to take a look at a house. Many buyers may avoid scheduling an appointment to see a house directly with an owner because they feel it may be awkward if they don’t like the house. Viewing a home with an agent means they can be honest about their thoughts without the potential awkwardness of sharing them directly with the seller. It’s often difficult to even schedule a showing with a FSBO – Looking at homes listed by real estate agents makes it easy for buyers to schedule showings at a time that is convenient for them. Many buyers avoid the hassle of having to contact the seller directly, trying to arrange a mutually convenient time, and dealing with any schedule conflicts. They may just be afraid of going into a stranger’s house – No matter how accommodating and friendly you might be, many potential buyers may just feel concerned for their safety agreeing to enter a stranger’s home without a third party involved. Those are just a few reasons that FSBOs generally attract a much smaller pool of buyers than homes listed with an agent. So if you’re considering trying to sell your own home, be aware that you’re limiting yourself to buyers who are comfortable buying a home directly from an owner. If you want to expose your home to the largest possible pool of buyers and sell your house quickly and for the most money possible, your best bet is to list your home with a real estate agent.  The Takeaway: While selling your home “for sale by owner” (FSBO) might seem tempting to save on commission, it often comes with challenges that limit buyer interest. From trust issues and scheduling hassles to buyer discomfort with unrepresented sales, FSBO properties tend to draw a smaller buyer pool. If you want to maximize your exposure and sale price, working with a real estate agent is most likely going to outweigh any potential savings you’re hoping for. © JVDreamHomes2024

When you list your home, the hope is that it will sell quickly and profitably. But that isn’t always the case, and in some situations, your home may linger on the market to the point that your listing contract expires. But if that happens, what does that mean for you, your agent, and your home sale? A recent article from realtor.com explored some things sellers should know about expired home listings, including: What does it mean when your listing expires? When you list a home, you sign a contract with a listing agent, and that contract must include an expiration date, which is typically between 3 and 6 months of the initial listing. If that date comes and you haven’t sold your home, your agent no longer officially represents you and your listing will no longer be actively marketed by them. If your home was listed on the local multiple listing service (MLS), it will be removed from there, along with many other real estate marketing platforms. What if you sell right after your contract expires? Some contracts have a “commission protection period” clause, which means that if you sell shortly after the contract expires, your real estate agent will still receive a commission. Make sure to review your agent contract to see if this clause applies to you, and how long of a timeframe it covers.  What do you do when your listing expires? When your listing expires, you have some things to consider. For example, do you want to continue to list your home, or do you want to pull it from the market? If you decide to create a new listing on the MLS, do you want to change up some things—like tackle some renovations or lower the price of the home—to increase the chance of selling? Do you want to continue working with your listing agent, or do you want to try someone new? Asking yourself these questions will help you figure out the next best steps for your home sale. © JVDreamHomes2024

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision. What Is a 55+ Community? It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are downsizing opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life. U.S. News explains: “The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their same age and with similar interests.” Why It’s Worth Considering This Type of Home If that sounds like something that may interest you, here’s one thing to consider. You may find you’ve got a growing list of options if you look at this type of community. According to 55places.com , the number of listings tailored for homebuyers in this age group has increased by over 50% compared to last year. And a bigger pool of options could make your move much less stressful because it’s easier to find something that’s specifically designed to meet your needs. Other Benefits of 55+ Communities On top of that, there are other benefits to seeking out this type of home. An article from 55places.com , highlights just a few: Lower-Maintenance Living: Tired of mowing the lawn or pulling weeds? Many of these communities take care of this for you. So, you can spend more time doing fun things, and less time on maintenance. On-Site Amenities: Some feature lifestyle amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, and more, so it’s easy to stay active. Plus, others offer media rooms, libraries, spas, arts and craft studios, and more. Like-Minded Neighbors: Additionally, these types of homes usually offer clubs, outings, meet-ups, and more to foster a close-knit community. Accessible Floor Plans: Not to mention, many have first-floor living options, ample storage spaces, and modern floor plans so you can have a home tailored to this phase in your life. Bottom Line If this sounds appealing to you, reach out to a local real estate agent. They’ll be able to walk you through what’s available in your area and the unique amenities for each community. You may find a 55+ home is exactly what you’ve been searching for. © JVDreamHomes2024

Looking ahead to 2025, it’s important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market. And whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home next year, having a clear picture of what they’re calling for can help you make the best possible decision for your homeownership plans. Here’s an early look at the most recent projections on mortgage rates , home sales, and prices for 2025. Mortgage Rates Are Projected To Come Down Slightly Mortgage rates play a significant role in the housing market. The forecasts for 2025 from Fannie Mae , the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and Wells Fargo show an expected gradual decline in mortgage rates over the course of the next year ( see chart below ):

If you’ve been thinking about shrinking your square footage and moving into a smaller home, you’re probably well-aware of the obvious advantages: There’s less to clean, heat, and cool, which means a savings of time and money. But that’s only the beginning. Downsizing offers several other, less-talked-about benefits that make scaling back very appealing. Take a look at some of the big things you stand to gain by going smaller. 1. Enjoy that equity—you’ve earned it When you sell a home you’ve owned for years, possibly even decades, chances are you’ll have built up quite a bit of equity as you’ve paid your mortgage month after month. There’s a good chance that whatever smaller home you buy will cost less than the bigger one you sell. So, you may want to consider taking the left-over cash and fulfill a lifelong dream. Maybe you’ve longed to travel the world? Perhaps you’d like to retire early, or cut back to part-time employment? Having extra funds from the sale of your home allows you to consider these options. You can also put your mind at ease by paying off debt. If you have outstanding credit card balances or auto loans, save on interest by eliminating these burdens. A sudden influx of cash enables you to boost your savings. If you don’t have any immediate needs or desires, bank this money for later use. Add to your nest egg by contributing to your IRA, or have more money taken out of your paycheck and put into your retirement plan. 2. Savor newfound time Owning a smaller home typically means you’ll spend less time maintaining the interior. But don’t forget about the hours you’ll save on outdoor work if you minimize your acreage. Should you choose to live in a condo or apartment, all that (often back-breaking) exterior work is handled by a maintenance team. Watch and enjoy as your weekly to-do list shrinks in your new slimmed-down setting. 3. This is your chance to make a fresh start If you’d like to change your lifestyle completely, downsizing is the perfect time to make a fresh start. Embrace the cultural opportunities and mass transit convenience of a big city by finding an urban area that keeps you busy. Or, put down roots in the countryside and enjoy the scenery and sounds of nature. Whether you’ve wished for a warmer climate, or wanted to move to an area that allows you more time to devote to a hobby like fishing or sailing, this is your chance. Or, if you opt to stay in the same locale, you can always redecorate to give your new home a fresh feel. Because there’s less area to remodel, giving these spaces a makeover should be more affordable than if you’d tackled a renovation in your former home. 4. Enjoy more togetherness When you’re not separated by multiple levels and extra space, you’ll find yourself spending a lot more time with family. If you’ve grown tired of yelling upstairs or down to find your partner, pet, or child, moving into a smaller home may offer the togetherness you’ve been missing. 5. Feel better about your carbon footprint Because you’re in a smaller dwelling, most likely you’re using fewer resources such as electricity, heat, air conditioning, and even water for the lawn.  If you’re in a walkable area, you can also save on gas and feel good about decreasing pollution while keeping more cash in your wallet. So, if you’ve had downsizing on your mind, don’t forget to consider these additional benefits. It may do more for you and your lifestyle than you had even thought it would! © JVDreamHomes2024

You don’t even need to have a child going to college to know that it costs a ton of money! But when you do have a student about to enter college or already there, you become extremely aware of how much it costs. For those who aren’t quite there yet, when you hear how much tuition is, that number often doesn’t include room and board. So on top of what the classes cost per year, you need to include housing, which can be a hefty amount. According to this recent article published by Education Data Initiative, the average room and board cost can range anywhere between a low of around $8,000 to a high of just over $14,000 per year. The average cost varies depending on whether it’s a private or public school, and whether it’s a 2-year or 4-year institution: A 2-year public school averages $8,360. A 4-year public school averages $12,640. A 2-year private school averages $11,380. A 4 year-private school averages $14,410. But those are averages, so the actual cost may be higher or lower depending upon the school your child attends, and the type of accommodations they choose. (For example, the fee for a single-occupancy room will likely cost more than living in a dorm room or suite that is shared by multiple students.) Regardless, no matter where a student goes to college, or what their living arrangements are, a significant amount of money will be spent on their housing. This is why it makes sense for some parents to buy an investment property for their child to live in while in college, according to this recent realtor.com article. But does it make sense? Let’s rephrase that… does it make sense for you? There’s no absolute answer to whether or not it makes sense to buy an investment property for your child to live while at college. It certainly might be a wise decision for some parents and students, but it depends upon many factors. Here are some questions to ask yourself if it’s something you’re considering: Will your child be allowed to live off campus? Some colleges and universities require students to live on campus, or at least for a period of time. So even if your child is only required to live on campus for their freshman year, you’d only be looking at three years of benefiting from the investment property as a place for them to live. Does the math make sense? Would buying a place actually be more cost-effective than paying for a dorm? Depending on the real estate market in the area, the cost of buying a place—or even just paying the property taxes—may be more than it would cost to pay for a dorm room. Is it worth having to pay for repairs and maintenance? It’s almost impossible to put an exact number on, but don’t forget to factor in some costs for emergencies and upkeep each year. Is your child responsible enough to handle living in their own place and being in charge of it? It can be a great growing and learning experience for a child to live in their own place and be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep. But it can also be overwhelming (or at least distracting) for a student who isn’t quite ready for that kind of responsibility and impacts their ability to focus on their studies. Are you counting on other students to also pay rent? One way many people justify the cost of buying a place is that they’re able to defray the cost by having other students pay rent to live there as well. If that’s your plan, try to make sure you have some other students your child feels comfortable living with who are committed to renting there, and have them sign a lease. It’s easy for a student to say they want to live there, but it’s easy for them to back out, or have their parents not agree to the arrangement. If you’re counting on tenants that don’t pan out, you could end up paying more than you would for a dorm room. Are you prepared for the potential risks and liability? Not to say that your child is a party animal, but if you’re being completely honest with yourself, you probably know that any place you buy might be the site of a keg party or two. Unfortunately, parties can lead to problems and potential legal issues. Or, will your child miss out on the social scene? On the other hand, living off campus may mean your child is left out of the loop and binds that are created when students live together in a dorm, especially if they start living off-campus in their first year. Of course, your child may prefer that if they’re not a social butterfly… What if your student decides to transfer? Many students end up transferring to another school after a year or two. What would you do if your child left the area? Keep it and rent it out, or sell it? Will it appreciate enough over the course of their time at school to offset the closing costs, carrying costs, and selling costs if you decide to sell it? It’s impossible to predict how much (or if) a house will appreciate during a period of time. Keep in mind that you may not make a profit after four years of college. Will it be easy to sell when your child graduates or transfers? It’s also impossible to predict how long it will take to sell a house when you want to, but if there typically aren’t a lot of buyers in the area you’re considering, be aware that it might take some time to sell when you decide to. If it can’t be sold readily, be prepared to hold onto it as a rental, and have a plan for who will manage and maintain it at that point, once your child has moved out of the area. Those questions aren’t meant to scare you away from buying an investment property for your child to live in while at college, they’re meant to help make sure you make a well-informed decision. If you feel like it’s the right decision for you and your child, reach out to your local real estate agent and ask them to recommend the best investment-savvy agent they can find in the area of your child’s school to help you make the best purchase possible! The Takeaway: College is expensive, and tuition doesn’t usually include room and board, which adds significantly to the cost. The average annual room and board costs can range from $8,000 to $14,000, depending on the type of school and whether it’s public or private. Given these costs, some parents consider buying an investment property for their child to live in during college. However, whether this makes sense depends on several factors: campus housing policies, cost comparisons between dorms and buying a property, maintenance responsibilities, the child’s readiness to manage a property, reliance on rental income from other students, potential legal liabilities, social impacts on the child, and the property’s future value and ease of sale. These considerations are important to ensure a well-informed decision. If it seems like the right choice for you and your child, ask your local real estate agent to recommend the best investment-savvy agent they can find in the area of your child’s school to help you make the best purchase possible. © JVDreamHomes2024

Buying a home can be a complex process, especially when it comes to getting a mortgage, and because it’s so complex, many people make mistakes along the way. But messing up your mortgage can cost you in a major way, and could even put your home purchase in jeopardy. So, the question is, what are the common mistakes people make when getting a mortgage, and how can you avoid them when buying your home? A recent article from realtor.com outlined different mistakes home buyers make when getting a mortgage, including: Waiting to buy a home until they have a 20 percent down payment. Having a 20 percent down payment (or more) is certainly ideal when buying a home, as it allows you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). But it’s not an absolute must, and sometimes, if you wait to make a move until you hit the 20 percent savings mark, you run the risk of interest rates rising in the future, which can end up increasing the costs over the life of your loan even more than paying PMI would have. Instead, talk to your lender to see what your options are, and assess if it makes sense for you to buy with your current savings and lock in a lower interest rate. Meeting with only one lender. If you only meet with one mortgage lender — which, according to the article, is about 50 percent of all homebuyers in the US — you could be missing out on potential savings. Different lenders offer different interest rates, and if you only speak to one lender, you don’t know if you’d be able to get a more competitive rate elsewhere. To ensure you’re getting the best possible deal on your mortgage, aim to talk to three lenders; then, you can compare their offers (including interest rates and loan fees) to determine which is the best option for you. Changing jobs. If you’re considering applying for a mortgage, it’s best to wait until after you’ve closed on your new home. Lenders typically want to see at least two years of consistent employment and income history, and changing jobs right before or during the lending process could put your ability to secure a mortgage at risk. If it’s at all possible, wait until after you’ve successfully purchased a home to switch jobs. © JVDreamHomes2024