Wednesday, March 11, 2026 / by Dick Keenan
Struggling to find the right home within your budget? Or maybe you’re looking for extra space to generate income or accommodate aging family members? Either way, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) might be just the solution you need in today’s market.
What Is an ADU?
Fannie Mae defines an ADU as a small, self-contained living space on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include separate areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathing, independent from the main house. There are different types of ADUs, including:
A basement apartment within the main home
A space attached to the home, like an apartment above the garage
A completely detached unit, such as a manufactured home
Why Are ADUs Gaining Popularity?
ADUs are becoming more desirable as buyers realize their many benefits. In fact, 24% of real estate agents report that ADUs, like mother-in-law suites, are high on buyers' wish lists.
The rising cost of living makes ADUs particularly attractive,? ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
Are you trying to buy a home but you feel like you’re up against deep-pocketed Wall Street investors snatching up everything in sight? Many people believe mega investors are driving up prices and buying up all the homes for sale, and that’s making it hard for regular buyers like you to compete.
But here’s the truth. Investor purchases are actually on the decline, and the big players aren’t nearly as active as you might think. Let’s dive into the facts and put this myth to rest.
Most Investors Are Small, Not Mega Investors
A common misconception is that massive institutional investors are dominating the market. In reality, that’s not the case. The Mortgage Reports explains:
“On average, small investors account for around 18% of the market, while mega investors represent only about 1%.”
Most real estate investors are mom-and-pop investors who own just a few properties — not large corporations buying up ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
Many people are hoping for a drop in mortgage rates before they buy a home, but will that actually happen? According to the latest predictions, experts suggest rates will decrease, but not by as much as many expect.
The good news? Even if rates don’t fall as much as anticipated, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable.
How Much Will Mortgage Rates Actually Drop?
A few months ago, experts thought mortgage rates could dip below 6% by the end of the year. However, more recent forecasts show that rates are likely to stabilize closer to 6.5% instead.
If you’ve been holding off on buying a home, hoping for a more significant drop in rates, you might be waiting longer than you expected. And if your life situation has changed, such as a new job, a growing family, or a marriage, waiting for rates to drop significantly may not be an option.
Creative Financing Options to Consider
Since mortgage rates aren't expected to drop as much as origi ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
For the past few years, the real estate market has largely favored sellers. But now, things are starting to shift as more homes become available, creating a more balanced market. With this change, some sellers may need to be more flexible to finalize a deal. One effective strategy to consider? Offering concessions.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“As home inventory increases and buyers gain more leverage in the market, sellers may want to offer more during negotiations to make their property more appealing and close the deal.”
What Are Seller Concessions?
Seller concessions are costs that the seller agrees to cover to help facilitate the sale. In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 sellers (24%) offered some form of concession. Here are a few common types:
Covering Closing Costs: The seller can pay some or all of the buyer’s closing costs, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, or loan fees.
Price Adjustments: Instead of making repai? ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
With everything getting more expensive lately, it’s no surprise if you're wondering if now is the right time to buy a home. Inflation has been higher than usual for longer than expected, driving up the costs of just about everything. But here's the good news: homeownership can actually be one of the best ways to protect yourself from the rising costs inflation brings.
A Fixed Mortgage Shields You from Rising Housing Costs
One of the biggest advantages of owning a home is the stability it provides for your biggest monthly expense—your mortgage. When you lock in a fixed-rate mortgage, your principal and interest payments remain the same, no matter how high inflation gets. While your homeowner’s insurance or property taxes may fluctuate slightly, your mortgage payment won’t change.
Renters, on the other hand, face rising rent prices year after year, often at a pace faster than inflation. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Ce ...
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