If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.Mortgage rates have risen. Home sales haven't picked up like expected. And many buyers and sellers are wondering when things are going to feel easier or be more affordable.The truth is: a lot changed over the first half of this year.Back at the end of 2025, economists were forecasting a much stronger housing market for 2026. They expected mortgage rates to come down, affordability to improve more dramatically, and home sales to rebound.But lingering inflation, economic uncertainty, and growing geopolitical tensions overseas pushed mortgage rates higher than expected. And because rates stayed elevated for longer, many buyers continued to hold off.That’s why experts recently revised their housing forecasts for the rest of t... 06/03/2026

You started shopping with a specific mental image of your future home in your mind. Then the houses in your budget came in smaller than you pictured.That’s the reality for a lot of buyers right now. Affordability is tight.But don’t let that discourage you. Going smaller might actually be a smart play in today’s market – and the upside can be bigger than you'd think. Let’s break down two places to look where smaller won’t necessarily feel like a compromise.Homebuilders Are Focused on Smaller Options LatelyFor starters, smaller is kind of on trend right now. Newly built homes have been shrinking for years. According to the latest data from the Census, the median square footage of new single-family homes has been falling overall since 2014 (see graph below):Why? Builders focus on the types... 06/01/2026

Want to make a move, but you're worried it’s going to take longer than you’d like? Here’s what you need to know.The average home is taking about 57 days to sell. And that actually isn’t slow. It’s normal.No matter what you’re reading online, know that the market hasn’t stalled. And neither has your move.The reality is homes that are priced and positioned right are still selling. So, if you want to move, you can.Let’s talk about how to set your house up to sell quickly in today’s market. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The ... 04/14/2026

Scroll through your social feed, and you may come across something that says investors are buying all the homes right now. But housing market data tells a different story.Only 0.4% of the 86 million single-family homes in the U.S. are owned by large investors (those with over 1,000 properties) today. That's a lot less than headlines would have you think.So, if that’s been shaping how you see your chances of buying, it might be worth looking at things a little differently.Want a quick breakdown of what’s really driving today’s market? DM me. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are ... 04/07/2026

When your house sits on the market longer than expected, it can get frustrating fast. You start asking: what now? And for a growing number of homeowners, that turns into: should I just rent it instead? While it sounds like a simple backup plan, becoming “accidental landlord” is actually a much bigger decision than most people realize. That’s when someone planned to sell, didn’t get the price or traction they hoped for, and decided to rent the house out instead. And lately, that's happening more often. Why the Number of Accidental Landlords Is Rising If you’re faced with the same choice to rent or to sell, here’s what you need to know. First, you’re not alone. And that should actually be some comfort. According to Zillow about 2.3% of homes available for rent were previously listed for ... 04/06/2026

While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast. Based on their analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18. And here’s why this window stands out as being particularly seller-friendly: Buyers Are More Active. According to the research coming out of Realtor.com, homes listed during this week typically get about 16.7% more views than in a normal week. And in a market where buyers have options, getting that extra attention can set the tone for your entire sale. Sales Happen Faster. Realtor.com also explains the added demand from buyers sets you up for a faster process. Whi... 03/26/2026

When you sell a house, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to the latest data from Redfin, that’s happening a bit more often lately. The good news is, it’s completely avoidable if you lean on an agent for insight into why that is and how to avoid it happening to you.This June, 15% of pending home sales fell through. That means those buyers backed out of their contracts. That’s not too much higher than the norm of roughly 12% from 2017-2019, but it’s still an increase. And it’s one you don’t want to have to deal with. The key to avoiding this headache is knowing what’s causing the issues that lead to a buyer walking away. A recent surveyfrom John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) finds that agents... 08/18/2025

JUST SOLD 2850 ARAGON TER, LAKE MARY, FL 32746Happy Sellers and Buyer:Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a spacious corner lot in Lake Mary. This move-in ready property features great curb appeal, mature landscaping, and a fully fenced backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Located in a friendly community offering tennis courts, a playground, and basketball. The new owner will be ready to call it Home Sweet Home. 07/14/2025

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 Advan... 07/09/2025

Chase Groves2850 ARAGON TRCE, LAKE MARY, FL 32746Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a spacious corner lot in Lake Mary. This move-in ready property features great curb appeal, mature landscaping, and a fully fenced backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Located in a friendly community offering tennis courts, a playground, and basketball. Conveniently close to schools, shopping, and dining. A wonderful place to call home!LINK TO MORE PHOTOSKatina Hargrove, Broker/Owner SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®https://www.stakeyourland.com/352-551-0308 05/19/2025

Buying your first home in today’s market can feel tough. Between high home prices and mortgage rates, affordability is still a big challenge. And some buyers are making one simple trade-off that’s getting them in the door faster: square footage.According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 35% of buyers are willing to purchase something smaller to make homeownership happen. And one place you can usually find a smaller footprint (and sometimes better affordability) is in townhomes.Why Townhomes Are Gaining PopularityTownhomes typically cost less than single-family homes due to their more limited size. And that’s a big plus for today’s budget-conscious buyer. As Realtor.com says:"In today's market, affordability remains a key priority for homebuyers, making townhomes an a... 04/02/2025

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t.  The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while recent actions from the Fed set the stage for mortgage rates to come down over time — it's going to be a gradual and, likely bumpy, process. Here’s the best advice anyone can give you right now. While... 11/27/2024

When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it. Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise. So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? Let’s walk through some important questions to help you determine the right path for your financial and lifestyle goals.    Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting? Before you decide what to do, it's i... 11/14/2024

Getting your house ready to sell? Here’s a few tips on what you may want to do to prepare. Focus on making it inviting, showing it’s cared for, and boosting your curb appeal. If you want specific advice to help your house stand out in our local market, let’s connect. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due ... 09/13/2024

Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize.Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home.Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have?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 worth $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows Americans have significant equity right now. In fact, more than two out of three home... 08/05/2024

Some Highlights Want to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today? They include everything from putting off pre-approval for too long, holding out for the perfect home, buying more than they can afford, and skipping out on hiring a pro. Let’s connect to make sure you have a pro on your side who can help you avoid these mistakes.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construe... 07/19/2024

There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table. Don’t change bank accounts, apply for new credit, make any large purchases or transfers, and don’t co-sign loans for anyone. Here’s a good rule of thumb. Always connect with your loan officer before making any financial decisions once you’ve started the mortgage process. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness ... 07/05/2024

With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting. Here’s some information that could help put your mind at ease by showing that investing in a home is still a powerful decision.According to the experts at Gallup, real estate has been crowned the top long-term investment for a whopping 12 years in a row. It has consistently beat out other investment types like gold, stocks, and bonds. Just take a look at the graph below – it speaks volumes: But why does real estate continue to reign supreme as a top-notch long-term investment? It’s because, even today, buying a home can be your golden ticket to building wealth over time. Unlike other investments that can f... 07/02/2024

There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation. And that may be one of the big reasons you’re eager to look into grants and assistance programs to see if there’s anything you qualify for that can help. But unfortunately, many homebuyers feel like they don’t know where to start.  A recent Bank of America Institute study asked prospective buyers where they lack confidence in the process and need more information. And this is what topped the list: 53% said they need help understanding homebuying grant programs. So, here’s some information that can help you close that gap. What Is Down Payment Assistance? As the Mortgage Reports explains: “Down payment assistance (DPA) programs offer loans and grants that ca... 06/19/2024

You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent? Well, the National Association of Realtors(NAR) asked that very question to recent sellers and found one of the top things they were looking for is help marketing their house to potential buyers. Maybe that’s what you need the most help with too.You expect your real estate agent to write a great description of your house for the listing and pair it with some high-quality photos. But that’s not all you’re going to get when you partner with a great agent.They’ll do a lot more to make sure your house stands out. Here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes according to that same report from NAR (see graph below): So, how can you benefit from your agent using these meth... 05/29/2024