April 10, 2025
A surge in Treasury yields just spooked the markets—and it’s pushing mortgage rates higher, too. Learn how the bond market (not the Fed!) drives mortgage rates, and what this means if you’re buying or selling real estate right now.
February 28, 2025
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a powerful financial tool—but only if you get it before you actually need it. Learn how HELOCs work, when to apply, and the risks to consider in this complete guide.
January 24, 2025
Buying a condo is a major decision that comes with a mix of emotions and challenges. Along the way, many buyers unknowingly fall into psychological traps that cloud their judgment and lead to regrets later. Whether it’s fixating on the “perfect” property, rushing to make an offer out of fear, or overlooking hidden costs, these mental pitfalls can derail even the most well-prepared buyer.
January 17, 2025
In Arlington, real estate assessments are made every year for the full calendar year. There are two components to the assessment: Land and Improvements. Even for a condo, there is a land component. The improvement component is everything that was added to the land, e.g. the house or building. Here are 10 insights to know.
November 21, 2024
When it comes to valuing residential real estate, the terminology can feel like a maze. Appraisal? Assessment? AVM? CMA? And how do they connect to market value? Let’s untangle this web and make sense of how these methods differ and overlap.
October 9, 2024
When buying or selling a home, most people expect that once a contract is signed, the deal is as good as done. However, this isn't always the case. While most home sales proceed smoothly to closing, some contracts fall through due to a variety of contingencies.
September 19, 2024
Low interest rates, while often seen as a driver of real estate transactions, can also discourage homeowners from selling their properties. Many owners secured their homes during a period of historically low mortgage rates. These favorable rates made owning a home more affordable by reducing monthly mortgage payments. If they were to sell, they would likely face much higher interest rates when purchasing a new home, leading to significantly higher monthly payments. This "rate lock-in" effect causes homeowners to think twice about selling,
August 24, 2024
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. With a variety of mortgage loans available, knowing which one suits your needs can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the seven main types of mortgages, offering clear insights into the pros and cons of each, and who they're best suited for.