by Denise Olivares-Molina | Sep 1, 2026 | 2026 Housing Market, Advice for Buyers, Agent Value, Buyer Tips, Buyers, Buying A Home, Buying Myths, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, First-Time Investors, For Buyers, Home Prices, Housing Market, Housing Market Insights, Housing Market Shifts, Housing Market Updates, Real Estate Finances, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Market 2026, Real Estate Myths, Real Estate Tips, Weekly
Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you’ve caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is.
Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything.
Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting
Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below):
And when you’ve got a good chunk saved and your dream home is right there, reaching for it can feel like an easy call.
But dipping into your retirement savings to buy a home could cost you a penalty and set back your finances later on. That’s why it’s a good idea to explore other options for your down payment first. As Redfin says:
“If you’re struggling to save enough for a down payment, you may be wondering if tapping into your 401(k) is the right option. While it’s possible, doing so comes with significant risks, like early withdrawal penalties and lost investment growth.“
Before you decide, have a financial advisor help you compare the upsides to the risks. Bankrate points to a few of each (see visual):
Other Options Worth Exploring First
Your 401(k) isn’t the only way to finance a home purchase. Redfin outlines a few other options to look into before you decide what to do:
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Low and No-Down Payment Loans: FHA loans, for example, allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5% of the home’s price, depending on their credit scores.
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Down Payment Assistance Programs: Many national and local programs can help reduce what you pay toward your down payment or closing costs.
Make a Plan Before You Make a Move
No matter which route you take, talk with a financial expert first. The buyers who come out ahead build a solid plan with the right professionals before starting their journey to homeownership. As NerdWallet puts it:
“Even if you’re convinced a 401(k) loan is the way to go, it’s important to understand the risks at the outset.“
Bottom Line
Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.
If you’re considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.
Thank You For Reading
Denise Olivares-Molina
by Denise Olivares-Molina | Dec 2, 2025 | Advice for Buyers, Agent Value, Buying A Home, Buying Tips, Home Prices, Home value, Housing Market, Tips for Buyers, Weekly
Want to know how to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market? Here’s the secret. Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while.
Because when a listing lingers, sellers tend to get more realistic – and, more willing to negotiate. And that’s where the savviest buyers are finding homes other buyers overlook.
The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Cut This Year
According to Realtor.com, about 1 in every 5 listings (20.2%) have dropped their asking price at least once. And while so many things in today’s housing market vary by region, that number is consistent throughout the country. That tells you one thing…
No matter where you live, there’s a chance to score a better deal. You just need to know where to look. And that’s where your agent comes in.
The Tactic: Target Homes That Have Been Sitting the Longest
Your agent can help you identify which homes have been on the market the longest. Those are the ones where you’re more likely to get a discount. That’s because the seller may be getting frustrated their house hasn’t sold yet, so they’re more willing to play ball.
And since a lot of buyers steer clear of homes that aren’t selling, you may be the only offer they get. So, you can lean in and push for a better deal. As Realtor.com explains:
“Less competition means fewer bidding wars and more power to negotiate the extras that add up: closing cost credits, home warranties, even repair concessions . . . these concessions can end up knocking thousands of dollars off the price of a home.”
And they’re not the only ones calling out the opportunity you have right now. Bankrate also says:
“During the quieter fall and winter months, when fewer prospective buyers are shopping, home sellers may be more willing to lower their prices, or offer concessions, to attract those prospective buyers who are still looking.”
And the proof is in the data. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a clear pattern: the longer a home stays on the market, the lower it tends to sell for compared to the original asking price.
So, if you’re serious about getting as much as you can for your money, focusing on these listings could be your best strategy yet.
Even a Small Discount Can Go a Long Way
And while paying 94% of the original asking price may not sound like much of a deal, the savings add up. That’s roughly $24,000 in savings on the median priced home (see chart below):
Zillow sums it up best:
“If you’re a buyer who is hoping to strike a deal, look for homes that have been on the market for a while and that may already have lowered prices to entice buyers. You may find a motivated seller who is more willing to negotiate.”
Bottom Line
If you want to find the best deal possible on a home right now, start by looking where others aren’t.
With 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices and many growing more flexible by the week, the homes that have been sitting a little longer could be your best opportunity to save.
Let’s talk about where to find them in our area.
Thank You For Reading
Denise Olivares-Molina
by Denise Olivares-Molina | Nov 3, 2025 | Affordability, Agent Value, Buying A Home, Buying Tips, Costs, Housing Market, Housing Market Shifts, Housing Market Updates, Pricing, Real Estate 2025, Real Estate Finances, Real Estate Goals, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Tips, Weekly
If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options.
Experts agree, buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say.
Affordability Is Finally Improving
Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting to turn the corner:
“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”
Mortgage rates have eased from their recent highs, price growth has slowed, and that one-two combo is making homes more affordable than they’ve been in months.
There Are More Homes on The Market
And a big reason prices are easing is because there are more homes on the market. According to the latest from Realtor.com, there are 17% more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. That means more options, less competition with other buyers, and a chance to find the space that actually works for you.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shares:
“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.”
Take a look at the numbers.
As Yun notes, inventory is up everywhere. Compared to this time last year, every region of the country has more homes on the market than at this time last year (see graph below):
That translates to more homes to choose from, whether you’re looking for a bigger backyard, a shorter commute, or finally ditching your rental.
But not all markets are the same…
When you compare current inventory growth to pre-pandemic norms (2017–2019), the picture changes a bit, depending on where you are (see graph below):
The green bars show where inventory has fully recovered (and even grown above pre-pandemic levels) in the South and the West. Supply, however, is still tighter in the Northeast and Midwest, as shown in the red bars, where inventory is still below normal.
And here’s why that’s still a win everywhere.
When you step back and look at the bigger picture, with inventory up in every region, that means more choices everywhere, even if some areas have more homes for sale than others.
And with fewer buyers in the market and more homes for sale, sellers are willing to negotiate to get a deal done.
All of that adds up to a win for today’s buyers.
And it’s also why working with a local expert really makes a difference. What’s happening in your zip code or neighborhood might look different than the national or regional trend. But the overall takeaway is clear: with more homes on the market, buyers have more leverage than they did a year or more ago.
So, if you stepped away from your search because things felt too competitive, too pricey, you were worried about finding a home, or it was all just too much to process, this could be your moment to take another look.
And if you’re not quite ready to go all in, that’s okay too. You can start by planning ahead. That means working with a trusted agent who can help you break down your budget, narrow your search, and make sure you’re prepped and ready when the right home hits the market.
Bottom Line
Want to know what’s happening in our area? Let’s have a conversation so you can get a custom overview of what’s available right now and learn how to be ready when the timing is right for you.
Because this isn’t 2021.
This isn’t even 2023 or 2024.
This is a new market – and you might be surprised by what you find.
Thank Your For Reading
Denise Olivares-Molina
by Denise Olivares-Molina | Nov 3, 2025 | Advice for Sellers, Agent Value, Distressed Properties, For Sellers, Home Improvement, Home Inspection, Home Maintenance, Housing Market, Selling A Home, Selling Tips, Tips for Buyers, Tips for Sellers, Weekly
If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn’t you want to know about it?
There’s a lot that happens from the time your house goes under contract to closing day. And a few things still have to go right for the deal to go through. But here’s what a lot of sellers may not know.
There’s one part of the process where some homeowners are hitting a road bump that’s causing buyers to back out these days. But don’t worry. The majority of these snags are completely avoidable, especially when you understand what’s causing them and how to be proactive.
That’s where a great agent (and a little prep) can make all the difference.
What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out
The latest data from Redfin says 15% of pending home sales are falling through. And that’s not wildly higher than the 12% norm from 2017-2019. But it is an increase.
That means roughly 1 in 7 deals today don’t make it to the closing table. But, at the same time, 6 out of 7 do. So, the majority of sellers never face this problem – and odds are, you won’t either. But you can help make it even less likely if you know how to get ahead.
You might assume the main reason buyers are backing out today is financing. But that’s actually not the case. The most common deal breaker today, by far, is inspection and repair issues (see graph below):
Here’s why that’s a sticking point for buyers right now:
- Buyers are already stretched thin from high prices and challenging mortgage rates, so they don’t have the appetite (or budget) for unexpected repairs.
- If they’re going to spend all that money, they want to get something that’s move-in ready. They don’t want to take on another high-cost project themselves.
- They have more homes to choose from, so if yours seems like a hassle or if you’re not willing to fix something, they can just move on.
The sellers with the best agents have heard about this shift and they’re doing what they can to go in prepared. Enter the pre-listing inspection.
What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market. And while it’s not required, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it could be a valuable step for some sellers right now:
“To keep deals from unraveling . . . it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”
Think of it as a way to avoid future headaches. You’ll know what issues could pop up during the buyer’s inspection – and you’ll have time to fix them or decide what to disclose before you put your house on the market.
This way, when the buyer’s inspector walks in, you’re ready. No surprises. No last-minute panic. No deal on the line.
Is It Worth It?
Generally speaking, a pre-listing inspection costs just a few hundred dollars. So, it’s not a big expense. And the information it gives you is invaluable. But before you make that investment, talk to your local agent.
In some markets, it may not be worth it. And in others, it may be the best move you can make. It all depends on what’s happening where you are and what’s working for other local sellers.If your agent recommends getting one, they’ll also:
- Help you decide which issues to fix
- Prioritize repairs based on what buyers in your area are focusing on
- Connect you with trusted professionals to get the work done
- Ensure you understand local disclosure laws
That small step could save your deal (and your timeline).
Bottom Line
So, if there was one simple step that could help make your home sale go according to plan, would you do it?
If you’d rather deal with surprises on your terms (not with the clock ticking under contract), let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house.
It may be worth it so you can hit the market confident, prepared, and in control.
Thank You For Reading
Denise Olivares-Molina
by Denise Olivares-Molina | Aug 5, 2025 | Agent Value, For Sellers, Home Prices, Moving On, Real Estate 2025, Real Estate Tips, Weekly
When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it’s a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp.
The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one.
Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do.
Overpricing Comes at a Cost
And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough choices:
- Drop the price: Cutting the price might help get more eyes on the house again, but it can also trigger red flags. Buyers may wonder what’s wrong with it. And that’s going to impact any offers you get after the price cut.
- Take it off the market: Some sellers give up on the idea of selling right now. The worst part about this is it means putting their future plans on the back burner. That dream of more space, downsizing, or relocating? On pause.
- Rent it out: Others go the landlord route, but managing tenants and navigating leases isn’t always the simple fallback it seems. Renting can work, but it’s often a lot more hassle than people expect.
None of those options were part of the original plan. And honestly, none of them are where you should end up if you wanted to sell. Here’s a look at how a local agent’s expertise can help you avoid these headaches. Let’s use price cuts as an example.
Where You Live Makes a Difference
While the number of price cuts is up nationally, data shows some parts of the country are seeing far more of them than others. It all comes down to how much inventory has grown in that area (see map below):
As Realtor.com explains:
“Regionally, price reductions in June were significantly more common in the South and West (23% of listings) than they were in the Northeast (13% of listings), reflecting the inventory divergence across these regions.”
That means pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What’s happening nationally might not reflect what’s happening in your zip code, and that’s why you shouldn’t try to determine your list price on your own.
How a Great Agent Helps You Nail the Price
A skilled agent doesn’t just toss out a number. As Zillow says:
“Well-priced homes are more likely to sell quickly, but pricing your home to sell quickly and for maximum dollar requires strategy and knowledge of your local market. You need to have a clear-eyed view of your home in relation to the competition, and knowledge about whether you’re in a buyers or sellers market. It also helps to know what buyers in your area can afford.”
And that’s all knowledge your agent will have. They study your local market, compare recent sales, and factor in your goals and buyer behavior. Based on what’s happening where you live, sometimes the best play will be pricing right at current market value. Other times pricing a little lower actually will spark more offers and ultimately get you a better final sale price.
So don’t skimp on the strategy or on your agent. With their local market know-how, you’ll be able to sell quickly, even in a shifting market.
Bottom Line
Overpricing can lead to tough choices you never want to face. But with the right price, and the right guidance, you can skip the stress and sell with confidence. Let’s connect so you have a pricing strategy that works for today’s market and gets you where you want to go.
by Denise Olivares-Molina | Apr 9, 2025 | Agent Value, For Sellers
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home.
Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an accurate picture of what your house is really worth.
The Myth: Online Home Value Estimates Are Accurate Online home valuation tools give you an approximate value for your house based on the data that’s publicly available for your home. While this can give you a rough starting point, the keyword here is rough. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:
“Online Home Value Estimators Aren’t 100% Accurate . . . The estimates are only as reliable as the amount of public record data the real estate websites can access. The less data gathered for your particular neighborhood, county and state, the less you can depend on this number.”
The Reality: Online Estimates Miss Key Factors Here’s the biggest issue with online estimates: they don’t take into account the unique aspects of your home or your local market. And that’s why an agent’s expertise can make such a difference when figuring out what your house is really worth. Here’s an example. A real estate agent will also factor in:
The Home’s Condition: Online tools can’t tell whether your home has been well-maintained or if it needs significant repairs. The condition of your house plays a huge role in its value, and only an in-person walk-through can account for that. The Latest Neighborhood Trends: Is your neighborhood up-and-coming? Are there new developments or amenities nearby that make your home more desirable? Automated tools often overlook local trends that can significantly affect the value of your home. Accurate Comparable Sales: While online estimates may use past sales data as a baseline, they don’t always reflect the most recent or most relevant comparable sales, or comps. Real estate agents, on the other hand, have access to up-to-date market data and can give you a much more accurate estimate based on real-time sales in your area. Agents have a deep understanding of the local market, and they can provide insights that automated tools simply can’t match. As Bankrate explains:
“Online estimation tools determine pricing using algorithms that rely on publicly available information. These algorithms can vary widely from one tool to the next and typically don’t account for a home’s current condition or any upgrades or renovations that are not reflected in public records. So they are not as accurate as in-person methods, like a real estate agent’s comparative market analysis . . .”
Bottom Line While online home value estimates can be a helpful tool to get a rough idea of what your home is worth, they aren’t foolproof. The true value of your home depends on a range of factors that automated tools just can’t account for.
To get the most accurate estimate, work with a local real estate agent. That way you have expert guidance and up-to-date market insights to set the best possible price for your home.
