Cheryl Bower's Real Estate Blog

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes

By Cheryl Bower | April 11, 2024

There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And…

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Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates?

By Cheryl Bower | April 10, 2024

When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did too because you didn’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. But is that still the right strategy for you? In today’s market, data shows more…

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The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home

By Cheryl Bower | April 9, 2024

You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever.…

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Don’t Let Your Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Plans

By Cheryl Bower | April 8, 2024

If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that…

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Top 5 Reasons To Hire an Agent When Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Cheryl Bower | April 5, 2024

Some Highlights Hiring an agent when buying a home helps you understand the buying process and the local market. They’ll also go over contracts and fine print with you, so you understand what you’re agreeing to. Plus, they’re good at negotiating, making sure you get the best deal. Expert advice from a trusted real estate…

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Boomers Moving Will Be More Like a Gentle Tide Than a Tsunami

By Cheryl Bower | April 4, 2024

Have you heard the term “Silver Tsunami” getting tossed around recently? If so, here’s what you really need to know. That phrase refers to the idea that a lot of baby boomers are going to move or downsize all at once. And the fear is that a sudden influx of homes for sale would have…

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Newly Built Homes Could Be a Game Changer This Spring

By Cheryl Bower | April 3, 2024

Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with both? If you’re having a hard time finding a home you love, and mortgage rates are putting pressure on your budget, it may…

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Why Overpricing Your House Can Cost You

By Cheryl Bower | April 2, 2024

If you’re trying to sell your house, you may be looking at this spring season as the sweet spot – and you’re not wrong. We’re still in a seller’s market because there are so few homes for sale right now. And historically, this is the time of year when more buyers move, and competition ticks up.…

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The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here

By Cheryl Bower | April 1, 2024

Are you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is just around the corner. A recent Realtor.com study looked at housing market trends over the past several years (with the exception of 2020, since…

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Outdoor Projects Can Boost Curb Appeal When You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Cheryl Bower | March 29, 2024

Some Highlights In real estate, a good first impression is key. If the outside of a house looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it. Your agent helps you by giving advice on what you may want to prioritize, finding easy fixes that make a big difference, knowing what buyers in…

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