If you're considering downsizing, you might be exploring 55+ communities and wondering if they’re the right fit for your lifestyle. Here's some information to help you make an informed decision.

What Is a 55+ Community?

These communities aren’t just for those needing extra support—they can be quite lively and engaging! Many people choose to downsize into these communities to be surrounded by others in a similar stage of life. U.S. News describes them as follows:

“The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities,’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to settings designed for adults over the age of 55 who are independent but looking to downsize and live among peers with similar interests.”

Why You Should Consider This Type of Home

If this appeals to you, it’s worth noting that the number of 55+ community listings has increased by over 50% compared to last year, acc. ...

If you’ve been following the housing market recently, you know sellers have held the upper hand. But with inventory on the rise, is that dynamic starting to change? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding a Balanced Market
A balanced market typically has a five-to-seven-month supply of homes for sale, where neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage. In such a market, prices stabilize, and there’s a healthier selection of homes. After years of a seller’s market, a shift toward balance would be welcome news for buyers. But are we heading there?
At the beginning of the year, the national inventory stood at a three-month supply, and now it has grown to four months. While that doesn’t yet indicate a balanced market, it shows we’re moving closer. However, this rise in inventory isn’t leading to an oversupply or a market crash. The supply is still insufficient for such a scenario.
The chart below, using data from the National Associati. ...

Deciding what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a significant decision. Should you sell it and use the proceeds for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?
This is a common dilemma for many homeowners, and the answer isn't always simple. Whether you're curious about potential rental income or concerned about the responsibilities of being a landlord, there are many factors to consider.
Let’s explore some key questions to help you determine the best course of action for your situation.
Is Your House Suitable for Renting?
Even if you're interested in becoming a landlord, your current home might not be ideal for renting. Perhaps you're moving far away, making it challenging to manage maintenance, the neighborhood isn't conducive to rentals, or the house requires significant repairs before it can be rented out.
If these issues resonate with you, selling might be the more practical option.
Are You Prepared for the Realities of B. ...

If you're looking to buy a home, there's some exciting news for you. Many assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (those that have already been lived in), but that's not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially in today's market. Hard to believe? But the data supports this.
Here are two key reasons why working with your agent to consider new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option:
Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes. The median sales price for newly built homes is currently lower than that of existing homes. This might seem surprising.

Why is that? Builders are focused on creating homes that meet current market demands. Right now, there's a significant need for smaller and more affordable homes, so that's what they've been constructing. Additionally, there are more newly built homes available now than in recent years, prompting builder ...

If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, it's normal to feel frustrated and disappointed. As you navigate these emotions, you might also be wondering what went wrong and what steps to take next.

If you still need to move and want to relist your home, consider the following points:

Was It Priced for Today’s Market?

Setting the right price from the start is crucial. While it might be tempting to aim high, overpricing can significantly slow down the selling process. If your house was priced higher than similar properties, it might have deterred buyers, which could be why it stayed on the market. As Rocket Mortgage explains:


“Buyer interest in your home is highest when it first comes on the market. That’s why it’s so important to start with the right price on day one. . . If you overprice your house, buyers may just raise an eyebrow and move on to the next listing without even coming for a showing. . . It can be easy to think your home ...