Dee Whitaker, Realtor - HomeSmart Realty Group

09/27/2024

Why Buying Now May Be Worth It in the Long Run

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days. And while what’s right for you is going to depend on a lot of different factors, here’s something you’ll want to consider as you make your decision.

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days.

09/21/2024

2 Reasons Homeownership Is More Expensive Than Ever — and Why You Should Buy Anyway

The dream of homeownership has been out of reach for many Americans lately due to a combination of factors.

It's costly, but worth it in many cases.

09/21/2024

Consumer Guide: Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements

You’ve decided it’s time to buy a home and want to work with an agent to guide you through the process. The next step is to interview agents and negotiate a written agreement that includes the services the agent will provide and the compensation they will receive. Here’s what you need to know.

08/17/2024

Is Affordability Starting to Improve?

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Here is what Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says.

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home.

08/17/2024

Homebuyers: Here's What the NAR Settlement Means for You

Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever undertake. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate your homebuying journey and make the choices that work best for you. NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes that benefit homebuyers, and we wanted to clearly lay them out for you.

NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes that benefit homebuyers. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate your homebuying journey and make the choices that work best for you.

08/11/2024

How To Buy a House: Steps To Buying a House for the First Time

The steps to buying a house for the first time might seem complicated—particularly if you’re a homebuyer trying to purchase real estate with no prior experience. Between down payments, credit scores, mortgage rates (both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate), property taxes, interest rates, and closing the deal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There’s so much at stake with a first home!

Whether it's your first time in the real estate market or you're an experienced homeowner, this is everything you need to know about how to buy a house.

08/11/2024

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn’t wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership.

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise.

07/07/2024

Living in the Suburbs or Country Is Cheaper Than the City, Right? Here’s a Shocking Reality Check

When Joe Karasin and his wife moved from Chicago to the tiny town of Bolivia, NC, to be closer to family, he thought he could count on one thing: that it would be cheaper than living in a big city.

Urban dwellers assume moving to the suburbs or country will offer more space and affordability, but this thinking doesn't always hold water.

06/30/2024

Focus on Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a big question on many people’s minds today. And while what timing is right for you will depend on a lot of other personal factors, here’s something you may not have considered.

Should you buy a home now or should you wait?

06/30/2024

Housing Market Forecast: What’s Ahead for the 2nd Half of 2024

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

06/23/2024

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all. And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place.

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home.

06/23/2024

Sharp Homeowners Know June Is the Best Time to Do These 5 Things

Like cleaning your siding — just be sure to start from the bottom and go up.

Get tips on maintenance to do in early summer, including sealing the driveway and cleaning your siding.