Paul Gustavson, Realtor, Realty Executives Boston West

01/16/2026

I like creative thinking to help make home buying more affordable! Be interesting to see the details of how this will work beyond just the normal borrowing from your 401k and having to pay yourself back over time. This may preclude that need and just make your home part if your retirement 401K portfolio just like if you bought gold, crypto, or any other asset within your 401K plan. More to come.

Trump housing plan to allow 401(k) money for down payments, adviser says | Reuters

The Trump administration plans to allow investors to use some of their retirement funds to make a down payment on a ​house, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday, adding that ‌more details will be released next week.

01/14/2026

For the last five years most sellers have been reluctant to sell and forego their low interest mortgage they obtained in early 2020s. This article indicates that this behavior is shifting as more and more sellers are now selling for unavoidable person reasons. As always contact me for more insights and advice

In the third quarter of 2025, the share of outstanding mortgages above 6% outstripped those with sub-3% for the first time in years.

01/09/2026

Update on where mortgage rates are headed this year. With pressure on the Fed to reduce intrabank rates and Trumps push for Freddie and Fannie to buy $200b in mortgage backed securities we may see rates hit mid 5's. Some great links in article about home buying strategies. Connect with me for help and more infor!

Rates are hanging near 2025 lows, but will they continue to fall in 2026? Here are the trends. Learn about whether you should wait to buy until mortgage rates go down.

02/13/2024

If you are thinking of starting your home search this spring, it's more important then ever to have a discussion with a reputable mortgage lender to get pre-approved. Rate are higher but trending downward in 2024. Using a variable rate mortgage or knowing you can refinance into a lower rate in a year or two are strategies we are currently employing in a market of low listing inventory.

On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around.

02/05/2024

Especially when that agent is a builder too and knows what to look for from years of construction management experience!

Keep in mind that the on-site agent you meet at a new-construction office works for the builder. So, as the homebuyer, it’s a smart idea to bring in your own agent, as well, to help you negotiate and stay protected in the transaction.”
Here’s how having your own agent is key when you build or buy a new construction home.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market
It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and surrounding area may evolve before making your home purchase. Your agent is well-versed in the upcoming communities and developments that could influence your decision. One way a real estate agent can help is by reviewing the builder's site plan. For example, you’ll want to know if there are any plans to construct a highway or add a drainage ditch behind your prospective backyard.

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation
An agent also has expertise in the construction quality and reputation of different builders. They can give you insights into each one's track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. Armed with this information, you can choose a builder known for consistently delivering top-notch homes.

Assistance with Customization and Upgrades
The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise helps make sure you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later.

Understanding Builder Negotiations and Contracts
When it comes to working with builders, having a skilled negotiator on your side can make all the difference. Builder contracts can be complex. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. Plus, agents are skilled negotiators who can advocate for you, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives throughout the process. As Realtor.com says:

“A good buyer’s agent will be able to review any contracts before you sign on the dotted line, ensuring you aren’t unwittingly agreeing to terms that only benefit the builder.”
Bottom Line
If you are interested in buying or building a new construction home, having a trusted agent by your side can make a big difference. If you'd like to start that conversation, let’s connect.

Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today.

01/31/2024

There are more means to get assistance in buying a home than people may think!

Of the nearly 2,300 available homeownership program types in 2023, 74% consisted of down payment and closing cost assistance programs

01/31/2024

Younger first time home buyers are challenged to buy a home in the Boston area in the current market. There are strategies that can help. DM me if you or someone you know is looking to buy their first home. This article offers some good approaches as well. I can help Implement them and suggest others.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/realestate/where-can-gen-z-buy-a-home.html?smid=nytcore-android-share&fbclid=IwAR2eyPHsYL9z-1Lt7oOTyOscfIntRfYBFyTGC7YC-sWSQm2qHg8HSHJq_lU

Older members of the generation are early in their careers, and they face increases in inflation, home prices and interest rates.

01/25/2024

A growing economy with inflation tamed to a mere 1.7% adjusted annual? Great news for a "soft landing" if the numbers reported don't get "revised" later next month. But with inflation in check, it's more likely the Fed will reduce interest rates which means mortgages coming down for home buyers in 2024. Hope for the best!

The increase in gross domestic product, while slower than in the previous period, showed the resilience of the recovery from the pandemic’s upheaval.

01/22/2024

Thinking about buying a home? Understanding how mortgage rates affect your monthly payments is key. They’ve been trending down in recent weeks, so buying a home has gotten a bit more affordable, opening the doors for people to achieve their homeownership dreams. Are you ready to make 2024 the year you buy a home? DM me today.

01/20/2024

Some good news for my home buying clients as we head into the spring market. Inventories should trend more favorable as well.

01/19/2024

There are more houses coming to the market than usual for this time of year. With the total number of homes for sale still relatively low, it's a great time to consider listing your house before the competition heats up. Let's chat. Together we can make sure your house stands out and gets sold before your neighbors hit the market.