Chad A. Vaughan

08/29/2024

I’ve never been a “company man.”

Before, I was in a place where I didn’t align culturally. And I didn’t want to be tethered to its reputation, if I’m being totally honest.

feels like home. I couldn’t be prouder to be a Real agent. I love the people. I love the platform. The technology, the support, the training. We don’t do silos. We don’t gatekeep. Real is a brokerage obsessed with equipping real estate agents with the knowledge, tools, and support to be exceptional.

This week, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion (but definitely not as an alternate, right, … right??) about what is *actually* working in the field today with the new NAR rule changes. Being honest about the challenges without getting bogged down and burdened. Practical, implementable guidance from agents DOING it—not just pontification or heady ideas, but actionable advice from active agents.

Something I hear from a lot of agents who are considering Real is a fear that they won’t have training and support in a cloud-based environment. The truth is, I’ve never felt so supported or had more access to training than I’ve had here. Not only online but also through numerous in-person opportunities like this. Real has been an industry leader in equipping and supporting agents from all brokerages, especially over the last few weeks.

I’m so grateful to be here. Real has been my best career decision to date. No cap. (👴🏼)

04/16/2024

If you’ve got a move on your mind, you may be wondering whether you should wait to sell until mortgage rates come down before you spring into action. Here’s some information that could help answer that question for you.

In the housing market, there’s a longstanding relationship between mortgage rates and buyer demand. Typically, the higher rates are, you’ll see lower buyer demand. That’s because some people who want to move will be hesitant to take on a higher mortgage rate for their next home. So, they decide to wait it out and put their plans on hold.

But when rates start to come down, things change. It goes from limited or weak demand to good or strong demand. That’s because a big portion of the buyers who sat on the sidelines when rates were higher are going to jump back in and make their moves happen.

As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist for Bright MLS, explains: “The higher rates we’re seeing now [are likely] going to lead more prospective...

If you’ve got a move on your mind, you may be wondering whether you should wait to sell until mortgage rates come down before you spring into action.

04/15/2024

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a number of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But did you also know your tax refund can help you pay for some of these expenses?

While how much money you may get in a tax refund is going to vary, it can be encouraging to have a general idea of what’s possible.

But if you do get a refund, here are a few examples of how you can use it when buying a home. According to Freddie Mac:

• Saving for a down payment – One of the biggest barriers to homeownership is setting aside enough money for a down payment. You could reach your savings goal even faster by using your tax refund to help.
• Paying for closing costs – Closing costs cover some of the payments you’ll make at closing. They’re generally between 2% and 5% of the total purchase price of the home. You could direct your tax refund toward these closing costs.
• Lowering your mortgage rate – Your...

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year?

04/12/2024

If you’re about to retire, or just did, downsizing can be a good way to try to cut down on some of your expenses. Smaller homes typically have lower energy and maintenance costs. Plus, you may have enough equity built up to fuel your move. If you're thinking about moving to a smaller home, let’s go over your goals and look at your options in our local market.

If you’re about to retire, or just did, downsizing can be a good way to try to cut down on some of your expenses.

04/11/2024

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 that can help give you more options that fit the bill.

Newly Built Homes Are Trending Smaller

During the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space for things like working from home, having a home gym, bonus rooms for virtual school, and more.

But with the affordability challenges buyers are facing today, builders are increasingly shifting their attention to bringing smaller single-family homes to the market.

So, why the shift to less square footage? It’s simple. Builders want to build what they know will sell. Basically, they focus on...

There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight.

04/10/2024

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 homeowners are getting used to where rates are and thinking it may be time to move.

What Would Motivate You To Move?

Now that you know why other people would move, take a minute to think about what would make a move worth it for you. Is it time to take a chance and go for your dream job, even though it’s not local? Are you looking for a neighborhood that has more to offer and a close-knit sense of community? Maybe you just need more space, you’re looking for your next great adventure, or you want a house that opens up rental opportunities to pad your income.

And here’s something else to consider. Mortgage rates are still expected to go down over the course of...

When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause.

04/09/2024

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. And here’s why.

A real estate agent does a lot more than you may realize.

1. Deliver Industry Experience

The right agent – the professional – will coach you through everything from start to finish.

2. Provide Expert Local Knowledge

In a world that’s powered by data, a great agent can clarify what it all means, separate fact from fiction, and help you understand how current market trends apply to your unique search.

3. Explain Pricing and Market Value

Agents help you understand the latest pricing trends in your area.

4. Review Contracts and Fine Print

In a fast-moving and heavily regulated process, agents help you make sense of the...

You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions.

04/08/2024

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 debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers you need.

A Bankrate article explains: “Roughly 60 percent of U.S. adults who have held student loan debt have put off making important financial decisions due to that debt . . . For Gen Z and millennial borrowers alone, that number rises to 70 percent.”

This includes one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, buying a home. But you should know, even with student loans, waiting to buy a home may not be necessary. While everyone’s situation is unique, your goal may be more within your reach than you realize. Here’s why.

Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student Loans?

According to...

If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans.

04/05/2024

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 professional is priceless. Let’s connect today.

Hiring an agent when buying a home helps you understand the buying process and the local market.

04/04/2024

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 a big impact on housing. That’s because it would create a whole lot more competition for smaller homes and would throw off the balance of supply and demand, which ultimately would impact home prices.

But here’s the thing. There are a couple of faults in that logic. Let’s break them down and put your mind at ease.

Not All Baby Boomers Plan To Move

For starters, plenty of baby boomers don’t plan on moving at all. A study from the AARP says more than half of adults aged 65 and older want to stay in their homes and not move as they age.

Even Those Who Do Move Won’t Do It All at Once

While not all baby boomers are looking to sell their homes and move – the ones who do...

Have you heard the term “Silver Tsunami” getting tossed around recently? If so, here’s what you really need to know.

04/03/2024

Buying a home this spring? If you’re having a hard time finding a home you love, and mortgage rates are putting pressure on your budget, it may be time to look at newly built homes. Here’s why.

New Home Construction Is an Inventory Bright Spot

When looking for a home, you can choose between existing homes (those that are already built and previously owned) and newly constructed ones. While the number of existing homes for sale has increased this year, there are still fewer available than there were in more typical years in the housing market, like back in 2018 or 2019.

So, if you’re looking to expand your pool of options even more, turning to newly built homes can help. And the good news is, there are more newly built homes to pick from right now.

Builders Are Offering Incentives To Help with Affordability

And to sweeten the pot, builders are offering things like mortgage rate buy-downs and other perks for homebuyers right now. This can help...

Buying a home this spring?