Valerie Zelinski- Realtor

12/09/2025

✨New listing! ✨
Beautiful new pool and luxury kitchen in this great home!
📲 call for more info or to schedule a showing! (480) 881-4717

https://valleysolutionsteam.com/property/22-6954748-7286-e-bobwhite-court-san-tan-valley-AZ-85143

Just listed in San Tan Valley!
A fantastic opportunity for buyers looking in the area.
Reach out to Valerie for details.

11/06/2025

Why You Don’t Need To Be Afraid of Today’s Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for many buyers. Every time they rise, people hesitate and think, “Maybe I’ll wait for a better rate.” But waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up costing more in the long run.

The Magic Number
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“A 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 6% would make the median-priced home affordable for about 5.5 million more households, including 1.6 million renters. If rates were to hit that magic number, about 10%—or 550,000—of those additional households would likely buy a home within the next 12 to 18 months.”

When mortgage rates drop near that 6% mark, the shift in buyer psychology will be huge. Many potential buyers who have been holding off will rush back into the market, creating strong demand and pushing prices higher.

While a 5.99% rate sounds appealing, waiting for that number may not save as much as it seems. On a $400,000 mortgage, the difference between today’s average rate of about 6.2% and 5.99% is roughly $50 per month. That’s about the cost of a few coffee runs or takeout orders. But if prices rise due to increased competition when rates fall, that $50 savings could disappear quickly.

Waiting for a slightly lower rate could also mean missing out on today’s advantages, such as more available homes, stronger negotiating power, and less competition. Once rates dip below 6%, these benefits will start to fade as more buyers reenter the market.

Why Acting Now Makes Sense
Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR, recently noted:

“Over the last five weeks, mortgage rates have averaged 6.31%. This has provided savvy buyers a sweet spot to reexamine the home search process with more inventory, widening their choices.”

Matt Vernon, Head of Retail Lending at Bank of America, adds:

“Rather than waiting for a rate they like better, hopeful homebuyers should assess their personal financial situation. If the house is right for them and the upfront and monthly payments are affordable, it could be the right chance to make a move.”

The Bottom Line
If today’s mortgage rates make you nervous, remember that waiting does not always pay off. Experts predict rates could fall below 6% next year, but that drop will likely bring more buyers back into the market, pushing prices higher and increasing competition.

Buying a home now could offer more flexibility, better selection, and a chance to secure a property before demand surges again. So, don’t let today’s mortgage rates scare you. If the numbers work for your situation, this could be your opportunity to buy before the market heats up once more.

11/05/2025

Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again

If you’ve paused your home search in recent years due to rising prices, limited inventory, or high mortgage rates, it may be time to look again. Today’s housing market is shifting, and in many ways, it’s becoming more favorable for buyers.

After years of steep competition and record-low supply, conditions are balancing out. Home prices have begun to stabilize, mortgage rates are easing slightly, and inventory levels are rising nationwide. Together, these changes are giving buyers something they haven’t had in a while: real options.

Affordability Is Improving

According to Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, “Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”

Recent data supports this. After peaking earlier in the year, mortgage rates have dipped modestly, and price growth has cooled. This combination is improving affordability and helping more buyers re-enter the market who may have felt priced out before.

More Homes, More Choices

Another key shift is the increase in available homes. Realtor.com reports that there are 17% more homes for sale than at this time last year. That rise in inventory means less competition and a greater chance of finding a home that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes that “homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price.” Current inventory levels are the highest since May 2020, offering much-needed breathing room for buyers.

Every region of the country is seeing more listings than last year, though the level of recovery varies. The South and West have seen the most significant rebounds, even exceeding pre-pandemic inventory levels, while the Northeast and Midwest remain somewhat tighter. Still, the overall trend is positive, more homes are available across the board.

Negotiating Power Returns

With more homes on the market and fewer active buyers, sellers are increasingly open to negotiation. Whether that means price adjustments, seller credits, or favorable contingencies, today’s market gives buyers leverage that was largely missing during the frenzied years of bidding wars and cash offers.

Why Local Insight Matters

While national trends show improvement, housing markets remain highly localized. What’s happening in your area may differ from broader patterns, making it crucial to partner with a knowledgeable local agent. They can provide detailed insights into neighborhood inventory, price trends, and timing, ensuring you’re ready when the right opportunity appears.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t the overheated market of 2021, nor the uncertain one of 2023. Conditions are changing, and for many, this is a window of opportunity. If you paused your home search because the market felt too competitive or unaffordable, now may be the perfect time to take another look.

Reach out to a trusted real estate professional for a personalized market update, and discover what new possibilities today’s evolving market may hold for you.

09/18/2025

Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

The current housing market is truly local—depending on where you live, it may feel like a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. In a buyer’s market, inventory outpaces demand, homes sit on the market longer and sellers often make concessions.

In a seller’s market, limited supply fuels competition, leading to quicker sales and higher prices. Right now, much of the Northeast and Midwest leans toward a seller’s market, with buyers still outnumbering available homes and prices continuing to rise. Conversely, parts of the South and West have shifted to a buyer’s market due to more listings and cooled demand.

Price trends follow this divide: many metros in the Northeast and Midwest remain on an upward trajectory, while several markets in the South and West are flat or slightly down. Even within the same city, different neighborhoods can tell unique stories.

That’s why partnering with a local real‑estate professional is critical. An agent can help you identify whether your area favors buyers or sellers, craft the right offer or listing strategy and understand the nuances that impact your goals. With hyper‑local insight, you’ll be better equipped to navigate today’s varied market landscape.

09/11/2025

What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a Home?

Many would‑be buyers overestimate the credit score needed to secure a mortgage. According to Fannie Mae, 90 percent of people either don’t know or guess too high. There’s no single number that unlocks homeownership.

Median credit scores vary by loan type, and every lender has its own criteria. Your score affects the type of loan you qualify for, the interest rate and the overall terms. Generally, higher scores lead to better rates and lower monthly payments, but you don’t need perfect credit to buy.

If you’re aiming to improve your score, start by paying your bills on time, since payment history is a major factor. Reduce your credit card balances. Lenders prefer you to use less of your available credit. Request a copy of your credit report and fix any errors you spot. Avoid applying for new credit cards or loans right before you shop for a mortgage, as those inquiries can temporarily lower your score.

To learn exactly where you stand and what loan options may be available, speak with a lender who can review your credit profile and offer personalized guidance.

09/08/2025

The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

Pricing your home above market value might seem like a way to “test the waters,” but it can backfire. Overpricing often forces sellers into one of three undesirable outcomes. You may end up dropping the price later, which can make buyers wonder if there’s something wrong with the property. You might take the listing off the market altogether, delaying your plans to relocate or buy another home. Or you could become an accidental landlord, renting out a home you intended to sell and dealing with tenants, maintenance and legal responsibilities.

Price‑cut data varies by region. Reductions are more common in the South and West because of increased inventory, while the Northeast and Midwest see fewer cuts due to limited supply. A local agent knows how your area is performing and can advise whether pricing at current market value or slightly below could attract more buyers and generate multiple offers.

By pricing strategically from the start and listening to market data, you can avoid unnecessary stress and achieve a smoother sale.

09/05/2025

The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

Many potential buyers believe you need a down payment of at least 10 percent... or even 20 percent... to purchase a home, but data tells a different story. Typical down payments for first‑time buyers range from 6 to 9 percent. FHA loans allow you to put as little as 3.5 percent down, and VA loans require no down payment at all for qualified borrowers.

The time it takes to save that amount varies by state and personal circumstances, but you may be closer to homeownership than you realize.

There are also thousands of down‑payment assistance programs across the country that can help cover part or all of your down payment and closing costs. Unfortunately, nearly four out of ten people aren’t aware these programs exist.

An agent can connect you with local resources and lenders who know how to leverage them. Don’t let misconceptions keep you on the sidelines—explore all your options and you might find a pathway to owning your own home sooner than expected.

09/01/2025

3 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today

New construction can address some of the challenges buyers face right now. First, supply has increased—about one in five homes available is a new build, giving you more options and often more modern designs.

Second, builders are responding to slower sales by offering incentives. Many are reducing list prices or including upgrades like premium appliances, extra landscaping or closing‑cost contributions that make the final cost more affordable.

Third, builders often have partnerships with preferred lenders, allowing them to offer special financing packages—sometimes with rates up to half a percent lower than comparable resale mortgages. These perks can make new construction an attractive alternative, especially when existing‑home inventory is tight and resale owners are reluctant to list because they’re locked into low rates.

If you’re struggling to find a resale home that meets your needs, take a look at what local builders are offering—you might find a brand‑new home is within reach.

08/30/2025

A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan

For many Americans, retirement feels uncertain. Nearly seven out of ten say the current financial environment makes planning difficult, and they aren’t sure when—or if—retirement will be possible. Real estate can provide stability in a turbulent market.

Owning a second home offers multiple benefits: it can appreciate over time, adding to your net worth; it can generate rental income, helping you pay the mortgage or supplement other income sources; and it diversifies your assets beyond stocks and bonds. Contrary to popular belief, most second‑home owners aren’t institutional investors; the majority own only one to five properties.

Today’s market conditions—more inventory, price reductions and longer days on market mean buyers often have greater negotiating power. If you’ve been considering purchasing a second home for retirement or vacation, this could be an opportune moment.

Consult with a local real‑estate professional and a lender familiar with second‑home financing to understand your options and learn how a second property could support your long‑term financial goals.

08/25/2025

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Going the “For Sale By Owner” route seems like a way to save money, but statistics suggest otherwise. Homes sold with an agent last year closed for nearly 15 percent more on average than homes sold without one.

More listings mean more competition, so sellers need professional expertise to stand out. Pricing mistakes are common when owners go it alone; an overpriced home languishes, while underpricing leaves money on the table. Even if your home sparks interest, an agent’s marketing reach and negotiation skills can secure a stronger offer and more favorable terms. In fact, more than one‑fifth of sellers who attempt to go solo eventually hire an agent after experiencing setbacks.

A seasoned agent assists with pricing, staging, marketing, negotiating and navigating inspections and appraisals. If maximizing your net proceeds and minimizing headaches are your goals, partnering with a professional from the beginning is your best move.

08/22/2025

Online Home‑Buying Search Terms Recently Hit a Two‑Year High

Google Trends shows that search interest in home‑buying terms has reached levels not seen in two years, indicating a surge in consumer curiosity despite high mortgage rates and elevated home prices.

What this tells us is that many buyers haven’t given up; they are monitoring the market and waiting for the right combination of home, price and rate.

For sellers, this is a reminder that demand still exists. You don’t need a bidding war to sell successfully; you just need the right buyer. If you’re considering listing your home, get ahead by preparing now: make repairs, consider staging and consult your agent about pricing strategies.

For buyers, this surge in searches means you’re not alone in watching and waiting. Stay connected with a real‑estate professional, so you’ll be ready when the right opportunity arises.

08/19/2025

What You Need To Know About Concessions

Rising inventory means buyers currently have more choices than they did a year or two ago. Sellers can gain an edge by offering concession, financial incentives that make the purchase more attractive.

Common concessions include paying all or part of the buyer’s closing costs, covering needed repairs, providing a home warranty, or even offering a rate buydown to help buyers with mortgage affordability. Nearly half of home sellers are making some form of concession, reflecting a market where flexibility can seal a deal.

If you’re selling, work with a knowledgeable local agent to determine which concessions make sense for your home and your market. The right incentive can be a win‑win: buyers save money up front while you achieve your selling goals without resorting to price cuts or sitting on the market for months.