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Before You Buy That Fixer-Upper, Read This!

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  For the first time in years, existing homes (yes, the older ones that often need updates) are selling for more than brand-new construction.  According to the latest numbers , the median price of an existing home is $429,400. For a newly built home? $410,800. That’s an $18,600 difference. So if you’ve been eyeing a resale home thinking it’s the “cheaper” option, you might want to check out all your options. Let’s break down what’s going on, why it matters, and what it means if you’re thinking about buying a home. The Numbers Say It All It used to be that brand-new homes were priced way above resales. From 2010 to 2019, the gap between new and existing homes averaged about $66,000. Over the past five years, that gap narrowed to around $25,000 on average. Things first flipped in Q2 and Q3 of 2024, when the median price of existing homes surpassed new homes for the first time. And now in 2025, that trend is holding strong. Not only are resale homes more expensive than new const...

Thinking of Downsizing? Read This First

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  If you’ve owned your home for more than a few years, chances are you’re sitting on a significant amount of equity, and possibly wondering if now’s the time to downsize. According to a recent Realtor.com analysis , baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—own an estimated $18 to $19 trillion worth of real estate. That’s nearly half of the housing wealth in the U.S. Whether your kids are out of the house, you're retiring, or just want less maintenance, selling your longtime home can unlock major financial and lifestyle opportunities. But it also comes with questions: Where will you go next? How do you maximize your return? What steps should you take before listing? Here’s a complete guide to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan that preserves your wealth. Step 1: Understand Your Equity Position You probably already know your home’s value has gone up. But do you know by how much ? Your equity is the difference between your home’s market value and what you...

How Today’s Buyers Are Getting Creative to Afford a Home

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  Overwhelmed by high home prices, interest rates, or the feeling that you’re “just not ready” to be a homeowner yet? You’re not alone. According to the  2025 NextGen Homebuyer Report , nearly 60% of Gen Z and Millennial buyers believe homeownership is attainable, but only 19% think now is a good time to buy. So what are they doing instead? They’re getting creative. Here are the four most popular alternative buying strategies young buyers are using to make homeownership work in 2025, plus how to know if one might be right for you. 1. Buying a Fixer-Upper Used by:  42% of buyers surveyed Good for:  Handy buyers who want more space for less money Not great for:  Those who need move-in-ready or have limited renovation budgets Buying a home that needs a little love can be one of the smartest ways to get into a neighborhood you otherwise couldn’t afford. In many markets, fixer-uppers sell for 10–30% below comparable move-in-ready homes. Pros: Lower upfront cost Oppor...

How to Help Your Kid Buy a Home—Without Triggering Taxes or Tension

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  So your kid wants to buy a home, and you're thinking about stepping in to help. Good news: you’re not alone. Bad news: doing it wrong can trigger taxes, tension, or both. Today’s first-time buyers are facing a combo of sky-high prices and interest rates that just won’t quit. The typical down payment climbed to $63,000 in 2024, and mortgage payments are at near-record highs. According to a Redfin survey , almost a quarter of Gen Z and Millennial buyers recently used family money to make it happen, either as a cash gift or inheritance. And while the term “nepo-homebuyer” might get thrown around, let’s be real: giving your kids a leg up in this market isn’t favoritism, it’s financial strategy. The trick is doing it right. Even the most generous moves can backfire if you don’t plan ahead. I've seen it all: families caught off guard by taxes, relationships strained by miscommunication, and properties stuck in probate for months. Let’s make sure that’s not you. Here are the 3 best ...

Forget Zillow: Here’s the Real Way to Price Your Home to Sell!

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  If your home didn’t sell the first time, or you’re thinking about listing soon, there’s one question that can make or break your entire experience: How do you price your home? Not “what’s it worth” on Zillow. Not “what you need to net” to buy your next home. Not even “what the neighbor’s house sold for.” We’re talking about a real pricing strategy, one based on data, buyer behavior, and your goals. Unfortunately, a lot of agents don’t have one.  Instead, they lean into the number you want to hear, list the property, and hope for the best. But hope isn’t a strategy. And it’s showing in the data. A Rise in Delistings According to Realtor.com, delistings surged 47% in May compared to last year. That means    homeowners across the country are pulling their homes off the market in frustration, many of them after weeks of no showings, no offers, or disappointing price reductions. Even with inventory on the rise and more buyers getting off the sidelines, sellers are find...

5 Costly Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling Their Home!

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  If you’re thinking about selling your home, there’s a good chance you’ve already asked yourself the big question: What’s it worth? But the better question might be: What will it actually sell for? The truth is, how much money you walk away with doesn’t just depend on your home's condition or your neighborhood comps. It depends on the decisions you make before your home even hits the market. And according to new research from Zillow, a lot of sellers are still getting some of the basics wrong. Here are five of the most common seller mistakes, and what to do instead. 1. Spending Too Much on the Wrong Upgrades We all want our home to look its best, especially when it’s about to be judged by every buyer on the internet. But here’s the mistake: 23% of homeowners believe adding square footage (like building an addition) is the best way to boost resale value. You’re better off focusing on affordable, high-impact projects like fresh paint, updated landscaping, and good lighting. These a...

πŸ”Ÿ Top Real Estate Questions in Miramar, FL

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  1) What is the average home price in Miramar, FL right now? Buyers and sellers want to understand market trends. As of early 2025, the average home price in Miramar is in the mid-$500Ks, depending on neighborhood and property type. 2) Is Miramar a buyer's or seller's market? This fluctuates. In recent years, Miramar has leaned toward a moderately competitive market, with homes selling faster in neighborhoods near I-75. 3) What are the best neighborhoods in Miramar for families? Commonly asked by relocation buyers. Top-rated family-friendly areas include Silver Lakes, Monarch Lakes, and Riviera Isles—many with gated communities, A-rated schools, and community amenities. 4) How are the schools in Miramar? School quality is a huge driver. Somerset Academy, Miramar High, and Dolphin Bay Elementary are frequently searched schools with strong reputations. Buyers frequently ask for insight on Broward County School ratings or how specific neighborhoods feed into top-rated pub...