Month: July 2025

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell 

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that. 

What Is Home Staging? 

It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it’s easy for buyers to picture themselves living there. 

It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when you sell – especially in today’s market. 

A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that aren’t staged at all (see below):

Which Rooms Matter Most? 

The best part is, odds are you don’t have to stage your whole house to make an impact.  According to NAR, here’s where buyers’ agents say staging can make the biggest difference (see graph below): 

As you can see, agents who talk to buyers regularly agree, the most important spaces to stage are the rooms where buyers will spend the most time, like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. 

While this can give you a good general idea of what may be worth it and what’s probably not, it can’t match a local agent’s expertise. 

How an Agent Helps You Decide What You Need To Do 

Agents are experts on what buyers are looking for where you live, because they hear that feedback all the time in showings, home tours, walkthroughs, and from other agents. And they’ll use those insights to give their opinion on your specific house and what areas may need a little bit of staging help, like if you need to: 

  • Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal items 
  • Arrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel bigger 
  • Add plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessories 

A lot of buyers can use the agent’s know-how as the only staging advice they need. But, if your home needs more of a transformation, or it’s empty and could benefit from rented furniture, a great agent will be able to determine if bringing in a professional stager might be a good idea, too. Just know that level of help comes with a higher price tag. NAR reports: 

“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers’ agent personally staged the home.” 

A local agent will help you weigh the costs and benefits based on your budget, your timeline, and the overall condition of your house. They’ll also consider how quickly similar homes are selling nearby and what buyers are expecting at your price point. 

Bottom Line 

Staging doesn’t have to be over-the-top or expensive. It just needs to help buyers feel at home. And your Employee Homeownership Program can help you figure out the level of staging that makes the most sense for your goals. Through your homeownership, you have access to a free certified market analysis, staging suggestions, and a fix-it list. Plus, you could also receive reduced real estate commissions, too. 

Schedule your free consultation today and take one smart step closer to the future you’ve worked hard to build. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

What to Do When Interest Rates Change 

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

What To Do When Interest Rates Change

If you’re considering buying a home, you’ve probably noticed how often interest rates make the headlines. Maybe you’re wondering: Should I wait until they drop? Should I hurry before they rise again? Will I still be able to afford a home if rates go higher? 

These are important questions, and you’re not alone in asking them. But the truth is, trying to “time” the interest rate market is nearly impossible. Instead, the most empowering thing you can do is understand how interest rates actually impact your finances, and what to focus on to make a smart decision that works for you. 

Why Timing the Market Doesn’t Work 

It’s tempting to think you should wait until interest rates drop to buy a home. But predicting when rates will rise or fall is incredibly difficult, even for the experts. Rates are influenced by global economics, inflation, government policy, and more. They can shift week to week or even day to day. Trying to wait for the “perfect” rate often leads to missed opportunities, especially if home prices or competition increase in the meantime. 

Instead of chasing the market, a smarter approach is to: 

  • Know what you can afford now based on your income, expenses, and comfort level. 
  • Get pre-approved so you can shop with confidence and move quickly when the right home comes along. 
  • Refinance later if and when interest rates fall — a common strategy many homeowners use. 

Remember, buying a home is about long-term stability, not short-term guessing games. 

Owning a Home Can Protect You From Rising Rent Costs 

While a mortgage payment may seem higher than rent at first glance, it offers something rent doesn’t: predictability. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment stays the same year after year. Rent, on the other hand, typically increases annually. Over time, it’s very possible that a mortgage becomes less expensive than renting. especially when you consider inflation. In that sense, homeownership can actually protect you from rising housing costs in the future. 

So, What Should You Do Next? 

Whether rates are up, down, or in between, your best move is to be informed and ready. That means understanding: 

  • What your current buying power looks like 
  • What kind of monthly payment feels sustainable 
  • What loan programs or down payment help you may qualify for 
  • What steps you can take now to improve your financial position 

A Smart Way to Start 

Your Employee Homeownership Program offers free homeownership financial planning consultations designed to help you make sense of all of this. From understanding current rates to exploring programs that could lower your costs, they’ll help you map out a plan based on your goals and circumstances. 

Take the pressure off. Be informed. Be ready. 

Schedule your free homeownership planning session today through your employee benefit, and take control of your next step. 


SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier.  

Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to Employee Homeownership Benefits Advisor. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork.  

Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers.  

Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First  

This is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at homes online is fun. But doing it before you know your numbers? That’s risky. You don’t want to fall in love with a house that’s way outside of your financial comfort zone. That’s a fast track for getting frustrated.  

Instead, talk to your Employee Homeownership Program Advisor early, before looking at any houses. With their help, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll be able to borrow, which can help you set a realistic budget. Then, you can start shopping for homes that are in your financial comfort zone. More clarity, less frustration.  

Tip #2: Set a Budget and Stick To It  

Remember, just because you can borrow up to a certain amount, chances are you won’t want to max that number out. It’s really important to avoid overextending your budget, especially in today’s market. Other housing expenses like home insurance, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and taxes are on the rise, and you need to factor those in. Bankrate offers this advice:  

“When you’re building a budget to narrow your search for properties, don’t just think about how much house you can afford, but how much in recurring costs you can handle once you’ve purchased your home.”  

So, lean on the pros for advice on expenses you may not be thinking of, so you can work them into your budget.  

Tip #3: Don’t Skip the Inspection  

When you find the right home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But skipping the inspection just to make your offer look stronger is a gamble that could cost you. Instead, work with your agent to schedule a real inspection. They’ll connect you with local pros, make sure it’s booked, and help you understand the results so you can negotiate repairs or ask for money off at closing, if needed. It’s better to invest in this time up front to avoid what could be thousands in surprise repairs later.  

Tip #4: Your First Home Doesn’t Have To Be Your Forever Home  

For a lot of buyers, this is where unnecessary pressure creeps in. But remember, you don’t have to land your dream home right out of the gate. That’s why it’s called a starter home. It’s a starting point, not your final destination. An agent will help you explore all your options, including ones you may not have thought about. For example, a well-kept condo, a townhouse in a great location, or a house with good bones can be a perfect first step into homeownership. The goal? Get in. Start building equity. Then, grow from there.  

Bottom Line  

Buying your first place is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel like a step in the dark. Talk with your Employee Homeownership Advisor about where you’re starting from, what’s stressing you out (or holding you back), and what you actually need to know. Their goal is to make the process easier and less expensive for you! 

What’s one question you wish you could ask an expert right now? 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

Understanding Down Payment Assistance What You May Qualify For

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

Understanding Down Payment Assistance: What You May Qualify For

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial milestones most people reach — but saving for a down payment can feel like a major hurdle. The good news? You may not have to do it alone. 

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs exist to help homebuyers overcome upfront cost barriers and get into a home sooner than they may have thought possible. If you’ve been putting off homeownership because of savings, it’s worth learning what support might be available to you. 

What Is Down Payment Assistance? 

Down payment assistance refers to grants, loans, and financial tools that help cover part or all of your required down payment. Some programs even help with closing costs. These options can reduce the amount of money you need to bring to the table — sometimes by thousands of dollars. 

Assistance may come in the form of: 

  • Grants: Money you don’t have to repay 
  • Forgivable loans: Loans that are waived after a period of time if certain conditions are met 
  • Deferred loans: Loans you repay only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage 
  • Matched savings programs: Where your savings are matched by the provider up to a certain limit 

Do You Qualify? 

Eligibility varies by program, but you may qualify based on factors like: 

  • Your household income 
  • Your credit score or debt-to-income ratio 
  • The location and price of the home 
  • Whether you’ve owned a home in the last 3 years 

While every program is different, a typical minimum credit score is 640, and most programs require your debt-to-income ratio to be 41% or lower. That said, don’t assume you’re disqualified if you fall outside those guidelines, there may still be options available. 

Even if you think you earn too much, or aren’t a first-time buyer, don’t count yourself out. Many employees are surprised to find they qualify for assistance they didn’t know existed. 

Who Offers These Programs? 

While many organizations offer down payment assistance, it’s important to work with someone who knows the landscape and is committed to helping you access every benefit available. 

Unfortunately, many lenders don’t promote DPA programs because they require more paperwork, and the lender earns less money on them. That’s why it’s especially helpful to work through your Employee Homeownership Program. Your Homeownership Advisor is trained to help you find down-payment assistance programs you may qualify for, and they’re here to support you every step of the way. 

How Much Could You Get? 

Many programs offer assistance ranging from $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on your location, income, and loan type. Some employees using their homeownership benefit have reduced their out-of-pocket costs by up to 90% when combining down payment assistance with reduced closing costs available through your Employee Homeownership Program. 

Your Path Starts Here 

If saving for a down payment has held you back, this is your chance to change that. Through your Employee Homeownership Program, you have access to a financial fitness consultation — where you’ll find out: 

  • Exactly how much down payment you’ll need 
  • Whether you’re eligible for assistance 
  • What loan programs fit your financial picture 
  • How to improve your credit or financial profile to open new doors 

This isn’t just about getting help. It’s about getting smart guidance and a plan that makes homeownership feel possible, because it is. 

Ready to see what you qualify for? 

Schedule your free consultation today and find out what support and savings are available to you. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow.