Buying and Selling Strategies Archives

Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home

Posted on November 17, 2025December 18, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home

When planning to sell your home, most people focus on the potential sale price and real estate commission. However, several additional expenses can significantly impact your final profit. Understanding these hidden costs helps you set realistic expectations and protect your hard-earned equity throughout the selling process.

Beyond the Commission: Closing Costs

While real estate commissions are the most discussed expense, sellers also face various closing costs that can total 1% to 3% of the sale price. These typically include transfer taxes, title insurance, attorney fees, and recording fees. In some markets, sellers may also cover a portion of the buyer’s closing costs as a sales concession, which can add another 1% to 3% to your expenses.

Additionally, don’t forget about prorated property taxes, HOA fees, and any outstanding municipal liens. These amounts are settled at closing and deducted from your proceeds, so accounting for them early helps avoid surprises.

Preparation and Repair Expenses

Before your home hits the market, you’ll likely need to invest in repairs and improvements to maximize your sale price. These can range from minor touch-ups like fresh paint and landscaping to major repairs identified during inspections. Many sellers spend between 1-2% of their home’s value on pre-listing repairs and updates.

Consider costs for professional cleaning, carpet cleaning, and potentially staging your home. While staging can help your home sell faster and for a higher price, it represents an upfront investment that needs to be factored into your overall budget.

The Holding Costs Many Forget

If you purchase your next home before selling your current one, you may face overlapping mortgage payments, utility bills, and maintenance costs for both properties. Even a short overlap of 1-2 months can represent a significant financial burden.

Also consider potential HOA fees, lawn care, and basic utilities that continue until the sale officially closes. These holding costs can accumulate quickly, especially if your home sits on the market longer than anticipated.

Capital Gains and Moving Expenses

While not everyone pays capital gains tax (thanks to the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for single/married filers), if your profit exceeds these amounts, you’ll need to account for this tax liability. Consult with a tax professional to understand your specific situation.

Finally, don’t underestimate moving costs. Professional movers, packing supplies, temporary storage, and setting up utilities in your new home all add to your overall expenses. These typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the distance and amount of belongings.

Planning for a Profitable Sale

Being aware of these potential costs allows you to create a realistic budget and timeline for your home sale. With proper planning and the right guidance, you can navigate these expenses while maximizing your final profit.

Understanding the full financial picture of home selling is an important part of homeownership readiness and long-term financial wellness.

Schedule your free consultation with Advantage Home Plus to explore your path to homeownership and receive personalized guidance for your specific situation.

Mortgage Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification Guide

Posted on November 5, 2025December 18, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Mortgage Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification Guide

When you’re ready to start house hunting, you’ll likely hear two terms that sound similar but carry very different weight: mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval. Understanding this distinction isn’t just financial jargon, it’s the difference between window shopping and serious home buying, and it can significantly impact your home purchase success.

Pre-Qualification: The Starting Point

Think of pre-qualification as a preliminary conversation. It’s typically a quick process where you provide a lender with basic financial information, often without documentation. The lender gives you an estimate of what you might borrow based on this self-reported data.

While pre-qualification is useful for getting a general idea of your price range, it carries little weight with sellers because no one has verified your financial information. It’s essentially an educated guess that helps you understand where you might stand in the homebuying process.

Pre-Approval: Your Homebuying Power

Pre-approval is where you transition from curious shopper to serious buyer. This comprehensive process involves completing a formal mortgage application and providing documentation of your income, assets, debts, and credit history. The lender performs a hard credit check and thoroughly reviews your financial profile.

The result is a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount, typically provided in a pre-approval letter. This document tells sellers you’re a qualified buyer whose finances have been vetted, giving you significant credibility in competitive markets where multiple offers are common.

Why Pre-Approval Matters in Today’s Market

In competitive housing environments, sellers often receive multiple offers. Your pre-approval letter demonstrates that you’re not just interested, you’re financially prepared to follow through. Many sellers won’t even consider offers without this verification, as it reduces the risk of deals falling through due to financing issues.

Beyond impressing sellers, pre-approval provides you with concrete knowledge of what you can afford. This prevents the heartbreak of falling in love with a home outside your budget and helps you shop with confidence and financial clarity.

The Strategic Advantage of Being Pre-Approved

When you’re pre-approved, you’re not just guessing at your budget, you’re working with confirmed numbers. This positions you to move quickly when you find the right property, which is crucial in fast-moving markets where hesitation can mean losing your dream home to another buyer.

The pre-approval process also identifies any potential issues in your financial profile early, giving you time to address them before you’re emotionally invested in a specific property. This proactive approach transforms what could be last-minute obstacles into manageable steps in your homebuying journey.

Building Your Homebuying Confidence

Understanding these differences represents more than just financial knowledge; it’s about approaching one of life’s biggest decisions with clarity and confidence. When you know exactly where you stand financially, you can navigate the home search process with greater assurance and less stress.

The right guidance can help you understand which option best suits your current situation and how to prepare for the pre-approval process when you’re ready to take that step.

Your Path to Informed Homebuying

Whether you’re just beginning to explore homeownership or are ready to start shopping, understanding the mortgage landscape is your first step toward making confident decisions. Having the right information transforms complex processes into manageable steps toward your goals.

Schedule your free consultation today to explore your path to homeownership and receive personalized guidance on preparing for your mortgage journey.

Home Buying Roadmap: Start to Closing

Posted on October 30, 2025December 18, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Home Buying Roadmap: Start to Closing

Get our step-by-step first-time home buyer guide. Learn how to navigate the entire process from dreaming to closing with confidence and clarity. — *Following a clear home buying roadmap helps first-time buyers navigate each step with confidence and financial clarity.*

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting financial journeys you’ll ever take. While the process may seem complex, having a clear roadmap can transform this milestone from overwhelming to achievable. This guide walks you through each essential step, helping you build confidence as you move from dreaming to holding your new keys.

Step 1: Assess Your Financial Health

Before falling in love with listings, take an honest look at your financial picture. Review your credit score, calculate your debt-to-income ratio, and understand your spending habits. This financial readiness check helps you understand what you can comfortably afford, not just what you might qualify to borrow.

Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn they may need less for a down payment than they assumed. Various loan programs require as little as 3% down, and down payment assistance programs can provide additional support for qualified buyers.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved

A mortgage pre-approval does more than estimate your budget it demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious buyer. This step involves working with a lender who will verify your financial information and provide a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount.

Having a pre-approval letter in hand before you start serious house hunting strengthens your position in competitive markets. It also gives you a clear price range, saving time and emotional energy by focusing your search on homes you can truly afford.

Step 3: Begin Your Home Search

Now comes the exciting part of finding your future home. Work with a trusted real estate agent who understands your needs and local market conditions. Be prepared to view multiple properties and keep an open mind about potential homes that might need minor updates but fit your core requirements.

Remember that your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. Focus on finding a property that meets your current needs while building equity for your next move.

Step 4: Make an Offer and Navigate Inspections

Once you’ve found the right home, your agent will help you craft a competitive offer. After the seller accepts, you’ll enter the due diligence period, which typically includes a home inspection. This crucial step identifies any potential issues with the property and may provide opportunities for negotiation.

The inspection period also allows time for the mortgage underwriter to finalize your loan approval. During this phase, avoid making major financial changes like switching jobs or taking on new debt, as this could affect your loan qualification.

Step 5: Prepare for Closing

The final stretch involves reviewing your closing disclosure, securing homeowners insurance, and conducting a final walkthrough of the property. Your closing agent will coordinate the signing of all necessary documents and the transfer of funds.

At closing, you’ll sign the mortgage documents, pay your closing costs and down payment, and officially become a homeowner. This moment represents the culmination of your careful planning and preparation.

Your Path Forward

Every successful home buying journey begins with a single step. Having the right information and support can make the difference between a stressful experience and a confident, well-managed process.

Schedule your free consultation today to explore your path to homeownership and receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation and goals.

Home Buying With Student Loans Guide

Posted on October 24, 2025December 18, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Home Buying With Student Loans Guide

If you’re carrying student loan debt while dreaming of homeownership, you’re not alone and you’re not disqualified. Many successful homebuyers navigate this exact situation every year. With the right approach to money management and financial wellness, your education debt doesn’t have to prevent you from building equity in a home of your own.

Understanding How Lenders View Student Loans

When mortgage lenders review your application, they’re not just looking at your total debt they’re assessing your ability to manage all your payments comfortably. The key metric they use is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income.

Most conventional loans allow a DTI up to 43%, though some government-backed programs may be more flexible. Your student loans are part of this calculation, but they don’t automatically disqualify you. What matters most is demonstrating that you can handle all your financial obligations including a potential mortgage payment.

Practical Steps to Mortgage Readiness

1. Know Your Numbers
Start by calculating your current DTI. Add up all your minimum monthly debt payments (student loans, car payment, credit cards) and divide by your gross monthly income. This gives you a clear starting point and helps you understand what mortgage payment you might comfortably afford.

2. Explore Repayment Options
If your student loan payments are high relative to your income, investigate income-driven repayment plans. These can lower your monthly payment, which improves your DTI and increases your home buying power. Just remember that extending your repayment term may mean paying more interest over time.

3. Build Your Savings Strategy
While some loan programs require as little as 3% down, having additional savings for closing costs and emergency funds strengthens your application. Consistent saving demonstrates financial responsibility to lenders and provides a safety net once you’re a homeowner.

Myths vs. Reality

Myth: You need to pay off all student debt before buying a home.
Reality: Most buyers don’t wait. What matters is having a manageable DTI and solid payment history.

Myth: Student loans automatically disqualify you from the best mortgage rates.
Reality: Your credit score, down payment, and DTI collectively determine your rate, not the mere presence of student debt.

Building Your Homeownership Timeline

Creating a realistic timeline is crucial for home buying readiness. If your DTI needs improvement, give yourself 6-12 months to pay down credit cards or increase your income. Use this time to check your credit report for errors and build your savings. Remember that every on-time student loan payment helps your credit history.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Financial wellness isn’t about having zero debt; it’s about managing your obligations while working toward your goals. Many people successfully balance student loans with mortgage payments by planning carefully and understanding lender requirements.

The path to homeownership while managing student debt requires careful planning, but it’s achievable with the right information and preparation.

Schedule your free consultation today to explore your path to homeownership and receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique financial situation.

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market – Spanish

Posted on September 10, 2025September 11, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Tácticas de negociación en el mercado actual

Si aún no lo ha escuchado, los compradores de vivienda están recuperando parte del poder de negociación en el mercado actual. Y aunque eso no convierte al mercado en uno de compradores, sí significa que los compradores pueden solicitar un poco más. Por eso, los vendedores deben estar preparados para esa posibilidad y saber de antemano qué están dispuestos a negociar.

Ya sea que esté buscando comprar o vender una casa, aquí tiene un breve resumen de las posibles negociaciones que pueden surgir durante su transacción. De esta manera, estará preparado sin importar de qué lado del trato se encuentre.

Qué puede negociar?

La mayoría de los aspectos en la compra de una vivienda están sobre la mesa de negociación. Aquí tiene solo algunos de esos elementos, según Kiplinger y LendingTree:

Precio de venta: El más evidente es el precio de la vivienda. Y este factor se está utilizando con mayor frecuencia hoy en día. Los compradores no quieren pagar de más cuando la asequibilidad ya es tan limitada. Y los vendedores que no son realistas con su precio de venta pueden tener que considerar ajustarlo.
Reparaciones de la vivienda: Con base en la inspección, el comprador tiene derecho a solicitar al vendedor reparaciones razonables. Si el vendedor no quiere hacerlas, puede ofrecer reducir el precio de la vivienda o cubrir parte de los costos de cierre, para que el comprador tenga el dinero y pueda afrontarlas por su cuenta.
Accesorios y electrodomésticos: Los compradores también pueden solicitar que se incluyan electrodomésticos o muebles en la venta. Que el vendedor incluya la lavadora y la secadora reduce los gastos que tendría el comprador al mudarse. Como vendedor, usted puede dejar los electrodomésticos existentes para endulzar la oferta para el comprador y comprarse unos nuevos en su próximo hogar.
Costos de cierre: Generalmente representan entre un 2% y un 5% del precio de compra de la vivienda. Los compradores pueden pedir al vendedor que pague algunos o todos estos gastos para reducir el efectivo que el comprador debe aportar al cierre.
Garantías de vivienda: Los compradores pueden pedir al vendedor que pague una garantía para la vivienda. Esto es excelente para compradores preocupados por los costos de mantenimiento que puedan surgir después de tomar posesión de la vivienda. Y, dado que esta concesión generalmente no es muy costosa para el vendedor, puede ser una buena opción para ambas partes.
Fecha de cierre: Los compradores pueden solicitar un cierre más rápido o más extendido según su propio calendario. El vendedor también puede defender lo que necesita según su mudanza para encontrar el compromiso adecuado.

Una cosa es cierta, ya sea que usted sea comprador o vendedor: su Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados puede ayudarle durante todo el proceso. Pueden ayudarle a descubrir qué busca la otra parte, y esa información puede ser muy valiosa en la mesa de negociación.

En resumen

Los compradores están recuperando parte del poder de negociación en el mercado actual. Como comprador, conocer las palancas que puede accionar le ayudará a sentirse seguro y empoderado al hacer su compra. Como vendedor, anticipar lo que pueden pedirle le da la oportunidad de pensar qué estará dispuesto a ofrecer.

Quiere conversar más sobre qué esperar y las opciones que tiene? Conéctese con su Asesor del Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados.

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

La información y las opiniones contenidas en este artículo no deben interpretarse como asesoramiento en materia de inversiones. Advantage Home Plus no garantiza ni asegura la exactitud ni la integridad de la información u opiniones aquí contenidas. Nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Usted siempre debe realizar su propia investigación y diligencia debida y obtener asesoramiento profesional antes de tomar cualquier decisión de inversión. Las contribuciones a las comisiones inmobiliarias están disponibles según lo permitan las leyes estatales.

A Record Number Are Planning To Buy in 2026 – Are You? – Spanish

Posted on September 10, 2025September 10, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Un número récord planea comprar en 2026 — y usted?

Este podría ser el año para vender su casa — y aquí le contamos por qué. Según una encuesta reciente de NerdWallet, el 15% de las personas planea comprar una vivienda este año. De hecho, esta cifra representa un récord histórico para esta encuesta (vea el gráfico a continuación):

Por qué esto es tan importante El porcentaje ha estado entre un 9 y un 11% desde 2021. Este aumento reciente muestra que la demanda de compradores no ha desaparecido; al contrario, indica que existe una demanda contenida lista para volver al mercado.

Eso no significa que se abrirán las compuertas ni que habrá una oleada masiva de compradores como vimos hace unos años. Pero sí señala que habrá más actividad este año que el anterior.
Al menos algunos de los compradores que habían pospuesto sus planes en los últimos años volverán a entrar al mercado. Ya sea porque se sienten más seguros para mudarse, porque finalmente han ahorrado lo suficiente para comprar, o simplemente porque no pueden esperar más: este es el año en el que planean dar el paso.

Y, según esa misma encuesta de NerdWallet, más de la mitad (54%) de esos posibles compradores ya han comenzado a buscar viviendas en línea.

Ese es un buen indicador de que varios de estos compradores estarán buscando durante la temporada alta de compra de viviendas esta primavera. Así que, si está pensando en vender su casa, es importante asegurarse de que su propiedad esté preparada, bien valorada y correctamente promocionada, para que pueda mostrársela a ellos.

En resumen

Más personas se van a mudar este año y, con la estrategia adecuada, usted puede asegurarse de que su casa sea una de las primeras que vean. Su Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados puede ayudarle a crear una estrategia para que su casa sea vista por los compradores adecuados, se venda y maximice su beneficio.

Qué cree que les gustará más de su casa a estos compradores?
Conéctese con su Asesor del Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados para comentarlo y asegurarse de que ese aspecto esté en primer plano en su anuncio.

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

La información y las opiniones contenidas en este artículo no deben interpretarse como asesoramiento en materia de inversiones. Advantage Home Plus no garantiza ni asegura la exactitud ni la integridad de la información u opiniones aquí contenidas. Nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Usted siempre debe realizar su propia investigación y diligencia debida y obtener asesoramiento profesional antes de tomar cualquier decisión de inversión. Las contribuciones a las comisiones inmobiliarias están disponibles según lo permitan las leyes estatales.

Thinking About Investment Property? Here’s What You Should Know – Spanish

Posted on September 10, 2025September 11, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Está pensando en una propiedad de inversión? Esto es lo que debe saber

Explorar inversiones inmobiliarias, como comprar una vivienda para alquilar, puede ser una forma inteligente de generar riqueza a largo plazo. No solo los ingresos por alquiler pueden apoyar su flujo de efectivo mensual, sino que el valor de la vivienda también puede apreciarse con el tiempo.

Tipos a considerar

Viviendas unifamiliares: Simples, menor mantenimiento, ideales para inversionistas primerizos.
Edificios multifamiliares (dúplex, tríplex, etc.): Mayor potencial de ingresos pero requieren más gestión.
Unidades de vivienda accesorias (ADU): Apartamentos en garaje o en el patio que pueden generar ingresos por alquiler sin comprar una nueva propiedad.

Analizando los números

Antes de comprar, siempre tenga en cuenta:

Pagos hipotecarios (capital + intereses)
Impuestos sobre la propiedad y seguro para arrendadores
Mantenimiento, reparaciones, períodos de vacancia y honorarios de administración

Consideraciones sobre el financiamiento

El financiamiento para propiedades de inversión generalmente requiere:

Pagos iniciales más altos (a menudo 15–20%)
Puntuaciones de crédito más altas y requisitos más estrictos del prestamista
Reservas de efectivo amplias (que cubran de 3 a 6 meses de pagos hipotecarios) para afrontar costos inesperados o períodos de vacancia

Comience con inteligencia

Una tendencia creciente, llamada “house hacking”, consiste en comprar una propiedad multifamiliar, vivir en una parte y alquilar las demás. Usted podría calificar para un pago inicial más bajo porque cuenta como residencia principal. Como residencia principal, solo necesita comprometerse a vivir en la propiedad durante los próximos 12 meses. Después de 12 meses, puede alquilar ambas unidades y comprar otra propiedad.

Cómo le ayuda su beneficio de propiedad de vivienda para empleados

Navegar por las decisiones sobre propiedades de inversión no tiene por qué ser abrumador. A través de su Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados, usted obtendrá:

Una consulta de Bienestar Financiero para revisar su situación y evaluar si invertir tiene sentido para usted.
Apoyo experto para identificar opciones de financiamiento que se adapten a sus objetivos.
Acceso a agentes inmobiliarios preseleccionados que conocen los vecindarios de inversión y pueden guiarlo con confianza.

Listo para explorar?

Tiene curiosidad por saber si una propiedad de alquiler podría ser su próximo paso? Solicite una consulta gratuita. Obtendrá claridad sobre si la inversión en alquiler se alinea con sus objetivos y cómo sus beneficios pueden ayudarle a que sea más sencilla y menos costosa.

Comencemos a ayudarle a construir un impulso financiero a largo plazo — ya sea que esté pensando en su primera vivienda o en su próxima aventura inmobiliaria.

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

La información y las opiniones contenidas en este artículo no deben interpretarse como asesoramiento en materia de inversiones. Advantage Home Plus no garantiza ni asegura la exactitud ni la integridad de la información u opiniones aquí contenidas. Nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Usted siempre debe realizar su propia investigación y diligencia debida y obtener asesoramiento profesional antes de tomar cualquier decisión de inversión. Las contribuciones a las comisiones inmobiliarias están disponibles según lo permitan las leyes estatales.

Understanding Mortgage Income Guidelines: What You Need to Know – Spanish

Posted on September 10, 2025September 11, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Comprender las pautas de ingresos hipotecarios: lo que necesita saber

Está pensando en comprar una vivienda? Una de las primeras preguntas que muchos se hacen es: cuánto ingreso necesito realmente? La respuesta no es una cantidad fija, sino que varía. Lo más importante no es solo el nivel de ingresos, sino su salud financiera en general.

No hay ingreso mínimo — pero sus finanzas siguen contando

No existe un requisito universal de ingresos para calificar para una hipoteca. En cambio, los prestamistas se enfocan en si sus ingresos pueden respaldar de manera confiable sus pagos mensuales. El factor más importante? Su relación deuda-ingresos (DTI, por sus siglas en inglés).

Referencias típicas de DTI según el tipo de préstamo:

Préstamos convencionales: hasta aproximadamente 39% en general (puede llegar hasta ~50% con factores compensatorios).
Préstamos FHA: hasta aproximadamente 43–50% bajo ciertas condiciones.
Préstamos VA y USDA: normalmente hasta ~41%.

Cómo calcular el DTI:
DTI = (Deudas mensuales totales + pago de vivienda esperado) ÷ Ingreso mensual bruto

Por ejemplo, si sus deudas más la vivienda costarían $2,500 al mes y su ingreso es $6,000 al mes, su DTI es de aproximadamente 42%.

Qué cuenta como “ingreso”?

Sorprendentemente, el ingreso que califica es más flexible de lo que muchos esperan. Los prestamistas pueden considerar:

Sueldo de empleos (tiempo completo, tiempo parcial, horas extras).
Trabajo freelance o por contrato (con documentación fiscal).
Bonos, comisiones y propinas — promediados con el tiempo.
Pagos de jubilación, pensión o Seguro Social.
Manutención por divorcio, pagos de fideicomisos, ingresos por alquiler y más — con la debida documentación.

Ingresos estables y documentación: la clave

Su capacidad de pago —no solo su ingreso— es lo que realmente importa. Para la mayoría de los préstamos, los prestamistas solicitarán:

Al menos 2 años de historial laboral o de ingresos estables.
Documentos como formularios W-2, recibos de pago recientes, declaraciones de impuestos, estados de resultados (para autónomos).
Comprobación de reservas suficientes, a menudo 2+ meses de pagos hipotecarios, puede mejorar sus posibilidades de aprobación.

Cómo le apoya su Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados

Su beneficio no solo se trata de educación; también ofrece orientación personalizada:

Una consulta gratuita de Bienestar Financiero para evaluar para qué califica y qué tipos de préstamos podrían ser ideales para usted.
Ayuda para identificar si su DTI necesita ajustes y estrategias para reducirlo.
Apoyo para reunir la documentación de ingresos, especialmente si es autónomo o tiene fuentes de ingresos no tradicionales.
Acceso a prestamistas aprobados por el programa que ofrecen condiciones favorables y opciones flexibles.

En resumen

No necesita un ingreso específico; lo que importa es su fiabilidad financiera y la documentación que lo respalde. Si no está seguro de su situación, comuníquese con su Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados. Ellos pueden ayudarle a aclarar su elegibilidad, explorar sus opciones y encaminarlo hacia una experiencia de compra de vivienda informada y segura.

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

La información y las opiniones contenidas en este artículo no deben interpretarse como asesoramiento en materia de inversiones. Advantage Home Plus no garantiza ni asegura la exactitud ni la integridad de la información u opiniones aquí contenidas. Nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Usted siempre debe realizar su propia investigación y diligencia debida y obtener asesoramiento profesional antes de tomar cualquier decisión de inversión. Las contribuciones a las comisiones inmobiliarias están disponibles según lo permitan las leyes estatales.

A Record Number Are Planning To Buy in 2026 – Are You?

Posted on September 10, 2025September 10, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

A Record Number Are Planning To Buy in 2026 – Are You?

This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 11% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey (see graph below):

Here’s why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2021. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to come back to the market.

That doesn’t mean the floodgates are opening and that there’s going to be a huge wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this does signal there’ll be more activity this year than last.

At least some of the buyers who put their plans on hold over the past few years will jump back in. Whether they’re feeling more confident about moving, they’ve finally saved up enough to buy, or they simply can’t wait any longer – this is the year they’re aiming to take the plunge.

And, according to that same NerdWallet survey, more than half (54%) of those potential buyers have already started looking at homes online.

That’s a good indicator that a number of these buyers will be looking during the peak homebuying season this spring. So, if you’re considering selling your home, it’s important to make sure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, so you can get your house in front of them.

Bottom Line

More people are going to move this year, and with the right strategy, you can make sure your house is one of the first they look at. Your Employee Homeownership Program can help you create a strategy to get your home seen by the right buyers, sold, and maximize your profit.

What do you think these buyers will love most about your house?

Connect with your Employee Homeownership Advisor to talk it over and make sure it’s front and center in your listing.

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.

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market

Posted on September 9, 2025September 11, 2025 by Michelle Tondu

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market

If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that doesn’t make this a buyer’s market, it does mean buyers may be able to ask for a little more. So, sellers need to be ready for that possibility and know what they’re willing to negotiate.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a house, here’s a quick rundown of potential negotiations that may pop up during your transaction. That way, you’re prepared no matter which side of the deal you’re on.

What Can You Negotiate?

Most things in a home purchase are on the negotiation table. Here’s a list of just a few of those options, according to Kiplinger and LendingTree:

Sale Price: The most obvious is the price of the home. And that lever is being pulled more often today. Buyers don’t want to overpay when affordability is already so tight. And sellers who aren’t realistic about their asking price may have to consider adjusting their price.

Home Repairs: Based on the inspection, a buyer is within their rights to ask the seller to make reasonable repairs. If the seller doesn’t want to do that, they could offer to reduce the home price or cover some closing costs, so the buyer has the money to take them on themselves.

Fixtures: Buyers can also ask for appliances or furniture to convey when the house changes hands. Having the seller throw in the washer and dryer cuts down on expenses the buyer would have when moving in. As the seller, you could leave your existing ones behind to sweeten the deal for your buyer, and get yourself new ones for your next place.

Closing Costs: Closing costs typically run about 2-5% of the home’s purchase price. Buyers can ask the seller to pay for some or all of these expenses to offset the cash the buyer has to bring to the table.

Home Warranties: Buyers can also ask the seller to pay for a home warranty. This is great for buyers worried about the maintenance costs that may pop up after taking possession of the home. And since this concession usually isn’t terribly expensive for the seller, it can be a good option for both parties.

Closing Date: Buyers can ask for a faster or extended closing window based on their own timetable. The seller can also advocate for what they need based on their move to find the right compromise.

One thing is true whether you’re a buyer or a seller, and that’s how much your Employee Homeownership Program can help you throughout the process. They may be able to help you uncover what the buyer or seller is looking for, and that insight can be really valuable at the negotiation table.

Bottom Line

Buyers are regaining some negotiation power in today’s market. Buyers, knowing what levers you can pull, will help you feel confident and empowered going into your purchase. Sellers, having a heads up of what they may ask for, gives you the chance to think through what you’ll be willing to offer.

Want to chat more about what to expect and the options you have? Connect with your Employee Homeownership Advisor.

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.