HOW TO BUY A HOME WHEN INTEREST RATES ARE HIGH

Let’s be real—higher interest rates can definitely feel like a hurdle in today’s market, especially with prices still pretty high in many areas. But here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to make buying work, no matter the rate, so you don’t have to put your homeownership dreams on hold. With the right strategy (and the right agent by your side ), you can still make a smart, successful move.

Here are a few creative ways to keep your payment manageable despite the higher interest rates:


Get Pre-Approved & Know Your Budget


Having a clear budget helps you make smart, confident decisions. Talking to a lender, exploring different loan options, and getting pre-approved will help you set a realistic max price—so you don’t stretch yourself too thin or end up house-poor.


Consider Different Loan Options


A 30-year fixed mortgage isn’t your only option. ...

WHAT I WOULD DO FIRST IF I WERE TO LIST YOUR HOME

Before your home hits the market, my first step isn’t taking photos or setting the price—it’s walking through your home as a buyer would.

Why? Because first impressions MATTER, and the little details buyers notice can make a huge difference. My goal is to make sure your home feels move-in-ready and irresistible from the moment they step inside.

The end result? More interest, stronger offers, and a faster sale.

FIRST: I’ll look at your home with fresh eyes, just like a buyer would during a showing.

So that we can highlight the best features of your home while also catching anything that could be a red flag. Maybe a fresh coat of paint is needed, some simple staging could make a space feel bigger, or a minor repair could prevent future negotiation headaches.

THEN:

I’ll suggest simple updates that will help maximize value, including:


Decluttering and depersonalizing so ! ...

WHAT CREDIT SCORE DO YOU NEED FOR A MORTGAGE?

Like it or not, your credit score plays a huge role in determining your interest rate and loan terms—and a good score can save you a LOT of money over the life of your loan.

Wondering what credit score you need to qualify for a mortgage? The answer depends on the type of loan, but here’s a general breakdown:

 580–619:This is typically the lowest score you would need to qualify for an FHA loan unless you have over 10% for a downpayment.

 620–699:This range opens the door to more conventional loans. You’ll likely qualify for better interest rates, but improving your score further could save you even more.

 740+:Scores in this range typically qualify for the best rates and loan options, which can mean lower monthly payments and big savings over the life of your loan.

It’s also important to remember that errors on your credit report can lower your score, so be sure to review y! ...

WANT TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR MORE? INSERT: A PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION

Did you know that issues that arise during the home inspection are one of the top reasons sales fall through after going under contract? The good news? You can avoid this stress by having a pre-listing home inspection — a simple step that can save you a lot of stress!

When it comes to selling your home, knowledge is power.

Here’s why this simple step can help you avoid surprises, build buyer trust, and sell for more:

BENEFIT #1: Catch Issues Early

No one wants last-minute surprises during negotiations. A pre-listing inspection helps sellers identify potential problems and make repairs in advance that may otherwise deter buyers (and get multiple quotes to find the best price for repairs).

BENEFIT #2: BOOST BUYER CONFIDENCE

Buyers love transparency. Showing them you’ve taken the time to get an inspection upfront can build trust and set your home apart from the competition.

Hav; ...

THIS IS WHY YOUR ZESTIMATE IS WRONG

REAL TALK: Your Zestimate is a good starting point, but there’s often a pretty big gap between that number and what your home could *actually* sell for in today’s market.


Unique Neighborhood Factors


Estimates rely on algorithms, but they can’t account for the unique features or challenges of your specific neighborhood, street, or even your side of the block.


Updates & Repairs


Zillow doesn’t know if you just replaced your roof or invested $50,000 into a new outdoor space when compared to your neighbor’s home that just sold and lacked those updates.


Local Market Trends


Real estate markets shift quickly, and online estimates may not reflect the latest trends, buyer demand, or comparable sales in your specific area.

 

Online estimates can give you a rough idea of what your home may be worth, but your home deserves more than just a one-size-fits-all estimate — you deserve . ...