Nicole Strom Realtor️ 24 hours ago

What the Silver Tsunami Means if You’re Planning To Sell The term “silver tsunami” makes it sound like a wave of houses is about to hit the market all at once. The research says otherwise. According to Realtor.com, about 13.9 million homes owned by older Americans are expected to change hands by 2036. That's a big number. But it's spread across a decade, at roughly 1.3 to 1.5 million homes a year. The pace is important. After the 2008 housing crash, builders spent years not building enough homes to keep up with demand, and the country still hasn't caught up. As longtime homeowners sell over time, their houses will help ease a shortage that's already there. For buyers, that can mean more options. For sellers, it means there's no reason to put your plans on hold because of a trend that’s expected to play out over the next 10 years. What matters more is what's happening in your area right now: how many homes are for sale nearby, what similar houses are selling for, and what buyers want. Planning a move in the next year or so? Let's talk about what the local numbers mean for your house.

Nicole Strom Realtor️ 2 days ago

What Experts Forecast for Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2027 Want to know what’s next for rates and prices? The forecasts are in. And the outlook for the housing market in 2027 comes down to one word: steady. The latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Wells Fargo show mortgage rates holding fairly flat through 2027. No big drop expected. No big spike either. Lenders agree. In a recent HousingWire survey, 70% of mortgage executives said they expect rates to be around 7.5% or higher six months from now. Home prices are on a steady path too. On average, those same forecasts show national prices rising about 1% to 1.5% a year through 2027. So what does that mean for you? If you’re buying, slower price growth gives you a little more breathing room. And instead of waiting on a rate drop that may not come, you can focus on what you can control, like a monthly payment that feels comfortable today. If you’re selling, your house should keep holding its value, which makes it easier to plan your move around your goals and timeline. Just keep in mind, these are national numbers. What’s happening in your neighborhood could look different. Curious what a move could look like at today’s rates and prices? Let’s run the numbers together.

Nicole Strom Realtor️ 4 days ago

The Home Insurance Move That Could Save You $440 a Year When was the last time you shopped around for home insurance? Because that one move could save you hundreds of dollars a year. With home insurance taking up a bigger chunk of monthly housing costs, that's an opportunity worth looking into. And the numbers are pretty eye-opening. According to Intercontinental Exchange, homeowners who switched insurance companies saved an average of $440 a year. Their premiums dropped 6.6%, while homeowners who stayed with their existing provider saw costs climb 10.4%. That's a big difference just for shopping around. And here's more good news: Home insurance costs are still rising, but the pace of those increases is finally slowing down. So, what does this mean if you're buying a home? Don't assume the first insurance quote you get is the best one. Comparing providers could help you keep your monthly payment more manageable. And if you're open to new construction, there's another potential advantage. Newly built homes typically cost 10–15% less to insure than older ones, according to John Burns Research and Consulting. Want help finding ways to make your next move more affordable? Send me a message. Let's talk.