Is Fall a Bad Time to Sell Your Home? What the Data Actually Shows Short answer: No. Fall isn't a bad time to sell a home — it's a different market than spring, not a worse one. Listings face less competition, the buyers who are still shopping tend to be more serious, and homes often sell just as ef

Condo Financing Rules Are Changing: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know If you're planning to buy or sell a condo or certain townhomes, there are some important financing changes happening that could affect your next move. Beginning August 3, 2026, lenders are required to take a much closer look at t

How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax When You Sell Your Home A question we're getting more often lately is: "How do I avoid capital gains tax when I sell?" It's coming up more as empty nesters downsize into smaller homes or rentals — often walking away with significant proceeds. Here's the short answer, w

What Is a Bridge Loan? How It Can Help You Buy Before You Sell One strategy the Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team has recommended to many homeowners over the past several years is using a bridge loan. While it's not the right solution for everyone, it can make buying and selling at the same time much

Why the First Two Weeks on the Market Matter Most A phrase we sometimes hear from sellers is: "We're not in a hurry to sell." And that's perfectly okay. Not every move comes with a strict deadline. What many sellers don't realize, though, is that more days on the market doesn't necessarily lead to a

How Do I Downsize Without Feeling Overwhelmed? If you’ve lived in your home for 10, 20, or even 30+ years, the thought of downsizing can feel overwhelming. You’re not just moving furniture or boxes. You’re sorting through decades of memories, belongings, and major life decisions. For many homeowners

If you’re a buyer still watching the market and wondering if now is the wrong time to make a move, this 4th of July pocket may actually be worth paying attention to. Historically, summer can bring strong activity in real estate, but there are also pockets where things slow down. The weeks around the

What Does an HOA Actually Cover? If you’re looking to buy a townhome, condo, or even some single-family homes, chances are you’ll run into a homeowners association (HOA). One of the most common questions buyers ask is: What does an HOA actually cover? The short answer? It depends. Not all HOAs are t

How to Compete in Multiple Offers Without Overpaying If you’re shopping for a home right now, you may be wondering: How do I compete in multiple offers without overpaying? It’s one of the most common concerns we hear from buyers, and for good reason. No one wants to miss out on a home they love. At

Is Now the Wrong Time to Make a Move? With the cost of just about everything going up lately and news headlines constantly talking about inflation, it's understandable to feel concerned. Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Insurance costs more. Mortgage rates remain higher than many people would li

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Homeowners Association During Your 10-Day CIC Review Period Buying a home in a homeowners association (HOA) can offer many benefits, including reduced maintenance responsibilities, shared amenities, and a sense of community. But it also comes with rules, fees, and financial

What Are the Top 3 Mistakes Sellers Make When Selling a Home? If you're thinking about selling your home in today's market, you may be wondering what separates the homes that sell quickly and for top dollar from those that sit on the market. After more than 23 years in real estate, I've found that m

What Should You Really Look for in a REALTOR®? Whether you're buying your first home, selling a home you've lived in for 30 years, or trying to coordinate both at the same time, choosing the right REALTOR® can make all the difference. Many people think a REALTOR® is simply there to unlock doors, put

What a Little Home Prep Can Do Before You Sell One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: “Should I do anything to my home before putting it on the market?” Our answer is simple: a home can sell in almost any condition if it’s priced right. But most homeowners don’t just want to se

What Is the Cost of Having a Buyer's Agent? One of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers is: "What does it cost to have a buyer's agent represent me?" It’s a smart question, and the answer often surprises people. In Many Cases, the Cost Is Minimal Having your own buyer representation oft

Why Should I Use a Buyer’s Agent? It’s a common question—and a good one. With so much information online, it’s easy to wonder if you really need a buyer’s agent when purchasing a home. The short answer? Having the right representation can make a meaningful difference in your experience, your outcome

Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Get Older At some point, this question tends to come up—sometimes quietly: “Can I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?” It’s usually not urgent. It shows up in everyday moments—walking up the stairs, keeping up with yardwork, or ju

What Are All the Costs of Buying a Home? If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the most common questions we get is: what does it actually cost? Most people immediately think about the down payment—but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are a few other costs to plan for so you can mo

Getting a Tax Refund? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home If you’re getting a tax refund this year, it might be worth looking at it a little differently. Instead of treating it as extra spending money, it could actually help move you closer to buying a home. A lot of buyers don’t factor their refu

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home? One of the first questions most homeowners ask when they start thinking about selling is simple: What is this actually going to cost me? It’s a great question—and one that’s important to understand upfront so there are no surprises later. Understanding Commissio