Posts in category 'Uncategorized'
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21
How to Avoid Losing $23,000 if You Sell Your Home in 2025
Let's imagine you recently decided to list your home.
You priced it high—"just to see what happens."
The photos looked fantastic. The listing video—great. And when your agent texted you "We're live ?" you found yourself envisioning constant showing requests, positive feedback, and multiple offers.
But instead, the house sits on the market for weeks. A handful of showings. A few neighbors at the Open House. No offers.
Now what?
Eventually, you adjust the price.
But by then, buyer interest has cooled. Your days-on-market have climbed. And you've now paid 2–3 extra months of mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities—just to end up selling for the price you could've listed at from the start.
That's how a $500,000 home turns into a $23,000 mistake.
This is one of the most common scenarios that sellers i...
14
The Secret to Getting a Lowball Offer Accepted
The Secret to Getting a Lowball Offer Accepted
October 14, 2025 by Bruce Butler
If you're eyeing a property and wondering whether a lower offer might land, you're not wrong to ask. Lowballing can work, but only under the right conditions.
Here's what we've seen work in today's market:
1. Timing is everything.
Homes that have been sitting 60–90 days (or pulled and relisted) often signal flexibility. Sellers in that window are usually more open to negotiating, especially if the property's been overlooked.
2. The rest of the offer needs to be airtight.
Think: strong financing, short inspection window, flexible close date. When everything else runs smoothly, a lower price becomes easier to accept.
3. The d...
8
How to Avoid Buyer's Remorse
How to Avoid Buyer's Remorse
October 8, 2025 by Bruce Butler
The housing market runs on speed.
Instant alerts. Digital closings. "You should write an offer today" before you're sure it's the one.
But buying a home isn't a race.
And when everyone around you is telling you to "act fast," it's easy to forget that speed doesn't always lead to the right outcome.
I've seen it push people into decisions they weren't ready for, or paralyze them when they should have acted.
Which is why I don't rush my clients.
Every buyer wants fewer surprises, less pressure, and clear answers. In a market built on speed, most don't get them, and that's where I work differently:
30
What Do Buyers Really Want Right Now?
What Do Buyers Really Want Right Now?
September 30, 2025 by Bruce Butler
Even if you don't plan on selling anytime soon, every homeowner thinks about the next buyer for their home.
And what buyers are looking for today looks different - even from a couple years ago.
According to Zillow, NAHB, and HomeLight - here are 10 things buyers value most right now:
- Solar panels + a backup battery. Buyers want energy savings and backup during storms or outages.
- A kitchen with a giant island. The island is now a multi-use hub: prep, host, dine, work, gather.
- An ADU for flexibility. Separate living space for guests, income, or multigenerational needs.
- A patio, porch, or backyard hang. Covered outdoor space is now a must.
- A home o...
23
Buying before 2026? These are 3 Things to Pay Attention to
Buying before 2026? These are 3 Things to Pay Attention to
September 23, 2025 by Bruce Butler
Every 0.25% change in rates ≈ $17/month per $100K financed.
Scale it up or down, it works at any price point.
Which is why we were watching the Fed's September 17 announcement so closely.
If you want to buy before the end of the year, here's what I'd pay attention to:
- Rate spread: The gap between mortgage rates and the 10-year Treasury. If you see the spread shrinking week-over-week, ask your lender about timing a lock.
- Inventory: Active listings are up 20.3% YoY. (Realtor.com) Widen your search by one neighborhood/price band - you'll spot deals others miss.
- Price Reductions: Roughly 1 in 5 listings has a price cut. (Realtor.c...