As your mortgage goes down and your home value rises, you build equity — a valuable financial resource. A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) lets you tap into that equity for things like home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses. With lower interest rates and flexible repayment, HELOCs can be a smart financial tool — if used wisely.

In this blog post, we explore how HELOCs work, their benefits and risks, and expert tips to help you decide if it’s the right move for your financial goals.

When it comes to home loans, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. From conventional to jumbo loans, every borrower’s situation is unique — and that includes those purchasing condominiums. Condo loans come with their own set of rules, starting with how the property is legally defined. As Joe Burke, SVP of Mortgage Lending at Proper Rate, explains, a condo isn’t just an apartment; it can be a townhome or even a single-family house, depending on the legal declaration. Because ownership is shared within a condo community, lenders often view these loans as riskier, which can affect everything from the underwriting process to your interest rate.

A standard home inspection gives a general overview of a property's condition but doesn’t cover everything, as inspectors are limited to visible areas. If something seems off, they may suggest bringing in a specialist. Depending on the home's age, location, and features, additional inspections can offer peace of mind and help avoid costly surprises later—making them a smart investment.

Worried you're missing out on homes before they hit the market? You're not alone. Some listings are shared privately, and it's easy to feel like you need to chase every lead solo to stay ahead. But bouncing between agents and trying to out-hustle the system can backfire. There’s a smarter way to buy—one that doesn’t leave you burned out or missing opportunities.

Selling your home for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve only experienced buying. It’s not just buying in reverse—there are unique challenges and decisions to make. Remembering what made a home appealing to you as a buyer can give you a huge advantage in selling your own home quickly and at the best price.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, you probably want to negotiate the best price possible. But in today’s market, getting the best deal isn’t just about negotiating the lowest price—it’s about making a smart financial decision that balances cost, convenience, and long-term value.

Thinking about listing your home? You might envision a smooth, competitive process with multiple offers and no surprises. However, the market is shifting, and more deals are falling through before reaching closing day. Want to learn more about how these changes could impact your home sale?

When interviewing real estate agents to sell your house, it's easy to focus on the potential selling price and marketing plans, but it's just as important to be prepared to answer a few key questions. To get the best advice and maximize your sale price, be ready to discuss your motivations for selling, the balance remaining on your mortgage, your desired closing timeline, and any known issues with the property. These details will help the agent tailor their approach to your unique situation, ensuring that you’re guided through the selling process in the most effective way.

Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. Did you know you could be entitled to tax benefits like major deductions and perks for creating a home office? The key is knowing exactly what you can claim and how to make the most of it. The shift from renting to owning opens up a whole new world of savings. Take advantage of these benefits and minimize your tax bill this year.

Many first-time homebuyers are intimidated by the idea of saving for a down payment, often because they believe they need 20% of the home's purchase price. However, this is a myth—many loan programs require much smaller down payments, ranging from 3% to 10%, or even none at all in some cases. The 20% figure stems from the past, but it's no longer a requirement. Real estate offers a unique investment opportunity by allowing buyers to control a large asset with a relatively small upfront cost, providing significant leverage. Beyond investment potential, homeownership also provides stability, security, and the opportunity to build equity. Though buying a home may seem complicated, it can be an accessible way to invest in your future. Working with a knowledgeable lender and real estate agent can make the process less overwhelming, helping you explore options and realize that homeownership might be more attainable than you think.

Real estate agents often hear buyers say they’re waiting until the new year to purchase a home, especially as the holidays approach. While the reasoning is understandable—December is busy, inventory is low, and many hope for better options or lower rates after the holidays—this waiting game doesn't always lead to significant changes in the market come January. As a result, many buyers end up following the same pattern year after year without seeing the dramatic shifts they expect.

The holiday season can be a busy time, and many people delay house hunting until the spring, assuming there won’t be good options available. However, there are distinct advantages to buying a home during the holidays. With fewer buyers in the market, you may face less competition and potentially avoid bidding wars, giving you a better chance at finding a great deal. Sellers during this time are often highly motivated, whether due to job relocations or personal circumstances, and may be more willing to negotiate. Additionally, browsing listings now allows you to better understand the market, so you're prepared when the right home comes along. While there may be fewer homes available and some delays in scheduling or processing, the holiday season presents a unique opportunity to get ahead of the competition and make the most of your home search.

Technology has transformed the home-buying process, making it easier to browse listings, get pre-approved, and apply for mortgages all online. This convenience allows buyers to explore options without the pressure of in-depth financial questions or sales pitches, giving them more control over their journey—especially in the early stages.

In our latest blog, we explore whether a fixer-upper is the right choice for you. We cover essential factors like budget, time commitment, potential for profit, and how to assess the true condition of a property. If you're thinking about renovating, this guide will help you weigh the pros and cons before taking on your next project. Read on to see if a fixer-upper fits your goals and lifestyle!

Home insurance is designed to cover you in the event that your home is damaged. You pay a monthly fee so that if and when you need to use your policy, you don’t have to spend your entire savings trying to cover the damages, or worry that you won’t have enough money to even cover the damages.

Has your house been sitting on the market longer than expected? If so, you’re bound to be frustrated by now. Maybe you’re even thinking it’s time to pull the listing and wait to see what 2025 brings. But what you may not realize is, the decision to hold off could actually cost you. Here’s a look at why staying the course could be the smarter move.

Sellers aim to sell their homes quickly, profitably, and with minimal hassle. A key factor in achieving this is setting the right asking price. An overpriced home can deter potential buyers. This week's blog outlines four signs that your high asking price may be pushing buyers away and emphasizes the importance of consulting your real estate agent to make necessary adjustments.

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in today’s housing market. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

The housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing.

And if you aren’t working with an agent, you may not realize that. Here’s the downside. If you’re not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market. And that can lead to a number of costly mistakes.

Here’s a look at some of the most common ones – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell.