Some HighlightsWondering what to expect when you buy or sell a home this year? Here’s what the experts say lies ahead.Mortgage rates are projected to come down slightly. Home prices are forecast to rise in most areas. And, there will be more homes available for sale.Want to know more about what this could mean for your plans this year? Connect with a local agent to discuss your 2025 goals. 

There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here’s a rundown of what it is and why it’s so important right now.What Is Pre-Approval?Pre-approval is like getting a green light from a lender. It lets you know how much they’re willing to let you borrow for a home. To determine that number, a lender looks at your financial history. According to Realtor.com, these are some of the documents a lender may ask you for during this process:W-2s from the last two yearsTax returns from the last two yearsPay stubs from the last 30 daysBank statements from the last 60 daysInvestment account statements (if applicable)Two years of history of where you’ve livedThe result? You’ll get a pre-approval letter showing what you can borrow. Keep in mind, that any changes in your finances can affect your pre-approval status. So, after you receive your letter, avoid switching jobs, applying for new credit cards or other loans, or taking out large sums of money from your savings.How It Helps You Determine Your Borrowing PowerThis year, home prices are expected to rise in most places and mortgage rates are still showing some volatility. So, since affordability is still tight, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender about your home loan options and how today’s changing mortgage rates will impact your future monthly payment.The pre-approval process is the perfect time for that. Because it determines the maximum amount you can borrow, pre-approval also helps you figure out your budget. You should use this information to tailor your home search to what you’re actually comfortable with as far as a monthly mortgage payment. That way, you don’t fall in love with a house that’s out of your comfort zone.How It Helps You Stand Out Once you find a home you want to put an offer on, pre-approval has another big perk. It not only makes your offer stronger, it shows sellers you’ve already undergone a credit and financial check.When a seller sees you as a serious buyer, they may be more attracted to your offer because it seems more likely to go through. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says:“Preapproval carries more weight because it means lenders have actually done more than a cursory review of your credit and your finances, but have instead reviewed your pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements. A preapproval means you’ve cleared the hurdles necessary to be approved for a mortgage up to a certain dollar amount.”Bottom LineIf you’re planning on buying a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be one of the first things on your to-do list. Not only will it give you a better understanding of your borrowing power, it can put you in the best position possible to make a strong offer when you find a home you love. Connect with a trusted lender to learn more.

Are you hesitant to sell your house because you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now? Here’s some perspective that can help.The market actually isn’t at a standstill. While there weren’t as many sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.15 million homes still sold (not including new construction), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And the expectation is that number will rise in 2025. That means more people will likely move this year, and they need homes to buy. Homes like yours.But even if we only match last year’s sales pace, here’s what that looks like.Every Minute Homes Are Selling – Literally4.15 million homes ÷ 365 days in a year = 11,370 homes sell each day11,370 homes ÷ 24 hours in a day = 474 homes sell per hour474 homes ÷ 60 minutes = roughly 8 homes sell every minuteThink about that. Just in the time it took you to read this, 8 homes sold.If you’ve been holding off on selling your house because you think buyers aren’t out there, let this reassure you – there are still buyers looking to buy.Every day, thousands of people need to buy homes. So, while higher home prices and mortgage rates have slowed the market down and forced some buyers onto the sidelines, that doesn’t mean the market isn’t active. Many buyers are still eager to make a move because life doesn’t wait for perfect market conditions.With the right agent by your side, you can get your house in front of those buyers while other hesitant homeowners are still putting their plans on pause because they’re worried buyer demand has disappeared. Let’s get your house sold.Bottom LineOn average, 11,000 homes sell every day, and yours could be one of them. In the time it took you to read this, another 8 homes sold.When you’re ready to take the next step, connect with a trusted local real estate agent so you have an agent to create that perfect strategy.