real estate market: Four Ways Your Home Equity Can Work for You
- 02/12/26 07:57 AM
You may have heard homeowners today have a lot of equity built up. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down. Because your equity isn’t just a number, it’s a powerful asset that can help you take your next big step in life. How Much Equity Does the Typical Homeowner Have?Here’s how it works. As you pay down your loan and home prices rise through the years, the share of your home that you own free and clear grows. That’s your equity. And according to data from the Census and ATTOM, two-thirds of homeowners have a substantial amount of it today. 39% own … (2 comments)
real estate market: Inventory Is Making a Comeback in 2026
- 02/11/26 07:46 AM
After a long stretch where buyers were competing for too few homes, inventory has made a comeback over the past year. And depending on where you live, that’s opening up your options in a meaningful way. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes available for sale in January was the highest it’s been since 2020. Here’s why that’s such a big deal. Getting back to pre-pandemic levels signals a slow and steady return to what’s typical: Now, it’s worth noting, nationally we’re not there yet – and having more inventory improving won’t suddenly “fix” the market. But the growth we’ve seen lately still … (6 comments)
real estate market: Mortgage Rates Recently Hit a 3-Year Low. Here’s Why That’s Still a Big Deal.
- 01/22/26 08:06 AM
If you’re one of the thousands of homebuyers waiting for rates to fall, you should know it’s already happening. And they recently crossed an important milestone. Rates officially dipped their toes into the 5s – something that hasn’t happened in about 3 years. This moment marked a critical threshold. Now, rates are sitting in the low 6% territory. And expert forecasts project they’ll hover near this range throughout the year. Here's why that’s so good for you. Why Current Rates Are Such a Big Deal A mortgage rate doesn’t just affect the interest you end up paying on your home loan. … (1 comments)
real estate market: Are Big Investors Really Buying Up All the Homes? Here’s the Truth.
- 01/15/26 03:46 PM
It’s hard to scroll online lately without seeing some version of this claim: “Big investors are buying up all the homes.”And honestly, if you’re a homebuyer who’s lost out on a few offers, that idea probably sounds believable. When homes are expensive and competition is tight, it’s easy to assume giant companies are scooping everything up behind the scenes. But here’s the thing: what people assume is happening and what the data actually shows aren’t always the same. Let’s look at what’s really happening with large institutional investors in today’s housing market – because the numbers tell a much different story than the headlines. The … (1 comments)
real estate market: The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back
- 01/12/26 08:18 AM
Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back. According to a Bankrate survey, 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage. That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet, “my credit isn’t good enough” comes up often. Maybe you’re in the same boat. You look at your score, see it’s not where you want it to be, and assume buying your first place just isn’t realistic … (5 comments)
real estate market: Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability Improving in 2026
- 01/08/26 08:29 AM
Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news? It’s finally happening. In 2025, affordability was the best it’s been in 3 years. And experts agree the momentum will keep going in 2026. And that’s based on their analysis of the key factors shaping the housing market in the year ahead: mortgage rates, inventory, and home … (1 comments)
real estate market: Not Sure If You’re Ready To Buy a Home? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions.
- 01/07/26 08:58 AM
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot. But here’s what you need to remember. While housing market conditions are definitely a factor in your decision, your own personal situation and your finances matter too. As an article from NerdWallet says: “Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a … (5 comments)
real estate market: 2025 Housing Market Recap
- 12/27/25 08:07 AM
Here’s your 2025 housing market year-in-review. This year we had more homes to choose from, lower rates (and a bit better affordability), and homeowners with near record amounts of equity. And that's just a few of the reasons why millions of people made a move this year. If you want to know what's expected for 2026, DM me.
Contact us: PHP Houses 142 W Lakeview Ave Unit 1030 Lake Mary, FL 32746 Ph: (407) 641-1531 Fax: (407) 205-1951 email: info@phphouses.com Let’s Connect: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions … (4 comments)
real estate market: Headlines Have You Worried about Your Home’s Value? Read This.
- 12/22/25 09:56 AM
Hearing talk about home prices falling? That may leave you worried about whether your house is losing value. But here’s what you need to know. While some local markets have seen small price dips this year, home prices are not falling nationally. So, don’t let the headlines scare you. The vast majority of the country is actually seeing prices rise. While that may feel surprising after the headlines you’ve seen, the map below uses year-over-year data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to make that clear: Let’s break down what this really shows. Most states are seeing prices rise (the blue in that map). … (3 comments)
real estate market: 3 Signs the Housing Market Is Recovering
- 11/21/25 07:40 AM
There are real shifts happening in the housing market right now. And these three signs stand out. 1. Mortgage rates have been coming down from their peak earlier this year. And that’s helping affordability. 2. More sellers are listing. And that’s adding to the number of homes for sale. 3. Buyers are re-entering the market. Purchase applications are up 20% compared to last year. It all points to a market that’s finally turning a corner heading into 2026. Want to know what this means locally? Let’s talk.
Contact us: PHP Houses 142 W Lakeview Ave Unit 1030 Lake Mary, FL 32746 Ph: (407) 641-1531 Fax: (407) 205-1951 email: info@phphouses.com Let’s Connect: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in … (2 comments)
real estate market: Are Builders Overbuilding Again? Let’s Look at the Facts.
- 11/12/25 08:01 AM
If it feels like you’re seeing new construction signs pop up everywhere, you’re not wrong. Builders have been busy. And it’s left some people wondering: Are we overbuilding like we did right before the 2008 housing crash? No matter what you may hear in the news, there’s no reason for alarm. In reality, data shows builders aren’t racing ahead, they’re actually starting to tap the brakes. Builders Are Pulling Back, Not Piling OnPermits (applications to start building new homes) are one of the best early indicators for what's next for home construction. And right now, building permits are trending down, not up. Here’s … (5 comments)
real estate market: What a Government Shutdown Really Means for the Housing Market
- 11/06/25 07:30 AM
There’s been a lot of talk lately about how a government shutdown impacts the housing market. You might be wondering: Is it causing everything to grind to a halt? The short answer? No. The housing market doesn’t stop. It keeps moving. Homes are still being bought and sold, contracts are still being signed, and closings are still happening. The difference is that a few parts of the process may slow down a little, but overall, the market continues to function. Here’s What Typically HappensWhenever the government shuts down, some federal agencies temporarily close or scale back their operations. That can cause a few hiccups … (4 comments)
real estate market: Why Your Home Equity Still Puts You Way Ahead
- 11/05/25 08:03 AM
If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dropping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for the value of your home too. Here’s what you really need to know. Even with small price declines in some markets, data shows you’re likely still way ahead. And that’s thanks to your home equity. The Relationship Between Home Prices and EquityHome equity moves in sync with home prices. When prices rise, equity builds. When prices cool (even just slightly), equity growth does too. Here's how that’s played out lately. After the record-setting home price surge of 2020 and 2021, a little cooling was inevitable. Back then, the number … (3 comments)
real estate market: The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know
- 10/16/25 07:53 AM
If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that’s the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier. Let’s break this down into real dollars, so you can see the difference this could make for you (and your move). Monthly Payments Are Coming DownOne of the clearest signs of this shift is in monthly payments. The latest data from Redfin shows mortgage payments … (5 comments)
real estate market: Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year
- 10/14/25 07:57 AM
There’s a trend taking hold in real estate right now: more buyers are choosing newly built homes. And it’s not just about getting the latest technology or modern floorplans. It’s because they may be able to get a better deal. Builders are offering serious incentives today, and people are jumping on them. In fact, new home sales just hit their highest level in over two years (see graph below): Why Builders Are Throwing in PerksThere are more newly built homes for sale right now than there have been in years. And as a buyer, that can help you in two big ways. It … (2 comments)
real estate market: Prices Are Up in Half of Metros and Down in the Other Half Graph
- 10/10/25 08:03 AM
You’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. But that’s not the full story. In half of the largest U.S. metros, prices are still rising. In the other half, they’re easing a bit. Average those together and the numbers look flat, but what’s really happening depends entirely on where you live. That’s why knowing your local trend is everything. Has anyone stopped to explain to you what’s really happening right here, right now? If you want to know the latest on our area and what it means for your plans, DM me or drop a comment below.
Contact us: PHP Houses 142 W Lakeview Ave Unit 1030 Lake … (1 comments)
real estate market: Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your Move
- 10/09/25 02:33 PM
These days, you’re going to want to get your price right when you get ready to sell your house. Honestly, it’s more important than ever. Why? While you may want to list high just to see what happens, that’s a plan that can easily backfire, and it’s going to cost you in today’s market. And the risk isn’t just missing out on offers, it’s missing out on the move you needed to make in the first place. The Real Pitfall of OverpricingMany homeowners remember what their neighbor’s house sold for a few years ago, and they want to chase that same sky-high number. … (2 comments)
real estate market: The Minimum Down Payment Required
- 10/07/25 08:09 AM
Here’s why the right answer is so important for you to know. A lot of people overestimate how much they really need to save for a down payment. The most common answers? 10 or 20%. The truth: you may be able to put down as little as 3%. According to FirstHomeIQ, only 8 out of 100 people actually get this right. Don’t let misinformation hold you back. What did you guess? Drop a comment below. And if you want more information, talk to a trusted lender.
Contact us: PHP Houses 142 W Lakeview Ave Unit 1030 Lake Mary, FL 32746 Ph: (407) 641-1531 Fax: (407) 205-1951 email: info@phphouses.com Let’s Connect: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article … (2 comments)
real estate market: Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year
- 10/06/25 01:39 PM
You want mortgage rates to fall – and they've started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go? Experts say there’s room for rates to come down even more over the next year. And one of the leading indicators to watch is the 10-year treasury yield. Here's why. The Link Between Mortgage Rates and the 10-Year Treasury YieldFor over 50 years, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has closely followed the movement of the 10-year treasury yield, which is a widely watched benchmark for long-term interest rates (see graph below): When the treasury yield climbs, mortgage rates tend to follow. … (3 comments)
real estate market: What Buyers Say They Need Most (And How the Market’s Responding)
- 10/01/25 08:27 AM
A recent survey from Bank of America asked would-be homebuyers what would help them feel better about making a move, and it’s no surprise the answers have a clear theme. They want affordability to improve, specifically prices and rates (see below): Here’s the good news. While the broader economy may still feel uncertain, there are signs the housing market is showing some changes in both of those areas. Let’s break it down so you know what you’re working with. Prices Are Moderating Over the past few years, home prices climbed fast, sometimes so fast it left many buyers feeling shut out. … (4 comments)
You may have heard homeowners today have a lot of equity built up. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down.
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