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Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers Not every homebuyer wants the biggest house on the block. Some want something simpler, more affordable, and easier to maintain, especially in a market where every dollar counts. That’s where condos come in. For first-time buyers, they can be a smart way to get into homeownership without stretching your budget. For downsizers, they offer less space to maintain with the flexibility to stay in a great location. And right now, condos are one of the most buyer-friendly parts of the market. Condo Inventory Is Up, And That Means More Choice According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there are 194,000 condos for sale right now. That’s the second highest amount we’ve seen in the last three years (see graph below): Just remember, this is the national figure. The exact number is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. But, generally speaking, you have more options and less competition. You’re not stuck waiting for something to pop up or rushing into an offer just to beat someone else to it. You’ve got plenty to choose from. And if you’re particular about layout, location, or amenities, this is your chance to be selective. That’s a big shift from the market frenzy of just a few years ago. Compared to early 2022, we’ve got nearly double the condos available now. That gives you more breathing room to find the right fit. Prices Are Cooling, and Buyers Hold More Negotiating Power And since there are more for sale, many sellers are more open to negotiating right now. So, you may be able to get a better price. As Redfin explains: “. . . condo buyers in many cities may be able to find sellers who are willing to give concessions and/or sell for less than their asking price.” Condo prices are starting to ease in many markets. According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), condo prices dipped 1.3% in June compared to last year. And over half of the top 100 U.S. metros saw condo prices drop slightly year-over-year. Data from Redfin shows what the recent dip in prices looks like (see graph below): That doesn’t just help with affordability, it also shifts the power dynamic. Condo buyers in many markets are now in a position to negotiate on price and ask for concessions, like help with closing costs. Bottom Line Condos aren’t just a fallback option. In today’s market, they’re one of the most strategic ways to buy. With more options, softening prices, and more room to negotiate, now could be the right time to make your move. Could a condo check more boxes than you expected? Let’s talk through your options and find out.

More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead. When you sell a house , the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to the latest data from Redfin, that’s happening a bit more often lately. The good news is, it’s completely avoidable if you lean on an agent for insight into why that is and how to avoid it happening to you. This June, 15% of pending home sales fell through . That means those buyers backed out of their contracts. That’s not too much higher than the norm of roughly 12% from 2017-2019, but it’s still an increase. And it’s one you don’t want to have to deal with. The key to avoiding this headache is knowing what’s causing the issues that lead to a buyer walking away. A recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) finds that agents reported the #1 reason deals are falling apart today is stemming from the home inspection (see graph below): Here’s why. With high prices and mortgage rates stretching buyers’ budgets, they don’t have a lot of room (or appetite) for unexpected repairs. Not to mention, buyers have more options to choose from now that there are more homes on the market. So, if the inspection turns up a major issue, they may opt to walk away. Afterall, there are plenty of other homes they could buy instead. Or, if the seller isn’t willing to tackle repairs , a buyer may back out because they don’t want the expense (and the hassle) of dealing with those issues themselves. The good news is, there’s a way you can get ahead of any unpleasant surprises as a seller, and that’s getting a pre-listing inspection. It’s not required, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it’s helpful right now: “To keep deals from unraveling . . . it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing .” What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection? It's exactly what it sounds like: a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market. Here’s what it can do for you: Give you time to fix what matters . You’ll know what issues could come up in the buyer’s inspection. So, you’ll have time to take care of them before anyone even walks through the door. Avoid last-minute renegotiations . When buyers uncover unexpected issues after you’re under contract, it opens the door for concessions you may have to make like price drops or repairs, or worse, a canceled deal. A pre-listing inspection helps you stay ahead of those things before they become deal breakers. Show buyers you’re serious . When your home is clean, well-maintained, and already vetted, buyers see that. It builds trust and can help you sell faster with fewer back-and-forth negotiations. The bottom line? A few hundred dollars upfront can save you thousands later. Should Every Seller Do This? Not necessarily. Your real estate agent can help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation, your house, and your market. If you decide to move forward with a pre-listing inspection, your agent will guide you every step of the way. They’ll: Advise on whether to fix or disclose each issue Help you prioritize repairs based on what buyers in your area care about Make sure you understand your local disclosure laws Bottom Line If you want to avoid potential snags in your deal, a pre-listing inspection could be the way to go. Let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection is the right move for your house and market. Would you rather find out about a major repair now, when you can handle it on your terms – or after you’re under contract, when the clock is ticking?

Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year ( 6.55% ). While that may not sound like a big deal, pretty much every buyer has been waiting for rates to fall. And even a seemingly small drop like this reignites the hope we’re finally going to see rates trending down. But what’s realistic to expect? According to the latest forecasts , rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically anytime soon. Most experts project they’ll stay somewhere in the mid-to-low 6% range through 2026 (see graph below): In other words, no big changes are expected. But small shifts, like the one we just saw, are still likely. Each time there’s changing economic news, there’s a chance mortgage rates will react. And with so many reports coming out this week, we’ll get a better feeling of where the economy and inflation are headed – and how rates will respond. What Rate Would Get Buyers Moving Again? The magic number most buyers seem to be watching for is 6%. And it’s not just a psychological benchmark; it has real impact. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says if rates reach 6%: 5.5 million more households could afford the median-priced home And roughly 550,000 people would buy a home within 12 to 18 months That’s a lot of pent-up demand just waiting for the green light. And if you look back at the graph above, you’ll see Fannie Mae thinks we’ll hit that threshold next year. That raises an important question: Does it really make sense to wait for lower rates? Because here’s the tradeoff. If you’re waiting for 6%, you need to realize a lot of other people are too. And when rates do continue to inch down and more buyers jump into the market all at once, you could face more competition, fewer choices, and higher home prices. NAR explains it like this: "Home buyers wishing for lower mortgage interest rates may eventually get their wish, but for now, they’ll have to decide whether it’s better to wait or jump into the market." Consider the unique window that exists right now: Inventory is up = more choices Price growth has slowed down = more realistic pricing You may have more room to negotiate = you could get a better deal These are all opportunities that will go away if rates fall and demand surges. That’s why NAR says : "Buyers who are holding out for lower mortgage rates may be missing a key opening in the market." Bottom Line Rates aren't expected to hit 6% this year. But when they do, you’ll have to deal with more competition as other buyers jump back in. If you want less pressure and more negotiating power, that opportunity is already here – and it might not last for long. It all depends on what happens in the economy next. Let’s talk about what’s happening in our area and whether it makes sense to make your move now, before everyone else does.

The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy . And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one. Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do. Overpricing Comes at a Cost And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough choices: Drop the price : Cutting the price might help get more eyes on the house again, but it can also trigger red flags. Buyers may wonder what’s wrong with it. And that’s going to impact any offers you get after the price cut. Take it off the market : Some sellers give up on the idea of selling right now. The worst part about this is it means putting their future plans on the back burner. That dream of more space, downsizing, or relocating? On pause. Rent it out : Others go the landlord route, but managing tenants and navigating leases isn’t always the simple fallback it seems. Renting can work, but it’s often a lot more hassle than people expect. None of those options were part of the original plan. And honestly, none of them are where you should end up if you wanted to sell. Here’s a look at how a local agent’s expertise can help you avoid these headaches. Let's use price cuts as an example. Where You Live Makes a Difference While the number of price cuts is up nationally, data shows some parts of the country are seeing far more of them than others. It all comes down to how much inventory has grown in that area (see map below): As Realtor.com explains : “Regionally, price reductions in June were significantly more common in the South and West (23% of listings) than they were in the Northeast (13% of listings), reflecting the inventory divergence across these regions.” That means pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What’s happening nationally might not reflect what’s happening in your zip code, and that’s why you shouldn’t try to determine your list price on your own. How a Great Agent Helps You Nail the Price A skilled agent doesn’t just toss out a number. As Zillow says: “ Well-priced homes are more likely to sell quickly, but pricing your home to sell quickly and for maximum dollar requires strategy and knowledge of your local market. You need to have a clear-eyed view of your home in relation to the competition, and knowledge about whether you’re in a buyers or sellers market. It also helps to know what buyers in your area can afford.” And that’s all knowledge your agent will have. They study your local market, compare recent sales, and factor in your goals and buyer behavior. Based on what’s happening where you live, sometimes the best play will be pricing right at current market value. Other times pricing a little lower actually will spark more offers and ultimately get you a better final sale price. So don’t skimp on the strategy or on your agent. With their local market know-how, you’ll be able to sell quickly, even in a shifting market. Bottom Line Overpricing can lead to tough choices you never want to face. But with the right price, and the right guidance, you can skip the stress and sell with confidence. Let’s connect so you have a pricing strategy that works for today’s market and gets you where you want to go.

What You Can Gain — Or Lose — Selling Your Home to an iBuyer An iBuyer can help you to sell your house quickly by skipping some of the hassles of having a home on the market and letting you set your own timeline. But selling to an iBuyer — a real estate company that uses tech to buy and resell houses — isn’t for everyone. Not all homes will qualify, even if you live in an area where iBuyers operate. And while you can be sure that the sale will go through because there’s no mortgage involved, you won’t know whether you could have gotten a higher price for your home from a traditional buyer. Here are some pros and cons to consider before selling your home to an iBuyer. Pros of selling your home to an iBuyer Convenience Not having to prepare your home for sale or make it available for potential buyers can be a huge plus for sellers. “That’s something that’s hard to place dollar values on too, like getting your kids and dog out the door to facilitate home showings,” says Charles Stewart, who’s in corporate communications for Opendoor. “It’s not just the final dollar amount you’re getting, it’s the convenience factor.” Timing In a buyer’s market, the need to sell quickly can work against you. If a traditional buyer finds out you’re in a hurry, they could use that as leverage to make a lower offer. But with an iBuyer, it’s expected that the process will be fast. Though you can always request a new offer, iBuyers’ initial offers are usually valid for less than a week. An iBuyer can also help with timing in a hot real estate market . If you’re concerned about finding a new place, you can choose a closing date that’s further out (depending on the iBuyer, it can be as distant as 90 days). You may also be able to rent back your house after the iBuyer purchases it, buying you a bit more time. Predictability With an iBuyer, you know exactly when things will happen since you set the closing date and you don’t have to worry about the mortgage financing falling through at the last minute. “People who are moving across the country trying to time their move to the sale of their house, it’s next to impossible,” says Amanda Pendleton, communications manager for Zillow. With an iBuyer, you’ll know exactly when to hire the movers. Cons of selling your home to an iBuyer Qualifications Not only do you need to be in a market where iBuyers operate, but you also need to have they kind of home they’re looking for. Houses that need extensive repairs are out, but so are higher-end homes, houses that are highly customized and most older homes. “Each market has its own set of parameters,” says Tyler Hixson, director of real estate partnerships and strategy at Opendoor. “Whatever is the typical home for that market, the typical home is one that we can service.” Broadly, houses, condos, and townhomes that are relatively new are the most likely to fit the iBuyer model. Opportunity cost Since iBuyers are still relatively new, robust data on what they’re paying for homes is hard to come by. Studies have conflicting evidence, with some finding that iBuyer offers are close to market value, and others demonstrating wider gaps. Both Zillow Offers and Opendoor emphasize that they offer “fair market prices” based on both computer algorithms and human analysis (iBuyers do have actual boots on the ground in the markets where they operate). But since you’re dealing with a what-if scenario, you can’t truly know whether you would have gotten a better price by selling your house the traditional way. Repairs After you’ve agreed to an iBuyer’s offer, the iBuyer does an assessment (this is similar to, though not the same as, a home inspection). The assessment is designed to uncover things the iBuyer might need to repair or replace in order to sell your house . Though you can negotiate to do the repairs yourself, that may not be an option if you’re in a hurry to move. If the iBuyer does the repairs, the costs will be deducted from what they pay you, meaning the assessment could end up taking a big bite out of your original offer. Weighing the pros and cons of selling to an iBuyer Determining whether your property fits an iBuyer’s qualifications is a first, necessary hurdle. If it does, and you’re curious as to whether to take the next step, bear in mind that many iBuyers will give you an offer without requiring a commitment. You may be able to request offers from more than one iBuyer, depending on where you live. iBuyers generally make limited-time offers (you’ll usually have less than a week to accept), but seeing an actual number might give you a nudge to move forward. On the other hand, it could tip your hand toward going the traditional route and looking for a listing agent. Either way, you’ll need to decide what’s worth more to you. Don’t want to deal with prepping your house to sell and making your schedule work around showings? An iBuyer might be right for you. More concerned with maximizing your profit? Getting a savvy seller’s agent and doing a traditional sale may be a better bet. The article What You Can Gain — Or Lose — Selling Your Home to an iBuyer originally appeared on NerdWallet.

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home? According to Fannie Mae , 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed. Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is out of reach for you right now, even if that’s not necessarily true. So, let’s look at what the data really says about credit scores and homebuying. There’s No One Magic Number There’s no universal credit score you absolutely have to have when buying a home. And that means there’s more flexibility than most people realize. Check out this graph showing the median credit scores recent buyers had among different home loan types: Here's what’s important to realize. The numbers vary, and there’s no one-size-fits-all threshold. And that could open doors you thought were closed for you. The best way to learn more is to talk to a trusted lender. As FICO explains : “While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .” Why Your Score Still Matters When you buy a home, lenders use your credit score to get a sense of how reliable you are with money. They want to see if you typically make payments on time, pay back debts, and more. Your score can impact which loan types you may qualify for, the terms on those loans, and even your mortgage rate. And since mortgage rates are a big factor in how much house you’ll be able to afford, that may make your score feel even more important today. As Bankrate says: “Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for .” That still doesn’t mean your credit has to be perfect. Even if your credit score isn’t as high as you’d like, you may still be able to get a home loan. Want To Boost Your Score? Start Here And if you talk to a lender and decide you want to improve your score (and hopefully your loan type and terms too), here are a few smart moves according to the Federal Reserve Board: Pay Your Bills on Time: This is a big one. Lenders want to see you can reliably pay your bills on time. This includes everything from credit cards to utilities and cell phone bills. Consistent, on-time payments show you’re a responsible borrower. Pay Down Your Debt : When it comes to your available credit amount, the less you’re using, the better. Focus on keeping this number as low as possible. That makes you a lower-risk borrower in the eyes of lenders – making them more likely to approve a loan with better terms. Review Your Credit Report : Get copies of your credit report and work to correct any errors you find. This can help improve your score. Don’t Open New Accounts : While it might be tempting to open more credit cards to build your score, it’s best to hold off. Too many new credit applications can lead to hard inquiries on your report, which can temporarily lower your score. Bottom Line Your credit score doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify for a home loan. But a better score can help you get better terms on your home loan. The best way to know where you stand and your options for a mortgage is to connect with a trusted lender.​

Real estate agents often joke that the best way to guarantee something big happens with a client is to plan a vacation. The minute their out-of-office email is set, sellers decide to list, buyers find their dream house, and offers start flying. But it’s not just agents. If you’re in the middle of buying a home, odds are that as soon as you finally book that much-needed vacation, the perfect property will hit the market—or your lender will suddenly need one more document before they can clear your file. So, what do you do if you’re house hunting—or already under contract—and also have a trip on the calendar? Cancel everything and put life on hold? Not at all. With a little planning and coordination, you can keep your transaction moving while still getting the break you deserve. Here’s how to juggle both without losing sleep—or the house of your dreams. Choose the Right Agent (And Empower Them) If you’re going to be out of town, your real estate agent becomes even more important than usual. You need someone who knows your preferences inside and out, can jump on new listings quickly, and is comfortable communicating across time zones and tech platforms. During the search phase, that might mean giving you a live FaceTime tour from a showing or sending over detailed videos. Once you’re under contract, it means staying on top of every little detail and making sure the transaction doesn’t lose momentum while you’re away. If you haven’t found the right agent yet, don’t wait until you’re packing your bags to start looking. The earlier you establish that relationship, the smoother things will go when you need them to step in on your behalf. Line Up the Rest of Your Team in Advance Buying a home takes more than just you and your agent. Lenders, inspectors, title reps, insurance providers—they all play a role, and each of them will likely need some kind of document, signature, or decision from you at some point along the way. You’re always free to choose who you work with, but if you don’t have go-to contacts, your agent likely does. Leaning on their network of trusted professionals can help make the process smoother. These are people your agent already has a working relationship with, which can lead to quicker responses, clearer communication, and fewer dropped balls. Either way, make your choices early and connect your team members with your agent so everyone is in the loop when the time comes. To avoid last-minute scrambling, try to front-load as many tasks as possible. Your lender may be able to gather key documents like pay stubs, bank statements, and ID copies ahead of time and keep them on file. If the timing works, you might even be able to knock out inspections or appraisals before you leave. At the very least, let your core contacts know your travel dates and the best way to reach you if something needs your attention. And if there’s someone you trust—like a family member, close friend, or legal rep—consider giving them written permission or even power of attorney to act on your behalf while you’re away. It’s an extra layer of protection in case something time-sensitive comes up, and your agent or attorney can help you get that paperwork squared away. Make Sure You’re Tech-Ready Most real estate transactions today can be managed remotely, at least to a degree. But that only works if you’ve got the right tools in place. Check that your phone plan includes coverage wherever you’re going, especially if you’re heading out of the country. If not, upgrade or add international service temporarily. Bring a laptop or tablet, make sure you know how to use e-signature platforms like DocuSign, and test your access before you leave. Wi-Fi may not always be reliable, so plan ahead for backup options. If you need to print, scan, or fax something, scope out nearby business centers or office supply stores at your destination. Many hotels offer these services too—worth confirming before you check in. Store Documents Securely (But Accessibly) Buying a home involves a surprising amount of sensitive paperwork—Social Security numbers, financial records, legal IDs, and more. It’s risky (and stressful) to travel with those items physically, but you may need them while you’re away. One smart solution is to upload essential documents to a secure, password-protected cloud storage service. That way, you can access and forward what’s needed from anywhere, without carrying paper copies through airport security. Just make sure you’ve tested access and organized your files before you take off. If there are a few documents you’ve been specifically told to bring with you, keep them on your person—not in checked luggage—and secure them in a locked bag or safe at your destination. Set a Daily “Check-In” Time Even on vacation, it helps to stay lightly engaged with your real estate team. You don’t have to be glued to your phone all day, but having a set time each day to check email, return calls, and review any updates can go a long way in keeping things moving. Let your agent and lender know when you’ll be available, especially if there’s a big time difference. It doesn’t need to be a long call—just enough to make decisions, sign what’s needed, or give the go-ahead on the next steps. And if you’re traveling with others? Give them a heads-up too. A quick explanation that you’ll need 15–20 minutes a day to keep a major life event on track can save everyone from surprises later. Consider Travel Insurance—Just in Case If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or dropping a lot of money on travel, it might be worth looking into a travel insurance policy that includes “cancel for any reason” coverage. That way, if a can’t-miss opportunity or closing snag pops up and you have to delay or cancel your plans, you’re not entirely out of pocket. Even if you don’t go that route, having some sort of backup plan—like refundable bookings or flexible accommodations—can offer a little peace of mind. The Takeaway: Timing a vacation while buying a home can feel like tempting fate—but with the right preparation, you don’t have to choose between relaxing and staying on top of your transaction. From lining up a reliable agent and support team to setting aside time for daily check-ins, a little planning goes a long way toward making sure things don’t fall through the cracks while you’re away. The key is to think a few steps ahead. Have your documents ready, your tech in place, and your people connected. Whether you’re still house hunting or already under contract, you can absolutely take that trip—as long as you take the right precautions to keep everything moving behind the scenes.

For a while now, buyers were waiving their inspection contingency just to stay competitive in bidding wars in many markets. But that’s starting to shift. While waiving inspections still happens in some areas and price points, it’s no longer the default move for every buyer. More and more, we’re seeing offers that include the right to inspect—especially in markets where things are cooling just a bit or buyers feel they have some leverage. If you’re planning to sell, it’s time to expect that your buyer may want a home inspection. And honestly? That’s completely normal. In fact, doing a home inspection is far more common than skipping one. So don’t take it personally or assume something’s wrong when a buyer wants to have a closer look at the property. Is there a chance your buyer will discover an issue with your house? Of course. Could they come back with a list of things they want you to fix or credit—some of which might feel a little over the top? Yup. Will any of it be a deal breaker? Maybe… According to a recent article from the National Association of REALTORS®, the number of home sales falling out of contract has been on the rise. Around 6% of contracts were canceled in recent months—and in May alone, nearly 15% of homes under contract didn’t make it to closing. Deals can fall apart for all kinds of reasons, but one of the biggest culprits behind many of those cancellations is likely issues uncovered during the home inspection. Which is why the article suggests getting ahead of potential problems by doing a “pre-inspection” before listing. It’s not a bad idea in some situations—but it’s not the right move for everyone. So before you schedule that pre-listing inspection, here are a few things to consider. 3 Things to Consider Before Getting a Pre-inspection on Your Home With the growing number of deals falling apart, it’s no surprise that some sellers are being advised to get a pre-listing inspection—essentially hiring a home inspector before the house even hits the market. On the surface, it sounds like a smart strategy: find out what’s wrong before the buyer does, fix what needs fixing, and reduce the risk of surprises that could derail the deal later. And in some cases, it really can help. But before you add it to your to-do list, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture. A pre-inspection isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—and it may come with a few unintended consequences sellers don’t always consider. Once you know about it, you have to disclose it. Let’s say you already know there’s a water stain on your ceiling. You’ll need to disclose or fix that anyway. But maybe you haven’t been up in the attic in a while, or ever. If your inspector finds signs of a roof leak up there, that’s something you now know about. Which means it’s something you now legally need to disclose to buyers, even if it wasn’t visible before. This isn’t about hiding things (that’s never the goal), but it’s worth understanding: a pre-inspection can expand your disclosure obligations. The buyer will probably still get their own inspection. Just because you’ve had one done doesn’t mean the buyer will accept it and move on. In many cases, they’ll still bring in their own inspector. And guess what? Their inspector might see something yours didn’t. Or interpret the same issue differently. So while a pre-inspection can help reduce surprises, it’s not a magic shield against inspection negotiations later on. You might feel pressure to fix more than you need to. With a pre-inspection, there’s a temptation to fix every single issue before going to market. That might not be necessary—or even wise. Some buyers are perfectly fine with small cosmetic flaws or outdated systems, especially if they’re reflected in the price. Fixing things just because they showed up in your report could cost you time and money without adding much return. You may be better off just letting the buyer do their own inspection and letting you know what they found and what they feel needs to be addressed. Lean on Your Agent’s Advice There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should do a pre-inspection or not. It really depends upon your particular home, the local market conditions, and even the price range your house falls within. So before you schedule any inspections—or skip them altogether—have a candid conversation with your agent about what makes the most sense for your situation. Your agent can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your home’s condition, your local market, and the type of buyer you’re likely to attract. They can also refer you to trusted home inspectors—ones who provide thorough, honest reports at a fair price. (Not all inspectors are created equal, and your agent likely has experience working with the good ones.) The Takeaway: More buyers are doing inspections again. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just a return to normal—and a chance for buyers to feel confident about the home they’re purchasing. As a seller, that means being prepared for the possibility of inspection negotiations and knowing how to navigate them without letting the deal fall apart. While a pre-inspection can be helpful, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may prevent surprises, but it could also open up new ones. Before deciding, talk to your real estate agent. They’ll help you understand what makes sense in today’s market—and how to move forward with confidence.

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