FOR SALE

→ 1850 Regency Parkway

$690,000

Dixon

1850 Regency Parkway

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,967 sq. ft.

Offered at $690,000

FEATURES

  • MLS#: TBD
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 baths
  • Living Space: 1,967 sq. ft
  • Lot Size: 10,831 sq. ft
  • Year Built: 1997
  • Subdivision: Schooner Ridge
  • APN: 0108-242-070
  • Cooling: Central
  • Heat: Central
  • Water Source: Public
  • Sewer Source: Public
  • Parking: 3 Car Garage
  • Roof: Tile
  • Owned Solar
  • Newer Roof & Gutters
  • Newer LVP Flooring
  • Granite Countertops
  • Newer Water Heater
  • Gated RV Parking

SUMMARY

📍 Located in the Charming Schooner Ridge Neighborhood

Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Dixon, CA, where modern upgrades meet small-town charm. Thoughtfully updated inside and out, this home offers a flowing floor plan designed for both comfort and functionality. From the low-maintenance landscaping to the semi-private, beautifully landscaped backyard, this home is perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

Upgrades & Features You'll Love:

✔ Owned Solar – Say goodbye to high energy bills! ☀️
✔ New Roof & Gutters – Recently updated for peace of mind.
✔ Newer LVP Flooring Throughout – Stylish, durable, and easy to maintain.
✔ Modern Granite Countertops – A sleek and sophisticated kitchen upgrade.
✔ New Electric Water Heater & Appliances – Energy-efficient and move-in ready!
✔ Gated RV Parking with a 50/30/20 amp electrical box – Perfect for adventurers! 🚐

Prime Location & Community Perks

Nestled in Schooner Ridge, this home offers easy access to top-rated schools, parks, and shopping. Dixon is known for its affordable housing compared to nearby cities like Davis and Vacaville, making it a great option for homebuyers looking for value without sacrificing convenience.

Enjoy living in a vibrant community with annual events like the Dixon May Fair, California’s oldest district fair, and the Grillin-n-Chillin Festival, featuring a chili and rib cook-off, car show, and live music. With a short commute to Sacramento, Davis, and Napa, this home is ideal for those who want to enjoy wine country, city life, and outdoor adventures all in one location.

✨ Don’t miss out on this move-in-ready gem in Dixon! Contact us today to schedule a showing! ✨

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LISTING AGENT

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS™

Sherri brings a wealth of experience in real estate and as her clients say she is tenacious, and not just because she's a long distance runner and a triathlete. "I will leave no stone unturned to assist you in building your dream, whether that means attracting the perfect buyer, supplying resources to renovate a place that doesn't quite yet fit your needs, or discovering the home that is ideal for you.

As a former small business owner, I know your time is valuable. As a successful consultant to the personal service industry, I have seen the difference going in with a smart strategy and a coach who knows the terrain can make. And as a former massage therapist to the stars, no one has more experience holding nervous hands through stressful and wonderful challenges.

I am looking forward to helping you with yours. Let's talk about how to make your dreams a reality!"

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TESTIMONIALS

WHAT MY HAPPY CLIENTS SAY...

Ms. Duggan is an enthusiastic, self starter in the real estate business. She reached out to us at the right time and, after spending several hours in our home educating us on the current market and to what lengths she would go to get us the best sale price, we decided to list with her and sell our house. We received multiple offers as soon as the house hit the market, all over asking price. We selected the best one. Ms. Duggan kept us informed through the entire process up to and including closing and followed up afterwards to makes sure everything was satisfactory. 

-Mr. Snootzie

I can't say enough good things about Sherri. I knew I was going to be buying a house well before I actually started actively looking. Sherri kept in touch with me for months being a resource to my many curious questions. She was very patient, kind, and helpful during this time. When GO time came to buy the house, she started sending me house information and we started looking at houses right away. It wasn't long before I found one I liked and we made an offer, with her guidance, and it was accepted. The process went very smoothly which also required her to drive all the way down to Hayward a few times which she did without complaint and was kind and gracious when she arrived. The closing was very fast and I moved in to my dream home. It went so well that I recommended her to my sister who started looking for her house a few months later. She had the same experience as I did. We are all very happy and would use Sherri again as well as recommend Sherri to others. Thank you Sherri for making our life-changing purchase a reality!

-Jacqueline Gjemre

My wife met Sherri before making the decision to sell our home. She kept in touch with nuggets of information about the market and responded to any questions we had; always ensuring satisfaction with complete, accurate, and comprehensive answers. Once we gave the go ahead, she turned on the afterburners. Professionally, the top dog "WHO GETS THINGS DONE", and personally going "WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND". You would be hard pressed finding a realtor that keeps the needs, wants, and whims of the client ahead of the demands of the real estate business. This transition of our life goals and dreams were made worry free and very enjoyable. We highly recommend Sherri when its time for you to head down your path.

-Timothy Rolling

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Featured Properties



478 1st St

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 1,759 sq. ft. →$975,000



1125 Schuman Ln

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | + Loft/Studio | 2,032 sq. ft. →$1,095,000



Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.

Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace

The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts are saying prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.

While we’re no longer seeing the steep spikes of previous years, experts project a steady and sustainable increase of around 3-4% per year, nationally. And the good news is, this is a much more normal pace – a welcome sign for hopeful buyers (see graph below):

What This Means for You

While it’s tempting to wait it out for prices or mortgage rates to decline before you buy, here’s what you’ll need to consider if you do.

  • Tomorrow’s home prices will be higher than today’s. The longer you wait, the more that purchase price will go up.
  • Waiting for the perfect mortgage rate or a price drop may backfire. Even if rates dip slightly, rising home prices could still make waiting more expensive overall.
  • Buying now means building equity sooner. Home values are rising, which means your investment starts growing as soon as you buy.

Let’s put real numbers into this equation. If you purchase a $400,000 home today, based on these price forecasts, it’s expected to go up in value by more than $83,000 over the next five years. That’s some serious money back in your pocket instead of being left on the sidelines (see graph below):

Why Aren’t Prices Dropping? It’s All About Supply and Demand

Even though there are more homes for sale right now than there were at this time last year, or even last month, there still aren’t enough of them on the market for all the buyers who want to purchase them. And that puts continued upward pressure on prices. As Redfin puts it:

“Prices will rise at a pace similar to that of the second half of 2024 because we don’t expect there to be enough new inventory to meet demand.”

While every market is different, most areas will continue to see moderate price growth. Some may level off a bit, but a major national drop? Not likely.

Bottom Line

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, remember this: real estate rewards those who get in the market, not those who try to time it perfectly.

Yes, today’s housing market has its challenges, but there are ways to make it work —exploring different neighborhoods, considering smaller condos or townhomes, asking your lender about alternative financing, or tapping into down payment assistance programs. The key is making a move when it makes sense for you rather than waiting for a perfect scenario that may never arrive.

Want to take a look at what’s happening with prices in our local market? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, having a plan in place can set you up for success.

 


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Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

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Published on
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Featured Properties



478 1st St

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 1,759 sq. ft. →$995,000



1125 Schuman Ln

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | + Loft/Studio | 2,032 sq. ft. →$1,095,000



Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons

When searching for a home, you don’t want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose from than there would normally be in the market. And those added choices come with some pretty incredible benefits. Talking to your agent is the best way to see if this type of home makes sense for you.

Here’s a quick rundown of some things your agent will walk you through – including a few of the top perks of buying a newly built home today and some potential things you’ll want to think about before you ink any contracts.

The Perks of Buying a Newly Built Home 

Customization Options: Many builders allow buyers to choose finishes, layouts, and upgrades so that you can personalize your home to your unique sense of style. This is obviously more of a draw if the home is still under construction, but sometimes you can have a builder agree to some tweaks even after it’s completed.

Less Maintenance and Fewer Repairs: Everything from the roof to the appliances is brand new, which should save you on any upfront maintenance or repair costs — for at least the first few years. Many builders also offer warranties on things like structural components and major systems, to give you extra peace of mind. And not having to worry about this sort of thing is a big perk when everything feels so expensive right now.

Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Features: With stricter building codes, newly built homes tend to be more environmentally friendly. This can include energy-efficient upgrades like smart thermostats and high-efficiency HVAC systems or eco-friendly tech. And all of these features can save you money on your future energy bills – again a welcome relief while inflation is stubbornly high.

Builder Incentives: Some builders are also offering incentives to homebuyers. While this will vary by builder, it could include rate buy-downs or other ways to offset today’s affordability challenges. As Bankrate says:

“Some builders offer financial incentives, including flexible financing options, to encourage buyers to purchase. These incentives — especially if they get the buyer a lower interest rate — could make a new-construction home more affordable in the long run.”

Other Considerations When Buying a Newly Built Home

On the other side of the coin, there are some things that you’ll want to at least consider before making your choice.

Longer Timelines: If you’re purchasing a home that’s still under construction, you may have to wait several months — or longer — before you can move in. As Realtor.com puts it:

“For homebuyers who have a short time frame to move into a new home, buying new construction could be challenging if the house isn’t built yet. This is not always the case, since a community may have some quick move-in homes or spec homes that are already complete (or nearly so) and ready for a buyer to move in. But if not, a buyer may have to wait.”

Potential Price Changes: Keep an eye on costs, too. It’s easy to go over budget if you keep tacking on upgrades or add-ons as you customize your build. At the same time, building materials, like lumber, can be affected by the economy, inflation, and changing trade policies. And unfortunately, if the cost of supplies climbs, builders will pass at least some of that increase on to people like you. As HousingWire explains:

“Upgrades and add-ons, unforeseen delays due to weather, supply chain issues or labor shortages, and expenses like landscaping and fencing not included in the builder’s cost can significantly affect the final price.”

Bottom Line

New builds can be a great choice today, but you want to be sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision on such a big purchase. That’s where my expertise and experience is extra important.

Would you consider a newly built home? Why or why not?


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Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

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Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

NAVIGATE Logo (2000 × 667 px)

Published on
Recent Posts

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Featured Properties



478 1st St

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 1,759 sq. ft. →$995,000



1125 Schuman Ln

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | + Loft/Studio | 2,032 sq. ft. →$1,095,000



How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower Rates

Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen? According to the latest forecasts, experts say rates will decline, but not by as much as a lot of people want.

The good news? Even if they don’t drop substantially, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable.

How Much Will Rates Drop?

A few months ago, experts were forecasting mortgage rates could dip below 6% by the end of the year. But recent projections suggest that may not happen after all.

While mortgage rates are still expected to decline some later this year, projections from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and Wells Fargo now show them stabilizing closer to the 6.5% to 7% range (see below):

a blue and white graph with numbers and textThat means if you’re holding off on buying a home in hopes of much lower mortgage rates, you may be waiting a while. And if you need to move because something in your life has changed, like a new job, a new baby, or a marriage – waiting that long may not be an option.

Creative Financing Options in Today’s Market

Since rates aren’t expected to decline as much as originally expected, it may be worth considering alternative financing options that could help you get into a home sooner rather than later. Here are three strategies to discuss with your lender to see if any of these make sense for you:

1. Mortgage Buydowns

A mortgage buydown allows you to pay an upfront fee to lower your mortgage rate for a set period of time. This can be especially helpful if you want or need a lower monthly payment early on. In fact, 27% of agents say first-time homebuyers are increasingly requesting buydowns from sellers in order to buy a home right now.

2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) typically start with a lower mortgage rate than a traditional 30-year fixed mortgage. This makes them an attractive option, especially if you expect rates to drop in the coming years or plan to refinance later.

And if you remember the housing crash, know that today’s ARMs aren’t like the risky ones back then. Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, helps drive this point home by saying:

“. . . ARM products today are different from many of the products issued in the mid-2000s. Before 2008, lenders often approved ARMs based on borrowers ability to pay the initial lower interest rates. And sometimes they didn’t even check that (remember Ninja loans). Today, adjustable-rate borrowers qualify based on their ability to cover a higher monthly payment, not just the initial lower payment.”

In simple terms, banks used to give loans without checking to see if buyers could afford them. Now, lenders verify income, assets, and jobs, reducing the risks associated with ARMs compared to the past.

3. Assumable Mortgages

An assumable mortgage allows you to take over the seller’s existing loan — including its lower mortgage rate. And with more than 11 million homes qualifying for this option according to U.S. News, it’s worth exploring if you want or need a better rate.

Bottom Line

Waiting for a big decline in mortgage rates may not be the best strategy. Instead, options like buydowns, ARMs, or assumable mortgages could make homeownership more affordable right now. Connect with a local lender to explore what works for you.

How does this impact your homebuying plans this year?


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Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

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Published on
Recent Posts

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Featured Properties



478 1st St

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 1,759 sq. ft. →$995,000



1125 Schuman Ln

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | + Loft/Studio | 2,032 sq. ft. →$1,095,000



Are You Asking Yourself These Questions About Selling Your House?

Some homeowners hesitate to sell because they’ve got unanswered questions that hold them back. But a lot of times their concerns are based on misconceptions, not facts. And if they’d just talk to an agent about it, they’d see these doubts aren’t necessarily a hurdle at all.

If uncertainty is keeping you from making a move, it’s time to get the real answers. The ones you deserve. And to take the pressure off, you don’t have to ask the questions, because here’s the data that answers them.

1. Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now? 

If you own a home already, you may be tempted to wait because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of how much your house has likely grown in value.

Think about it. Do you know anyone in your neighborhood who’s sold their house recently? If so, did you hear what it sold for? With how much home values have gone up in recent years, the number may surprise you. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical homeowner has gained $147,000 in housing wealth in the last five years alone.

That’s significant – and when you sell, that can give you what you need to fund your next move.

2. Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like? 

If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how hard it was to find a home over the past few years. But in today’s market, it isn’t as challenging.

Data from Realtor.com shows how much inventory has increased – it’s up nearly 25% compared to this time last year (see graph below): 

a graph of a sales reportEven though inventory is still below more normal pre-pandemic levels, it’s improved a lot in the past year. And the best part is, experts say it’ll grow another 10 to 15% this year. That means you have more options for your move – and the best chance in years to find a home you love.

3. Are Buyers Still Buying?

And last, if you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now, here’s some perspective that can help. While there weren’t as many home sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.24 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. But even if we only match how many homes sold last year, here’s what that looks like.

  • 4.24 million homes ÷ 365 days in a year = 11,616 homes sell each day
  • 11,616 homes ÷ 24 hours in a day = 484 homes sell per hour
  • 484 homes ÷ 60 minutes = 8 homes sell every minute

Think about that. Just in the time it took you to read this, 8 homes sold. Let this reassure you – the market isn’t at a standstill. Every day, thousands of people buy, and they’re looking for homes like yours.

Bottom Line

When you’re ready to walk through what’s on your mind, I have the answers you need. And in the meantime, tell me: what’s holding you back from making your move?


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Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

NAVIGATE Logo (2000 × 667 px)

Published on
Recent Posts

Get in Touch

Featured Properties



478 1st St

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 1,759 sq. ft. →$995,000



1125 Schuman Ln

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | + Loft/Studio | 2,032 sq. ft. →$1,095,000



Home Price Growth Is Moderating – Here’s Why That’s Good for You

Over the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering if they’d ever get a shot at owning a home. But here’s some welcome news: that whirlwind pace of home price growth is slowing down.

Home Prices Are Rising at a Healthy Pace

At the national level, home prices are still going up, but at a much more moderate, normal pace. For example, in November, the year-over-year increase in home prices was just 3.8% nationally, according to Case-Shiller. That’s a far cry from the double-digit spikes that occurred in 2021 and 2022 (see graph below):

a graph of green and white linesThis more normal home price growth might make buying a home feel more attainable for many buyers. You won’t face the same sticker shock or rapid price jumps that made it hard to plan your purchase just a few years ago.

At the same time, steady growth means the home you buy today will likely appreciate in value over time.

Prices Vary from Market to Market

While the national story is one of moderate price growth, it’s important to remember that all real estate is local. Some markets are seeing stronger growth, while others are cooling off or even seeing slight declines. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes:

“Regionally, variations persist, as some affordable areas – including smaller metros in the Midwest — remain in high demand and continue to see upward home price pressures.”

Meanwhile, other regions saw slight month-over-month declines in November, according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing different colored squaresWhat does this mean for you? It’s crucial to understand what’s happening in your local market. A national average can’t tell the whole story. That’s where working with a local real estate agent can really help. They have the tools and expertise to give you the full picture of what’s happening in your area and how to plan for that in your move.

Bottom Line

Home prices are growing at a more manageable pace, and working with a local real estate agent can help you navigate the ups and downs of your specific market.

How have changing home prices impacted your plans to buy? Let’s talk about it.

 


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🏠Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process.…. Read more….


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Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

NAVIGATE Logo (2000 × 667 px)

Published on
Recent Posts

Get in Touch

Featured Properties



478 1st St

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 1,759 sq. ft. →$995,000



1125 Schuman Ln

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | + Loft/Studio | 2,032 sq. ft. →$1,095,000



The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year

Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.

But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.

Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you’d even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.

Let’s break down why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond, and how it can help set you up for the future.

Buying Builds Wealth Over Time

Buying a home allows you to turn your monthly housing costs into a long-term investment. That’s because, as shown in data from the Census and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), home prices tend to increase over time (see graph below):

a graph of a price of houses sold in the united statesRising home prices directly benefit homeowners. That’s because when you own a home, you build equity — meaning your ownership stake in your home grows as you pay down your mortgage and your home’s value appreciates. And that, in turn, makes your net worth grow too.

Maybe that’s why, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 79% of buyers believe owning a home is a good financial investment.

Renting Comes with Rising Costs

Renting may feel more affordable in the short term, especially right now with today’s home prices and mortgage rates. But the reality is, over time, rent almost always goes up too. Take a look at the data and you can see that play out. According to Census data, rents have significantly increased over the decades (see graph below):

a graph of a number of peopleThis means if you decide to rent, you’ll likely face growing expenses each time you renew or sign a new lease – and that’ll happen without building any wealth in return. Plus, those rising costs may make it harder to save up to buy a home down the road.

Renting vs. Buying: The Long-Term Impact

When you own a home, your payments are an investment in your future. Renting, on the other hand, means your money is gone for good — it helps your landlord build equity, not you.

Renting works for those not ready (or able) to buy today. But if you are able to make the numbers work, buying a home builds equity and sets you up for long-term financial success. So, even though renting may seem easier now, it can’t match the benefits of homeownership.

Bottom Line

If you can afford it, take control of your financial future by making homeownership part of your plan. It’s an investment you won’t regret.

Do you want to see what starter homes are available in our market? Let’s connect today to explore your options.

 


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When Is the Perfect Time To Move?

🏠 It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of waiting for the perfect moment to make your move – especially in today’s market. Maybe you’re holding out and hoping mortgage rates will drop, or that home prices…Read More


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🏠Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process.…. Read more….


Home Staging FAQ: What You Need To Know

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Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

🏠 Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it’s still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider…. Read more….


Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

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Smaller Homes, Bigger Opportunities: The Homebuilder Trend Buyers Love

It’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now. And that may have you worried about how you’ll be able to buy a home. But, if you don’t need a ton of space, you may find you have more cost-effective options in an unexpected place: new home communities.

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes 

Since smaller homes typically come with smaller price tags, buyers have turned their attention to homes with less square footage — and builders have shifted their focus to capitalize on that demand. As U.S. News notes:

“The combination of higher home prices and mortgage rates has strained a lot of people’s budgets. And that’s something builders recognize. To this end, they may be leaning toward smaller spaces . . .That, in turn, can lead to savings for buyers.”

Data from the Census shows the overall builder trend toward smaller, single-family homes has been over the last couple of years (see graph below):

a graph with a line going upAs the graph shows, the average size of a brand-new home has dropped from 2,309 square feet in Q3 2022 to 2,171 square feet in Q3 2024. That’s a difference of 138 square feet.

At the end of the day, builders want to build what they know will sell. And the number one thing homebuyers are looking for right now is less expensive options to help offset today’s affordability challenges. As Multi-Housing News notes:

“The growing trend toward smaller homes is evident. These homes are less expensive to build and more attainable for many middle-income families, meeting both housing needs and modern lifestyle preferences.”

The Benefits of These Brand-New Homes

So, if you’re having trouble finding a home in your budget, it might be worth exploring newly built homes with a smaller footprint.

Not to mention, since newly built homes come with brand new everything, they have fewer maintenance needs and some of the latest features available, like energy-efficient appliances and HVAC. That’ll help you save on repair costs and your monthly utility bills. Sounds like an all-around win.

Bottom Line

Today’s builders are focusing their efforts on smaller homes at lower price points. That could give you more opportunity to find something that fits your budget. If you’re planning to buy soon, let’s connect to explore what’s on the market in your area and get your homeownership goals over the finish line.


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Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

NAVIGATE Logo (2000 × 667 px)

Published on
Recent Posts

Get in Touch

Featured Properties



When Is the Perfect Time To Move?

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of waiting for the perfect moment to make your move – especially in today’s market. Maybe you’re holding out and hoping mortgage rates will drop, or that home prices will fall. But here’s what you need to realize: trying to time the market rarely works. And here’s why.

There is no perfect market.

No matter when you buy, there’s always some benefit and some sort of trade-off – and that’s not a bad thing. That’s just the reality of it. If you’re not sure you buy into that, think back to the last 5 years in housing.

Just a few years ago, mortgage rates hit a historic low. To take advantage of that, a ton of buyers rushed to buy a home and lock in those lower rates. The side effect? With such a big increase in how many buyers were purchasing, the homes on the market were snapped up fast. And since that resulted in so few homes left for sale, bidding wars became the norm and home prices went through the roof. Those buyers got a great rate, but they had other things to contend with.

Now, with higher rates and higher prices, it’s more expensive to buy. You can’t argue that. But at the same time, the number of homes for sale is at the highest point in several years. That means you have more options to choose from and you’ll be less likely to find yourself in a pull-out-all-the-stops bidding war. Again, there are benefits and trade-offs in any market.

So, if you have a reason to move and can afford to do so, you’ve got to take advantage of the trends that work in your favor and lean on a pro to help you navigate the rest. As Bankrate says:

“The complexities of the current conditions mean that, now more than ever, it’s smart to lean on the guidance of an experienced local real estate agent. If you want to enter the housing market in 2025, whether as a buyer or a seller, let a pro lead the way for you.”

While achieving your goals may feel like an uphill battle in today’s complex market, it is doable. But you’ll need the help of a trusted real estate agent and a lender.

Your agent will help you explore creative solutions – like looking into different housing types (like smaller condos), considering homes that need a little elbow grease, or casting a wider net for your search area. And your lender will walk you through different loan options and down payment assistance programs, so you know what you need to do to make the numbers work for you. As Yahoo Finance says:

“Buying a house at a time when both mortgage rates and home prices are favorable is a challenge. You probably shouldn’t try to time the housing market . . . Buy when it makes sense for you personally.”

Bottom Line

There’s no perfect time to move – every market has its pros and cons. The key is knowing how to make the most of the factors working in your favor. If you need to move and can afford to do it, let’s connect so you’ll have the guidance and tools to make it possible. 

 


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When Is the Perfect Time To Move?

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Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

🏠 Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it’s still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider…. Read more….


Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

NAVIGATE Logo (2000 × 667 px)

Published on
Recent Posts

Get in Touch

Featured Properties



What To Save for When Buying a Home

Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process.

Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead.

1. Down Payment

Saving for your down payment is likely top of mind. But how much do you really need? A common misconception is that you have to put down 20% of the purchase price. But that’s not necessarily the case. Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, you don’t have to. There are some home loan options that require as little as 3.5% or even 0% down. An article from The Mortgage Reports explains:

“The amount you need to put down will depend on a variety of factors, including the loan type and your financial goals. If you don’t have a large down payment saved up, don’t worry—there are plenty of options available . . .”

A trusted lender will go over the various loan types with you, any down payment requirements on those, and down payment assistance programs you may qualify for. The more you know ahead of time, the easier the process will be. And the key to getting the information you need is working with a pro to see what’ll work best for your situation.

2. Closing Costs

Make sure you also budget for closing costs, which are a collection of fees and payments made to the various parties involved in your transaction. Bankrate explains:

“Mortgage closing costs are the fees associated with buying a home that you must pay on closing day. Closing costs typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the total loan amount, and they include fees for the appraisal, title insurance and origination and underwriting of the loan.”

When it comes to closing costs, a trusted lender can guide you through specifics and answer any questions you may have. They can also give you a better idea of how much you should be prepared to pay so you can cruise through your closing with confidence.

And as you plan ahead for closing day, be sure to budget for your real estate agent’s professional service fee too, in case the seller doesn’t cover it. But don’t worry, you’ll work with your agent ahead of time to agree on what this is, so you won’t be surprised at the finish line.

3. Earnest Money Deposit

And if you want to cover all your bases, you can also consider saving for an earnest money deposit (EMD). According to Realtor.com, an EMD is typically between 1% and 2% of the total home price and is money you pay as a show of good faith when you make an offer on a house.

But, it’s not an added expense. Instead, it works like a credit and goes toward some of your upfront costs. You’re simply using some of the money you’ve already saved for your purchase to show the seller you’re committed and serious about buying their house. Realtor.com describes how it works as part of your sale:

“It tells the real estate seller you’re in earnest as a buyer . . . Assuming that all goes well and the buyer’s good-faith offer is accepted by the seller, the earnest money funds go toward the down payment and closing costs. In effect, earnest money is just paying more of the down payment and closing costs upfront.”

Keep in mind, this isn’t required, and it doesn’t guarantee your offer will be accepted. It’s important to work with a real estate advisor to understand what’s best for your situation and any specific requirements in your local area. They’ll advise you on what moves you should make so you can make the best possible decisions throughout the buying process.

Bottom Line

The key to a successful homebuying savings strategy? Being informed about what you need to save for. Because, when you understand what to expect, you can plan ahead. With an expert agent and a trusted lender, you’ll have the information you need to move forward with confidence.


What To Save for When Buying a Home

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Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

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