Real Estate Today

How do you make the best offer to land your dream home? REALTOR® Pat Vredevoogd walks us through the process of writing a winning offer. From price to possession, from contingencies to earnest money, she explains what a buyer should include if they want to win the house. And for sellers, Pat explains what to look for in an offer and explains why price isn't always everything. Peter Gallo, owner and chief appraiser at HomeSight Appraisal, explains the appraisal process and what it means to buyers, sellers—and the lender. Danielle Hale, the chief economist at Realtor.com, walks us through "The Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2024" report. This fascinating study examined U.S. markets through the eyes of first-time buyers, looking at home availability, affordability, and price, as well as employment opportunities and the cost of living. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about the color beige and the traditional herringbone patterns. Are they hot—or are they not?

Is buying a newly constructed home the right move for you? President and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders Jim Tobin talks about the market for new home builds and what potential home buyers need to know. REALTOR® Don McGlynn, who recently purchased a home that is being built, talks about the process of buying a new construction and all the decisions involved—from flooring and fixtures, to finishes and more. Justin Fink discusses building a passive home and how it can save you 90% on your energy bills. And NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explains the latest pending-home sales data and forecasts what the real estate market may look like this spring. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses what home design trends are in and out in this week's "Hot or Not."

Is 2024 the year to buy a real estate investment property? REALTOR® Kristin Smith from Dallas, TX gives tips on how to buy your first investment property and the best way to find a tenant. She also talks about how to invest in a short-term rental and the impact of being an Airbnb super-host. REALTOR® Peter Crouch from the Washington, D.C. area shares how to get started in real estate investing if you're closer to retirement, while REALTOR® Bob Turner from near Memphis, TN discusses buying land. Additionally, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest existing-home sales data. And, finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if crocheted home accessories and coffee bars are hot or not.

What will selling a home be like in 2024? realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale finds that the latest real estate market data shows an increase in housing inventory. REALTOR® Bill Lublin from the Philadelphia area shares selling strategies and how to evaluate an offer. REALTOR® Kristinia Rhodes from Evansville, Indiana discusses why listing your home now, in the dead of winter (instead of waiting until the spring), is the best move for a home seller. Appraiser Beth Graham explains what homeowners can do to get the best appraisal price and why getting a pre-appraisal can be a good idea. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses the electronics from the CES and if they are hot or not.

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It's a new year! Is it time for a new home? Cassie Happe from WalletHub talks about their "Most Fun Cities in America (2024)" list, while REALTOR® Dale Mattison from the Greater Washington, D.C. area explains the strategies buyers can use to make an offer and win the home in a competitive market with low housing inventory. Glenn Bunker, president of Ally Home Loans, discusses where he thinks mortgage rates will go in 2024 and what that will mean for home buyers. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know whether marble, quartz, or concrete kitchen countertops are hot or not.

It's time to move south for the winter. REALTOR® Barb Sukkau from Ontario explains what people are looking for in a second home in a warmer climate and how they go about buying it. REALTOR® Kathy Dunn from Tennessee discusses people who move "halfback" and why sometimes moving to Florida may not be the ideal scenario for many trying to avoid the cold. Craig Venezia, author of Buying a Second Home: Income, Getaway or Retirement, explains how to get prepared to buy that second home, how to maintain it, and how to pay for it. REALTOR® Chad Pederson from Minnesota talks about what he tells clients looking to move south and why many keep the vacation cabin up north but sell the primary home. And, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if accent doors, rose gold, and showing artwork on your tv are still hot home trends.

What will the real estate market be like in 2024? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun looks ahead by discussing the most recent existing-home sales data and the 2023 real estate market. REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts explains how he thinks home sellers will approach 2024 with the expected drop in interest rates. Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, shares the challenges home builders are facing in 2024 and what solutions would help increase new home construction. Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, discusses how home buyers and sellers are expected to treat home inspections during a transaction. REALTOR® Irene Sawyer from Blowing Rock, NC shares how her battle with breast cancer led to the foundation of the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation, which helps pay for cancer care in six counties in the mountains of North Carolina. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracy looks at whether the color tones pink and orange are hot or not.

What can be expected in the winter real estate market? REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts explains how low housing inventory is still impacting demand and what buyers and sellers are including in a winning offer. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com shares the latest on interest rates and how it's impacting home loans. Danielle Hale, realtor.com's chief economist, discusses their 2024 Housing Forecast and what markets are expected to see the largest growth in home prices. And Melissa Dittmann Tracy talks about the 10 worst home design trends of 2023.

With winter approaching, we share how to keep your home warm without breaking the bank. You don't need to experience extreme weather to utilize these winter heating tips for your home! REALTOR® D'Ette Owen from Anchorage, Alaska shares how Alaskans keep their homes toasty when it's -15 degrees F outside. Bill Stack from Eversource Energy explains how to save money as you keep your home nice and warm. And, yes, smart thermostats do help you save money! Kris Kiser from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) discusses how to maintain and operate a generator while staying safe. And, Holden Lewis from NerdWallet goes into detail on why the increase in the conforming loan limit is important for home buyers and how it compares to a jumbo home loan. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether the traditional holiday colors of red and green are hot or not.

Let's find out the best way to get a great mortgage to buy the home of your dreams. REALTOR® Arlene Castellano from Springfield, Massachusetts shares why it's important to get preapproved for a mortgage before you search for a new house. Bob Walters, the recently retired CEO of Rocket Mortgage, discusses Rocket's ONE+ home loan, which only requires a 1% down payment, while they enact a 2% down payment grant. To boot, the loan won't require any mortgage insurance. Credit expert Gerri Detweiler explains the importance of your credit score, and Down Payment Resource's Marcy Ash discusses some down payment assistance programs that can help buyers get into a home. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about kitchen trends and whether colorful kitchen appliances or stainless steel kitchen cabinets and pantries are hot or not.