Maureen Mrozek - William Raveis Real Estate

Here’s an early 2025 housing market forecast.

Experts project mortgage rates will come down slightly, which should lead more buyers and sellers to move. And that’ll create a moderate increase in sales as activity ticks up. It’ll also likely push prices up a little bit nationwide, though price changes will vary by location.

DM me if you want to start planning for your move.

Congratulations 🎉 to my buyers on purchasing this beautiful home in Watertown. We looked at many homes 🏠 in several towns, had submitted a few offers on other properties but in the end found the perfect home 🏠 for them. Thank you for putting your trust in me! Cheers 🥂

Did you know? The supply of homes for sale has grown significantly this year.
Here’s what that growth means:
More options for your move
More negotiation power for you
More likely sellers will make some repairs
More moderate price growth
DM me if you want to talk more about how this benefits you when you buy a home.

What's the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market?

If you’ve been considering buying or selling a home this year, you’re probably curious about what the election might mean for the housing market – and if it’s still a good time to make your move.

Home Sales

In the month leading up to a Presidential election, from October to November, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales.

Some consumers will simply wait it out before they make their purchase decision. However, it’s important to know this slowdown is small and temporary.
Historically, home sales bounce right back and continue to rise the following year.

Home Prices

You may also be wondering about home prices. Do prices come down during election years? Not typically.

Home prices generally rise over time, regardless of an election cycle. So, based on what history shows, you can expect the current pricing trend in your local market to likely...

What's the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market? It’s no surprise that the upcoming Presidential election might have you speculating about what’s ahead.

Want to know the top mistakes sellers are making today? It’s overpricing their house.

A price that’s too high is going to cost you. It turns buyers away and may mean you need a price drop to re-ignite interest in the home.

To make sure you don’t end up making this mistake, DM me, and let’s price it right from the start.

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash

If you’ve heard home prices are going to come crashing down, it’s time to look at what’s actually happening. While prices vary by local market, there’s a lot of data out there from numerous sources that shows a crash is not going to happen. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped.

2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy

If this nagging fear about finding the right home if you move is still holding you back, you probably haven’t talked with an expert real estate agent lately. Throughout the year, the...

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear?

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers

While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal. Here’s what that means when you buy: more options for your search, more negotiation power for you, it’s more likely sellers will make select repairs, and more moderate price growth. If you want to talk more about what rising inventory means for you, let’s connect.

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal.

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House?

When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Think of it like your financial report card that lenders look at when trying to figure out if you qualify, and which home loan will work best for you. As the Mortgage Report says:

"Good credit scores communicate to lenders that you have a track record for properly managing your debts. For this reason, the higher your score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage."

The trouble is most buyers overestimate the minimum credit score they need to buy a home. According to a report from Fannie Mae, only 32% of consumers have a good idea of what lenders require. That means nearly 2 out of every 3 people don’t.

So, here’s a general ballpark to give you a rough idea. Experian says:

“The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, but will...

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House? When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

The Number One Mistake Sellers Are Making: Overpricing Their House

In today's housing market, many sellers are making a critical mistake: overpricing their houses. This common error can lead to a home sitting on the market for a long time without any offers. And when that happens, the homeowner may have to drop their asking price to try to re-ignite buyer interest.

If you’re thinking about making a move yourself, here’s what you need to know. The best way to avoid making a costly mistake is to work with a trusted real estate agent to find the right price. Here’s a look at what’s at stake if you don’t.

Not Paying Attention To Current Market Conditions

Understanding current market conditions is key to accurate pricing.

Real estate agents stay updated on market trends and how they impact the pricing strategy for your house.

Pricing It Based on What You Want To Make (Not What It’s Worth)

Another misstep is pricing...

The Number One Mistake Sellers Are Making: Overpricing Their House In today's housing market, many sellers are making a critical mistake: overpricing their houses.

How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent

Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home. But how do you find the best one? Here are some tips to help you make that big decision as you determine your partner in the process.

Check Their Reputation

Start by gathering information about agents in your area. From there, try to narrow down the list. Ask the people you trust if they have someone they’d recommend. You’ll want to find an agent with a strong online presence, plenty of positive reviews, and someone whose great reputation truly precedes them.

Look for Local Market Expertise

A great agent should have in-depth knowledge of what’s happening at the national and local level. That way they can clear up any misconceptions sparked by what you’re reading or hearing in the news.

Get a Feel for Their Communication Style and Availability

Effective communication...

How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home.

Plan Ahead: Create a moving timeline and stick to it. Declutter: Sort and donate items you no longer need. Organize School Supplies: Pack a separate box for school essentials. Label Everything: Clearly mark boxes for easy unpacking. Coordinate with Schools: Ensure records and enrollments are transferred. Pack a Moving Day Kit: Include snacks, water, and important documents. Set Up Kids Rooms First: Make the transition easier for your children. Take Breaks: Balance moving tasks with family time. Moving and starting a new school year can be stressful, but with proper planning, it can be a breeze. Ready to make your move and back-to-school transition seamless? Let's do it together!

The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations. It’s called the Great Wealth Transfer.

Basically, as more Baby Boomers retire, sell businesses, or downsize their homes, more substantial assets are being passed down to younger generations. And this creates a powerful ripple effect that’ll continue over the next few decades.

Impact on the Housing Market

One of the most immediate effects of this wealth transfer is on the housing market. Home affordability has been a concern for many aspiring buyers, especially in high-demand areas. The increase in generational wealth is expected to ease some of these challenges by providing future homeowners with greater financial resources. As assets are passed down through generations, buyers may find themselves in a better position to afford homes.

Impact on the Economy

But the...

The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there are 3 reasons you may want to make your move this fall.

1) Inventory is growing, giving you more options
2) Newly built homes may be more budget-friendly than you’d expect
3) Mortgage rates have come down from their peak last October

Want to talk about what this means for your move? DM me.

Affordability has been a challenge for a while now.
There are three main factors that impact it: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.
Here’s the good news. There are early signs that all three are starting to improve. Mortgage rates are coming down, home price growth is moderating, and wages are going up.
If you’re thinking about kicking off your search, DM me.

Did you know? You don’t always need a perfect credit score to buy a home.
Loan types and qualifications vary, so you may be closer to owning a home than you think.
If you want to explore options that might work for you, reach out to a trusted lender.

Have you heard of the Great Wealth Transfer?

Over the next 20 years, roughly $84 trillion is expected to change hands from Baby Boomers to Gen X and Millennials.

And as it’s passed down, it’ll impact the housing market because it should help younger generations be in a better position to afford homes.

Cheers 🥂 to my buyers on the success negotiation on this beautiful home in Watertown!

Have you heard the good news?

Mortgage rates are down a full percent from their recent peak.

And if higher rates were the biggest thing keeping you on the sidelines, this may be exactly what you were waiting for.

If you’re ready to jump back into the market, DM me.

Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live?

One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year.

Recent data from Realtor.com shows that nationally, there are 36.6% more homes actively for sale now compared to the same time last year. That’s a significant improvement. It gives you far more options for your move than you would’ve had just a year ago. And with supply improving, you’re also regaining a bit of negotiation power. So, if you’re someone who thought about buying a home over the last few years but were discouraged by how limited inventory was, this should be welcome news.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says, “Increased housing supply spells good news for consumers who want to see more properties before making purchasing decisions.”

While we’re up by almost 37% year-over-year, we’re still not back to how much...

Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live? One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year.

Home Inspections For Sellers: How To Prepare

If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for. As supply grows and buyers regain negotiation power, you may find you want to do some select repairs with a good return on investment before listing to get ahead of things a buyer may ask you to fix. To decide what's worth tackling, you need expert advice. Let's chat so you know what to prioritize.

Home Inspections For Sellers: How To Prepare If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for.

Where Will You Go After You Sell?

If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too.

So how do you decide which route to go? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you.

Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now:

>>Have brand new everything with never-been-used appliances and materials
>>Use energy efficient options to save money and leave a smaller footprint
>>Minimize the need for repairs and benefit from builder warranties
>>Take advantage of builder concessions that can help with affordability

Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, shares, “Homebuyers who are looking for that ‘new-home smell’ may...

Where Will You Go After You Sell? If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available.

Under Deposit! Congrats 🎉 to my buyer we successfully negotiated the purchase of this beautiful waterfront condo located at 433 Popes Island Rd, Milford.

New to the Market! 57 Orne Street, West Haven.
With a few personal touches make this your dream home. 1760 sq. ft. raised ranch with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath and beautiful level yard. Offered at $329,900

https://smartmls-portal.connectmls.com/shared-link/west-haven-single-family-for-sale-57-orne/0d93e019-ad02-464c-9231-5e5999c9f8db

Thinking about selling, but not sure where you’ll go?

The good news is the supply of newly built and existing homes for sale has grown this year. That gives you more options – each with their own perks.

So, which will you choose? A charming existing home or a shiny new build?

Let me know which features you’re looking for in your next home. Drop your answer below.

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High

Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you’re someone who’s looking to make a move, you’ve probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish.

After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Reserve’s recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to Freddie Mac, they’re now at a level we haven’t seen since February.

Maybe you’re seeing this and wondering if you should ride the wave and see how low they’ll go. If that’s the case, here’s some important perspective. Remember, the record-low rates from the pandemic are a thing of the past. And if you wait for mortgage rates to drop further, you might find yourself...

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability.

Wondering if a housing market crash is on the horizon? Think again.

Unlike 2008's oversupply issue, today we're facing an undersupply of homes.

From existing homes to new builds and even foreclosures, all inventory levels are significantly lower than during the last housing crisis.

The numbers are clear—today's inventory conditions are simply not the same.

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Equity

Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize.

Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home.

Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have?

Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.

Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows Americans have significant equity right now. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages.

Today, more...

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Equity Curious about selling your home?