Published on September 9th, 2022
8 min read




Jennifer SchmidtContributing Author













Richard HaddadManaging Editor



You see homes selling for a lot of money in your neighborhood, and think, “I wonder what the value of my home would be?” In a changing housing market, the sold price depends on many factors, and sometimes you’re not sure where to start in finding the best information about your home.
Fortunately, our expert Jesse Allen, from Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a top producing agent who specializes in single-family homes, and knows what determines value. As a homeowner, being aware of these details can also make your life easier in making financial decisions.
How are property value estimates used?
Property value estimates are generally used by banks, insurance companies, and homeowners for determining how or if financial transactions can move forward. For instance, if the value of your home doesn ...

Steph MickelsonContributing Author













Madeline SheenAssociate Editor


You’re driving around a neighborhood you love, and then up there in the distance, you see a sign in a yard. Is it a yard sale? A political sign? A contractor’s information?
No…it’s a for sale sign!!!
But this sign looks different from the real estate agent signs you usually see and it lists the homeowner’s contact information. You’ve found yourself a FSBO home.
What is a FSBO home?
A “for sale by owner,” or FSBO (pronounced “fizz-bo”) home, is a home that is being sold by its owner who hasn’t hired a listing agent. In this case, the homeowner will be taking care of the home sale process and negotiations themself.
You can usually find these homes by driving around the neighborhoods in your area and scoping out “for sale” signs, but they can also be found on real estate websites and social media platfor ...

Published on April 21st, 2022











Steph MickelsonContributing Author

























Amber TaufenManaging Editor, Buyer Resource Center








If you’ve turned on the news or tried to buy a house since 2020, you’ve probably already heard about the housing shortage and its contributions to the soaring cost of real estate. And while it’s easy to blame this shortage on the pandemic, the so-called “urban exodus,” and lack of inventory — the truth is that the roots of the problem run much deeper.

While it would be nice to pin down the causes of the housing shortage to just one or two variables, the reality is there are many factors that first caused and then further exacerbated a lack of homes for sale in America. Additionally, much of the housing shortage affects first-time homebuyers and affordable housing, creating a market that is simultaneously on fire and unattai ...

Published on April 19th, 2022



10-11 min read











Steph MickelsonContributing Author

























Amber TaufenManaging Editor, Buyer Resource Center








The role of a real estate agent is constantly evolving. Whether it’s adapting to new technology or keeping up with the changing markets, real estate agents have to be on their toes and willing to adjust to an ever-changing landscape. Today, real estate agents face competition from iBuyers (instant buyers) and online listing platforms, neither of which requires an agent to use — and both of which beg the question: Will real estate agents be replaced?

We don’t think so. While there are more options, and real estate agents have to remain flexible in a changing market, they continue to play an important and integral role in real estate transactions.

“I always feel like there will be a real estate agent involved in the real e ...

Published on April 21st, 2022
7 min read









Steph MickelsonContributing Author


























Amber TaufenManaging Editor, Buyer Resource Center









Starting over in a new city or new state, or even a new neighborhood, can seem daunting and overwhelming at first — but there are ways to make the transition easier. Sometimes you’re dealing with what you already know is homesickness and missing your old home, and other times, it simply takes a little longer to get the feel of the area. Whether you’re moving to an urban or rural area, there are streets you’ve never driven on, restaurants you’ve never heard of, and people you’ve never seen before.
According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, just over 40 million Americans moved each year between 2015 and 2020 — about 13% of the population. Of these moves, 65% were within the sa ...