Jules King's Blog Posts

What You Can Negotiate in a Home Purchase (That Most Buyers Don't Realize)When most people picture negotiating on a home, they picture one number: the list price. You offer somewhere under the

If you've spent any time on real estate TikTok in the last few years, you've probably seen the house hacking pitch. Buy a property, rent part of it out, let your tenants cover the mortgage. Live for

2026 Home Design Trends: What's In, What's Out, and What Buyers Are Responding ToAfter a decade of cool grays, crisp whites, and spaces that looked more like showrooms than homes, buyers have

Is Buying a Home Together Right for Your Family? Here's How to Think It Through...For a long time, multigenerational living had a reputation problem. It was the option families turned to when

The playbook for selling a home has changed fast. Buyers have more options, more leverage, and they are using it. Active housing inventory rose more than 16% year-over-year in 2025 — one of

When most homebuyers calculate whether they can afford a new home, they focus almost exclusively on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. It's the figure lenders qualify them for, the number

Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position

For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio—a quick hit of seeing your home's estimated value, right at your fingertips.

Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173

As a homeowner, you’re likely diligent about the basics—mowing the lawn, touching up paint, and cleaning regularly. But what about the critical home maintenance tasks you don’t see

Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next MoveAs we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era

Navigating the real estate market without guidance is like starting an expedition without a map. Whether you're selling your cherished family home or searching for your dream property, having the

Thinking about listing your home in 2025? If so, you're smart to start planning ahead. With housing inventory rising in many market segments, today’s sellers need more than just a “for

Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1

Tax season. Just the words can send shivers down your spine. But if you're a homeowner, there's a silver lining: potential savings! You’ve probably heard that you can deduct the interest you

Ask any homeowner about what they would like to change about their home, and most will say, “How much time do you have?Home improvements (cue Tim Allen) or home remodeling projects can stem

Experts Predict Home Values to Increase 1.5% to 3.6% in 2025.Top housing experts and economists give a glimpse of what mortgage rates, home values and the national real estate market will do in.

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly

Multigenerational Home BuyingFor many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial

Selling your home quickly and at the right price takes more than just listing it online. To draw in potential buyers and secure top offers, your home needs to stand out. That’s where home

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year.1 If you’re among them, you

With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers'

Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don't have to embark on a major remodel to make a

Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would

The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined,

From wildfires to floods, the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United States. In 2023 alone, there were 28 individual weather-related

When you've lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time

One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a

A growing share of home buyers and sellers sat on the sidelines last year as the pace of home sales continued its downward trajectory.1 In fact, since the Federal Reserve began its series of

It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful. According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your

If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club. Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans'

Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Federal Reserve shut down the party when it began raising

To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home. Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of

Does your current home no longer serve your needs?If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to

There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Federal Reserve began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has

It's not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while

 Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let

 When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a

  Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023 Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make

  Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort

Home for the Holidays: How To Stretch Your Budgetin a Season of Inflation You don't have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may

 Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. 1 Consequently, home sellers who

Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to AnswerBefore Purchasing Your First Home Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if

Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. And even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting

10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary,

7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)  No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a