Thinking about buying a home but still haunted by the chaos of the past few years? You're not alone.

There was a time when homes disappeared in hours, and buyers had to make split-second decisions just to compete. It was fast, stressful, and often disheartening.

But things have changed.

The pace of the market has slowed down, giving buyers more breathing room and more opportunity.

If you've been waiting for the right moment, this might be it.

Ready to learn more? Read Indy Match's latest blog post.

In this blog, we explore the truth about down payments — and it’s probably not what you think. While many believe you need 20% down to buy a home, that’s far from the reality. In fact, plenty of buyers, especially first-timers, secure homes with as little as 3–5% down. While a larger down payment can reduce monthly payments and help avoid PMI, it’s not always the smartest financial move. Tying up all your savings in a home can leave you without a safety net. This post breaks down how to strike the right balance between upfront costs and long-term flexibility, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Thinking of selling your home? Before you list, make sure you're not setting yourself up for frustration—or financial loss. Too many sellers make simple, avoidable mistakes that cost them time, money, and potential buyers. From pricing your home incorrectly to skipping essential repairs or staging, these common missteps can derail your plans and leave your property sitting on the market. In today’s competitive housing landscape, knowing what not to do is just as important as getting everything right. Let’s break down the top pitfalls you’ll want to avoid when it’s time to sell.

Forget the doomsday headlines—while whispers of a housing crash may grab attention, the full story is much more reassuring. Backed by insights from over 100 top economists in Fannie Mae’s latest Home Price Expectations Survey, this blog reveals how America’s home values are set to grow steadily (about 3.3% annually through 2029), without spiraling into a crash. Learn why regional markets may wobble, but the national outlook remains solid—your complete guide to understanding what’s next awaits inside.

Multigenerational homebuying in the U.S. has reached a record high, with 17% of recent buyers purchasing homes to accommodate extended family members. While caregiving has traditionally been a key reason for this trend, a growing number of families are now motivated by affordability. In 2024, 36% of multigenerational buyers cited cost savings as their main reason—more than double the share from 2015. By pooling resources and sharing expenses like mortgages, utilities, and taxes, families are able to purchase larger, more suitable homes. As nearly 30% of future buyers consider this option, multigenerational living is becoming a smart and practical housing solution.

The 2025 interior design trends focus on creating spaces that are both stylish and functional, with an emphasis on sustainability, personalization, and modern technology. From eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired elements to multifunctional layouts and smart home features, these trends reflect a growing desire for homes that support well-being, reflect individual style, and adapt to changing lifestyles.

As your mortgage goes down and your home value rises, you build equity — a valuable financial resource. A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) lets you tap into that equity for things like home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses. With lower interest rates and flexible repayment, HELOCs can be a smart financial tool — if used wisely.

In this blog post, we explore how HELOCs work, their benefits and risks, and expert tips to help you decide if it’s the right move for your financial goals.

When it comes to home loans, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. From conventional to jumbo loans, every borrower’s situation is unique — and that includes those purchasing condominiums. Condo loans come with their own set of rules, starting with how the property is legally defined. As Joe Burke, SVP of Mortgage Lending at Proper Rate, explains, a condo isn’t just an apartment; it can be a townhome or even a single-family house, depending on the legal declaration. Because ownership is shared within a condo community, lenders often view these loans as riskier, which can affect everything from the underwriting process to your interest rate.

A standard home inspection gives a general overview of a property's condition but doesn’t cover everything, as inspectors are limited to visible areas. If something seems off, they may suggest bringing in a specialist. Depending on the home's age, location, and features, additional inspections can offer peace of mind and help avoid costly surprises later—making them a smart investment.

Worried you're missing out on homes before they hit the market? You're not alone. Some listings are shared privately, and it's easy to feel like you need to chase every lead solo to stay ahead. But bouncing between agents and trying to out-hustle the system can backfire. There’s a smarter way to buy—one that doesn’t leave you burned out or missing opportunities.

Selling your home for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve only experienced buying. It’s not just buying in reverse—there are unique challenges and decisions to make. Remembering what made a home appealing to you as a buyer can give you a huge advantage in selling your own home quickly and at the best price.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, you probably want to negotiate the best price possible. But in today’s market, getting the best deal isn’t just about negotiating the lowest price—it’s about making a smart financial decision that balances cost, convenience, and long-term value.

Thinking about listing your home? You might envision a smooth, competitive process with multiple offers and no surprises. However, the market is shifting, and more deals are falling through before reaching closing day. Want to learn more about how these changes could impact your home sale?

When interviewing real estate agents to sell your house, it's easy to focus on the potential selling price and marketing plans, but it's just as important to be prepared to answer a few key questions. To get the best advice and maximize your sale price, be ready to discuss your motivations for selling, the balance remaining on your mortgage, your desired closing timeline, and any known issues with the property. These details will help the agent tailor their approach to your unique situation, ensuring that you’re guided through the selling process in the most effective way.

Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. Did you know you could be entitled to tax benefits like major deductions and perks for creating a home office? The key is knowing exactly what you can claim and how to make the most of it. The shift from renting to owning opens up a whole new world of savings. Take advantage of these benefits and minimize your tax bill this year.

Many first-time homebuyers are intimidated by the idea of saving for a down payment, often because they believe they need 20% of the home's purchase price. However, this is a myth—many loan programs require much smaller down payments, ranging from 3% to 10%, or even none at all in some cases. The 20% figure stems from the past, but it's no longer a requirement. Real estate offers a unique investment opportunity by allowing buyers to control a large asset with a relatively small upfront cost, providing significant leverage. Beyond investment potential, homeownership also provides stability, security, and the opportunity to build equity. Though buying a home may seem complicated, it can be an accessible way to invest in your future. Working with a knowledgeable lender and real estate agent can make the process less overwhelming, helping you explore options and realize that homeownership might be more attainable than you think.

Real estate agents often hear buyers say they’re waiting until the new year to purchase a home, especially as the holidays approach. While the reasoning is understandable—December is busy, inventory is low, and many hope for better options or lower rates after the holidays—this waiting game doesn't always lead to significant changes in the market come January. As a result, many buyers end up following the same pattern year after year without seeing the dramatic shifts they expect.

The holiday season can be a busy time, and many people delay house hunting until the spring, assuming there won’t be good options available. However, there are distinct advantages to buying a home during the holidays. With fewer buyers in the market, you may face less competition and potentially avoid bidding wars, giving you a better chance at finding a great deal. Sellers during this time are often highly motivated, whether due to job relocations or personal circumstances, and may be more willing to negotiate. Additionally, browsing listings now allows you to better understand the market, so you're prepared when the right home comes along. While there may be fewer homes available and some delays in scheduling or processing, the holiday season presents a unique opportunity to get ahead of the competition and make the most of your home search.

Technology has transformed the home-buying process, making it easier to browse listings, get pre-approved, and apply for mortgages all online. This convenience allows buyers to explore options without the pressure of in-depth financial questions or sales pitches, giving them more control over their journey—especially in the early stages.

In our latest blog, we explore whether a fixer-upper is the right choice for you. We cover essential factors like budget, time commitment, potential for profit, and how to assess the true condition of a property. If you're thinking about renovating, this guide will help you weigh the pros and cons before taking on your next project. Read on to see if a fixer-upper fits your goals and lifestyle!