Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget. If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says:“If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friends could be an option.”But there are some things you'll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyers and see if it may make sense for you too.What Is Co-Buying?Co-buying means buying a home with someone like a friend, sibling, or even a group of people. And, with today’s high home prices and mortgage rates, it’s an option more people are turning to. According to a survey done by JW Surety Bonds, nearly 15% of Americans have already co-purchased a home with someone, and another 48% would consider doing it.Why Consider Co-Buying?The same survey also asked people about the perks of co-buying a home. Here are some of the top responses (see graph below):Sharing Costs (67%): From saving for a down payment to managing monthly payments, buying a home is a big financial step. When you co-buy, you split these costs, making it easier to afford a home.Affording a Better Home (56%): By pooling your financial resources, you may also be able to afford a larger or higher-quality home than you could have on your own. This may mean getting that extra bedroom, a bigger backyard, or living in a more desirable neighborhood.Investment Opportunity (54%): Co-buying a home can also be an investment. You could buy a house with someone so you can rent out, which could help generate passive income.Sharing Responsibilities (48%): Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, including maintenance and upkeep and more. When you co-buy, you share these commitments, which can lighten the load for everyone involved.Other Co-Buying ConsiderationsWhile co-buying has its benefits, there’s something else you need to consider before deciding if this approach is right for you. As Rocket Mortgage says:“Buying a house with a friend or multiple friends might be a great way for you to achieve homeownership, but it’s not a decision you should make lightly. Before diving in, make sure you understand the financial and logistical hurdles you’ll face, as well as the human and emotional elements that might affect the purchase or, more importantly, your relationship.”Basically, make sure you and your co-buyer are on the same page about things like how costs will be split, who will handle what responsibilities, and what will happen if one of you wants to sell your share of the home in the future. Leaning on an expert can help you weigh the pros and cons to make that conversation easier.Bottom LineIf you're looking to get your foot in the door but are having a tough time at today's rates and prices, co-buying could be an option to make your move happen. But, it’s important to plan carefully and make sure that all parties are clear on the details. To figure out if co-buying makes sense for you, connect with a local real estate agent.

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The holidays are almost here, and your home is about to be center stage for festive gatherings and cozy reunions.  Whether you’re looking forward to hosting or dreading it, the good news is that you don’t have to empty your wallet while prepping your home. As a real estate agent, I’ve seen firsthand how a few strategic staging tweaks can completely transform a home—and I’m sharing my insider tips for getting your space guest-ready on a budget. These ideas will help you create a memorable holiday experience while keeping things unique, personal, and hassle-free. 1. Declutter Like a Pro You know a clean home makes a great first impression, and the best part? It doesn’t cost a dime (just a little elbow grease). But here’s the real game-changer, whether you’re hosting guests or prepping your home for sale: strategic decluttering. The less visual noise, the more inviting your space feels.  Bonus tip: Create “holiday zones”—a cozy corner for conversations, a dessert table nook, and a space for kids to play. Guests will love the intentionality, and you’ll love the manageable cleanup later. 2. Rearrange Your Furniture for Better Flow Imagine your home as a space designed to host: Does your living room encourage conversation? Are there places for drinks to rest? Shift furniture to open up pathways and create cozy groupings. For a pro touch, borrow or rent small accent tables or stools for extra functionality without adding clutter. 3. Add Festive Decor Without Overspending Skip the overdone decorations found in every store this time of year. Instead, lean into fresh, local or meaningful pieces. Head outside to forage for branches, pinecones, or even citrus fruits for table decor (this also makes a great family activity!).  If the outdoors isn’t your thing, try vintage shops. You’ll be surprised at how many unique items you find at a fraction of the cost of big stores—think quirky ornaments or retro candlesticks that spark conversation.  4. Transform Your Guest Bedroom into a Mini Hotel Suite Treat your guest room like an Airbnb listing: Add a few thoughtful extras, like a printed Wi-Fi password, a stack of local magazines, or a bedside carafe of water. You can also place a basket with essentials like towels, toiletries, and snacks for a thoughtful touch that won’t cost a lot. Feeling fancy? Leave a handwritten holiday note welcoming your guests. These tiny gestures create a boutique experience without a boutique price tag. 5. Focus on the Bathroom Your bathroom will get a lot of traffic, so make sure it’s guest-ready. Replace the hand soap with a seasonal scent, add fresh towels, and place a small bouquet of flowers or greenery on the counter. Want a wow factor? A $5 investment in a eucalyptus bundle for the showerhead creates an instant spa vibe. 6. Create a Warm Welcome at the Front Door Your entryway is the first thing guests see, so make it count. Sweep the porch, add a festive wreath, and place a mat for wet shoes. If you have outdoor space, string lights or lanterns can create a warm, inviting atmosphere without requiring major investments. 7. Light It Up for the Season Lighting plays a huge role in creating a cozy ambiance. Use lamps or string lights to add warmth and reduce the need for harsh overhead lighting. Candles (real or battery-operated) can add a touch of elegance and are an affordable way to elevate your space. 8. Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station Ease the stress of serving by creating a self-serve drink station. Use a bar cart or a side table to set up coffee, hot chocolate, or a festive punch, complete with cups, spoons, and garnishes. Guests will appreciate the gesture, and it keeps the kitchen clear for meal prep. 9. Offer Practical Storage for Coats and Bags With holiday gatherings, storage can quickly become an issue. Clear out your entryway closet or designate a specific area for coats, bags, and shoes. Use hooks, a sturdy rack, or baskets to keep everything organized and easily accessible. 10. Add Personalized Holiday Touches Small personal touches go a long way in making guests feel special. Write a quick welcome note or create place cards for a sit-down meal. And don’t forget a holiday playlist to set the tone! Personalized touches show thoughtfulness and care without requiring a big budget. Preparing your home for holiday guests doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a warm, welcoming space your guests will rave about.

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One major reason why we’re not heading toward a foreclosure crisis is the high level of equity homeowners have today. Unlike in the last housing bubble, where many homeowners owed more than their homes were worth, today’s homeowners have far more equity than debt.That’s a big part of the reason why even though mortgage debt is at an all-time high, this isn’t 2008 all over again. As Bill McBride, Housing Analyst for Calculated Risk, explains:“With the recent house price increases, some people are worried about a new housing bubble – but mortgage debt isn’t a concern . . .”Today’s homeowners are in a much stronger position than ever before. So, let’s break it down and see why today’s mortgage debt isn’t anything to fear.More Equity, Less Risk of ForeclosuresAccording to the St. Louis Fed, total homeowner equity is nearly triple the total mortgage debt today (see graph below):High equity makes it less likely for homeowners to face foreclosure because they have more options. If someone struggles to make their mortgage payments, they could potentially sell their house and still come out ahead thanks to their built-up equity.Even if home values were to dip, most homeowners would still have a comfortable cushion of equity. That’s a big contrast to the 2008 crisis, where many homeowners were underwater on their mortgages and had few options to avoid foreclosure.Delinquency Rates Are Still Near Historic LowsAnother reassuring sign is that, according to the NY Fed, the number of mortgage payments that are more than 90 days late is still near historic lows (see graph below):This is partly due to a variety of programs designed to help homeowners through temporary hardships. As Marina Walsh, VP of Industry Analysis at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), says:“. . . servicers are helping at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosures through loan workout options that can mitigate temporary distress.”So, even if someone falls behind on their payments, there are support systems in place to help them avoid foreclosure.Low Unemployment Helps Keep the Market StableOne other important factor is today’s low unemployment rate. More people have stable jobs, which means they’re better able to afford their mortgage payments. As Archana Pradhan, Principal Economist at CoreLogic, explains:“Low unemployment numbers have helped reduce the overall delinquency rate . . .”During the last housing crisis, unemployment was much higher, which led to a wave of foreclosures. Today’s unemployment rate is very different (see graph below):That stability in how many people are employed is one of the reasons the market doesn’t have the same risks as it did the last time.There’s no need to worry about a wave of distressed sales like the one we saw in 2008. Most homeowners today are employed and have low-interest mortgages they can afford, so they’re able to make their payments. As McBride states:“The bottom line is there will not be a huge wave of distressed sales as happened following the housing bubble.” Bottom LineWhile mortgage debt is high, rest assured the market isn’t on the brink of another crash. Instead, most homeowners are in a strong position. If you have questions or concerns, connect with a local real estate agent.

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