Research & Insights
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The 2026 Housing Market Favors Buyers Who Do Their Homework
The 2026 housing market is shaping up to be the most buyer-friendly in over a decade, but that leverage only pays off for buyers who arrive prepared.
Your Home Inspection Is Not a Guarantee: What It Covers, What It Misses, and What to Do Next
A standard home inspection is a snapshot, not a full diagnostic. It covers visible, accessible areas during a 2–3 hour walkthrough, which means hidden problems in sewer lines, behind walls, or beneath the foundation often go undetected. Buyers who treat the inspection report as a clean bill of health set themselves up for expensive surprises. The smarter approach is to understand exactly what the inspection excludes, budget for targeted specialty tests, and use documented findings as negotiation leverage before closing.
The 4.0 pCi/L Rule: Turn a Hidden Risk Into Negotiating Power
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States—responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths every year. Yet most homebuyers never test for it. Unlike a leaky roof or cracked foundation, radon doesn't announce itself. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it. The only way to know if a home has dangerous levels is to test before you close.
Commissions Changed. The Rules Did Too. Here's How Buyers Win.
If you're buying a home in 2025, the rules around agent commissions look different than they did two years ago. A $418 million settlement forced the National Association of Realtors to overhaul how buyer-agent fees are disclosed and negotiated. The promise: more transparency, more competition, lower costs.
10 Real Estate Euphemisms That Should Make Smart Homebuyers Run
Every experienced homebuyer knows the dance. You're scrolling through listings, and suddenly you encounter that peculiar real estate language — "cozy," "charming," "full of potential." These carefully chosen words aren't just creative writing; they're often strategic euphemisms designed to soften the reality of a property's true condition.
Before You Offer: Unlisted Risks That Cost Thousands
The average homeowner spends $18,118 every year beyond their mortgage—costs that rarely appear in listings and only surface after closing. Nearly half of recent buyers report significant regret, primarily from expenses they never saw coming.
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