Hi all,

We’re selling our house in Lynnwood, WA, north of Seattle. We think it will go for about 600k but it’s tricky since there’s basically nothing on the market under $700k. It’s 3 bed, one bath, single family home, but surrounded by apartments and light industrial.

Our realtor agrees that 600k is her best guess but it seems like no one really knows. Anyone have a similar situation? Also, if we get multiple offers, how does that work? Do you just counter off to everyone and start a bidding war?

One idea is - We’re down pretty low - it’ll only have to go up by end of the year. Ride the index for next 5 months and take advantage!

Another idea is - we could go down horribly - just keep it in HYSA.

Thoughts?

Got extremely weird vibes from this real estate agent. I set up a tour on Zillow, had to input my phone number. Pretty soon my phone is blowing up, 2 to 3 texts in a row, and calling me at work without my permission. Not only that, but the texts contained pink heart emojis and the word "y'all."

I might sound uptight, but is that how business professionals text now? I mean come on, heart emojis? She and I are complete strangers, and that's how she talks in a business text.

She's in charge of selling 2 other houses in the area that I want to tour. In order for us to tour, she said I had to sign an agreement that basically said she would represent us throughout the entire buying process. I don't want that, but she said it was legally required.

I'm very interested in 2 houses, but I don't want to talk to this woman again. Is this normal? Do I actually have to sign something before I can even tour? Is there any way I can get around her and still tour these houses? I know what agency she works for.

Thank you everyone!

We have been trying to sell our house for almost a year, we have been using a realtor who I feel like has had pros and cons. I think we listed to high, she was the one who pushed for the price, and even when I questioned her she told me I was being antsy and to just keep it at that price. Well now a year later, multiple price reductions and we still have the house, I think if we had been more reasonable last year we might have stood a chance in getting this sold. Now we are screwed and thinking about renting, our contract with her expires soon. She has been helpful in taking care of the house, she runs and checks on it etc. If we do list with her is 100% of the first months rent a reasonable price to pay, or is this too high for her to ask given how long the house has sat, should we wait for the contract to expire?

My agent is asking me to make up 1-1.5% up by paying him ourselves. Buyer agent got them down to a quite decent price but we only saw two homes together before we moved forward on this one.

One bathroom (of 3) was never permitted. Still a pretty solid deal.

Please supply ideas. Thoughts are very welcomed!

OTHER TERMS: Property is being sold AS-IS. Seller will not make any repairs or provide any credits to the buyer. The seller will pay the buyer's agent a 1% commission. Esrow to close 45 days after acceptance of the offer. The buyer should be aware that the bathroom attached to the guest bedroom is not permitted. [] The buyer and buyer's agent are advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information, including permits, zoning, and square footage, through personal inspection and consultation with appropriate professional. The seller selects all services.

Can a non-profit of religion X only Sell non-residential property to the same religion? Or will this fall into some protections from the federal level?

EDIT I am asking if it could refuse sale to religion Y as an example. "Keep the property in the Kingdom"

I'm in the planning stages on a project that involves us purchasing a few unimproved acres (4-10). Like a lot of people, I'm hesitant to make a big purchase with the current economic instability. I have the flexibility to hold out a year or two on the land or I could buy next month.

Many houses in our area look great in photos but in person are often crappy flips that still need a lot of work. We are willing to upgrade a house to an extent over time given the right price and location but it's difficult to tell what has good bones. What are clear signs either online or in person that a house has been cared for?

Hi! I was curious on everyone’s thoughts and advice.

I’m currently 20 Years old , 21 next month. Im looking to invest into real estate but wanted to know if now is the right time or if I should wait financially.

Income : 35,000 / yr

I plan to switch careers in 2026 and become a Semi-Truck driver increasing my W-2 Income to 100,000+

Liabilities : Car payment 395/month (13,500 still owed) Credit cards: 0

Savings: 40,000 Roth Ira : 18,000 401k : 2,000

Looking in my local area I would be able get a 3bed 2 bath for less 150,000 (with some work needed)

Estimated rents for 3bed 2bath would be 1350

My biggest question is should I wait until Mid 2026 when I’m making a lot more at my W-2 to have more to invest / reserves.

Or just keep my eye open, if the right deal pops up jump on it.

I also live with my parents still so my expenses are essentially just my car, food, and Phone bill.

Thanks !

Partner and I have been passively looking for our first home. My understand is that a recession is highly likely…is it wiser to just wait until the market declines in case the demand for houses declines and the market becomes more favorable for buyers?

With this pending recession, will refinancing be on the table for a rate lower than 6%, do you think?

How would homeowners even know if the rates dip low at some point?

My neighbor told me that they are selling their house in second week of May, the same time we planned to sell ours. We’re relocating out of state in June. Idk what will be the effect on us (selling price, purchase appraisal, etc)

Both houses are bilevel and built in 1970s. Their house is bigger by 150 sq ft and has 5Br2Ba, and our is just 4Br2ba, though their house is dated, ours was fully rehabbed in 2021. They will be using an agent, and we will do FSBO+MLS+RE Atty (we are offering 2.5% Buyer agent’s commission). Our home was appraised in Feb for $275k, current comps is $281k, we will be selling at $280k (only because we bought new appliances worth 5k)

I would like to ask your opinion if we have to sell our home before or after them or just stick to the same plan. Or are there any strategies I need to do, if you’re in my situation. Thank you!

We've made multiple offers on homes. In two cases, we were given information about winning offers.

1. Best and final situation. Us and one other offer. We offered $475K. If i recall, this was 15-20K over asking. 5K hand money. We were told that the winning offer was $485k, waived inspections/assessments/appraisals. Checked the price online after sale and it went for $470, so less than what we were told and less than what we offered. Totally understand that the seller could pick a lower offer, considering the inspection waiver, etc, but more irritated we were apparently lied to. Not sure what the purpose there was.
2. Best and final situation. There were a bunch of offers on the table. Our agent was in close touch with the other, and as of 15 mins prior to the deadline, we were told ours was the best and the sellers were quite pleased. ($415K, which was 16K over asking.) We did not waive inspections/assessments/appraisals, but did have a clause which said we'd handle inspection repairs up to $4500. Basically to say we weren't planning to nickel and dime. Anyway, lost out on that and were told that the winning offer was $450K, with at $480K escalator clause that came in right before the deadline. Waived inspections/assessments/appraisal. I looked up the house today, and it sold for $418K. I was pretty livid since we were told it was sold for $450K I texted our agent, and she told me she got in touch with the other agent and he said there was a $450 K escalator. Very much NOT what we were told.

I'm not understanding what is happening here. Not really sure why the seller's agents would lie. Also unsure why ours would, unless to make it seem like it wasn't close thus we can't blame her for not closing the deal. I'm beginning to get an uneasy feeling about our agent like maybe she isn't competent or possibly she's being dishonest. I'm just not sure what to think. In the case of house #2, that is a pretty big difference. And she's not really acknowledging the discrepancy in what we were told, etc. Just beyond frustrated at this point

So my wife and I are looking at purchasing our final home, a home that will be a "legacy property" for my kids and grand children. Multiple acres etc. We are just looking for some recommendations from others. Property is $200k. We have about $175k in cash, is there a down payment limit where banks don't want to work with you because of too small of an investment to work with? Meaning if i put down $150k and mortgaged $50k (giving me up to $25k for closing costs and some minor upgrades) are banks generally willing to bite at that?

I have a question about appraisals as it relates to the common advice of “just buy now and refi later” and the potential recession we may be entering.

Let’s say I buy a house today for $300k that we all know isn’t worth $300k. We can all see that it was last sold 15 years ago for $160k, they’ve put maybe $15k into remodeling since then, and that they tried to list it for $250k five years ago but ended up pulling it off the market. This is pretty much a universal example of the status quo for all current homes being sold.

So back to the example. I buy today for $300k. Everyone says, “don’t worry, you can refi later”. 5 years go by and I can get a full 1% or 1.5% better on a rate. So I go through the process of refinancing. By now I owe $220k on my mortgage. Meaning I’ve got $80k in equity. So not only have interest rates dropped but home prices have too. In those five years I’ve watched a house 10 doors down sell for $240k and the house across the street sell for $215k.

Now that I’m going through refi, the home has to be appraised again. And correct me if I’m wrong, but from what I understand, the majority of an appraisers figure is determined by other houses recently selling in the immediate area. So now he/she appraises the house at $220k or $230k or $240k or even $250k. Now I’ve just cut my equity in half. So now I have the choice of shaving $500 off my monthly payment (which could possibly be less bc now I could potentially have to add mortgage insurance back onto the new loan) or shaving half off my equity.

Any experts out there that can confirm if I’m right in this scenario and whether or not it’s even realistic?

I got approved for 325k Loan and I’m looking for a house in the Dekalb/Gwinnett County Area. To recent homebuyers in the area, how much did you come out of pocket from upfront fees like inspections, appraisal, etc. to closing cost fees. I currently have $2800 put aside.

First time home buyer. We are buying my mother in laws house. She is selling it to us for $250,000 and it’s worth around 450,000. It does need a good amount of work and we would like to get $100,000 for repairs and remodeling. Anyone know the best way to do this. Currently we are thinking getting a $250,000 loan with 200,000 in gift equity for the house. Then getting a home equity loan for $100,000. I feel like there must be a smarter way to do this. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hey recently just purchased a new build construction property that will be available to move in to in Florida, Orlando.

It will be our first home.

What are the tax breaks/tips and tricks we need to know and utilise to become more savvy

Also if anything else unrelated you might think of that may be useful to us. It would be much appreciated ? Or any where we could save money.

We’re feeling a little overwhelmed & excited with all the information :)

I purchased a condo in a VHCOL area 16 years ago. After living here single, and then married, and now with a toddler, it's time for more space. We want to stay in our neighborhood, and preferably, in our building. A perfect 2 bedroom has come up for sale listed at $1.15M.

Some specifics on my financials:

• my base salary is $229k.
• my average (as it's designed) bonus is 30%. Last year, it was 42%, however this year it's likely closer to 20%.
• I have about $350k in a HYSA
• I have about $400k in an aftertax brokerage account (was closer to $500k last week!)
• I have over $1M in my 401k at the age of 44. I also have a defined benefit pension plan.
• We have about $400k equity in our current condo after the loan at 2.75%. We can likely rent it for about $750/month in net income (+ the $650/month we'll be building in equity). My neighbor rents his, and his vacancy rate has been about 3 months in the last 10 years. He also said it's a very low effort to maintain. He does it himself, even with 4 kids.
• My wife's career is variable, so I've chosen to not include it. In some years, she can make just a little money, but in others, she can make quite a bit (over $100k/y).

I put down about 30% to bring the mortgage to just below the conventional limit, I'm looking at a combined payment of $7400/month or 39% of my gross salary. I've been tracking my budget over the last 12 months, and I can confirm it will be TIGHT, however it is on a conservative basis since this doesn't consider my bonus or any rental income. As well, I've received a relatively significant promotion just over 1 year ago. As a consequence, I still have quite a bit of salary upside over the next 5 years (probably $50k not adjusted for inflation) and I'm enrolled in a long-term, incentive pay that will deliver another 15%(min) to 40%(optimistic) salary deferred by 3 years (so first payout from last year is in 2 years). I also haven't considered the impact of the mortgage deduction that will be well above the standard deduction.

I'm generally risk averse, so each time I get close to buying a bigger place in the same price range, I never go high enough to win. At the same time, you can't live in your bank account! My baby is still sleeping in our room at the age of 18 months, and she would really benefit from her own space (as would we). So, I'm thinking of finally taking the plunge by putting down $350k, selling about $75k of stock to cover the closing costs and replenish my checking + emergency savings accounts. I know it's not the best time to sell equities, but here we are.

I have considered selling my current place and rolling the proceeds into the down payment to reduce the monthly payment, however I would like to try to hold onto it possible. I can always sell in 1 year and recast the mortgage if finances are too tight.

Thanks for your thoughts!

I am 16m and about to do GCSEs and whilst not entirely sure what I want to do I have an idea of what I could do but don’t know if it is plausible or possible. I hate the idea of having to do more exams so I’d like to avoid doing A Levels or a college course if possible however I am intrigued by the idea of going into property or real estate as I’ve seen that you can get a lot of success through that kind of path. I just don’t know the right steps to do to get started and if it’s really recommended or necessary to go further into education for it and if not, where to start. What job or alternative path should I be looking for to start heading in that direction of real estate or property. However if more education is required what course should I take, my local college has a carpentry and brickwork course which seems appealing but I’m not too sure how helpful that will be.

Hey everyone, I'm 20 years old and I’ve managed to save up $180,000. I’m really interested in getting into real estate and want to make smart, long-term moves with this money.

I’m trying to figure out:

How much monthly cash flow I could realistically expect from this amount.

How many properties I could potentially acquire depending on the strategy (e.g. rentals, house hacking, multi-family, etc.).

I’m open to suggestions — whether it's buying one solid property or spreading it across a few with financing. I’d love to hear from anyone who’s done something similar or has insights into the current market.

Thanks in advance!

My inspections showed three offsets in the sewer line. Seller and I agreed they would fix the offsets shown in the report. On Friday during the final walk through, I noted that there was no sign of digging where the offsets were. When we contacted the selling agent she provided an invoice from a third party plumbing company saying everything was fine.

After reviewing the sewer line, we found no offsets or separations in the inspected portion of the sewer line that would require any type of remediation per the provided Home Inspection Report. The “offsets” noted in the report are two pipes joined together using a “Mission band” or CT adapter (rubber boot) and is at industry standards.

Here's the relevant image from the report

This feels like a difference in interpretation between the two companies. But the fact is they agreed to fix the offsets and never communicated anything until we asked. All other repairs were done as asked.

My question is, do I go forward with closing? I feel burned and annoyed by the timing and the seller not mentioning anything about the update to their plans. I am in no hurry to move, I have a month-to-month for a very nice place owned by a family friend.

In my mind there's two options. First, insist on the repairs. Second ask for a discount.

With what’s going on in the world today, how will it affect home prices? If things stay on this trajectory, will prices go up or down, will mortgage rates go crazy? I wanted to take the next step but now my gut says to keep renting for another year at least.

We are under contract with a bank owned property. The initial contract is quite egregious putting most of the risk on us. However, we had our inspection this past week and found some pretty large ticket items like mold, water in basement and a non working furnace. Now, we can back out for structural and environmental but my husband and I really like this house. What are the chances the bank will negotiate? Anybody have a similar story? Additionally we didn't get it for cheap. The house was listed for 610k and we offered 590 and they accepted it. Like I said I don't want to back out I'm just hoping that you will give us a credit so we can fix everything. This market is just insane. Forgot to mention the house as been vacant for 5yrs..