Real Estate • September 19, 2025

Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth?

by Twila Bertrand

Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth?

Thursday September 18th, 2025

Article from Keeping Current Matters

Want to know something important you probably don’t have a professional check for you nearly as often as you should? Spoiler alert: it’s the value of your home.

Because here’s the reality. Your house is likely the biggest financial asset you have. And if you’ve lived in it for a few years or more, chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background – even if you haven’t been keeping tabs on it.

You might be surprised by just how much it’s grown, even as the market has shifted over the past few months.

What Is Home Equity?

That hidden wealth in your home is called equity. It’s the difference between what your house is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. Your equity grows over time as home values rise and as you make your monthly payments. Here’s an example to help you really understand how the math works.

Let’s say your house is now worth $500,000, and you have $200,000 left to pay off on your loan. That means you have $300,000 in equity. And that’s right in line with what the typical homeowner has right now.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $302,000 in equity.

Why You Probably Have More Than You Think

Here are the two main reasons homeowners like you have near record amounts of equity right now:

1. Significant Home Price Growth. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA),home prices have jumped by nearly 54% nationwide over the last five years (see map below):

This means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it, thanks to how much prices have climbed over time. And if you’re worried because you’ve heard prices are flattening or even coming down in some markets, just know if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or more) you very likely have enough equity to sell and still come out ahead.

2. People Are Living in Their Homes Longer. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shows the average homeowner stays in their home for about 10 years now (see graph below):

That’s longer than it used to be. And over that decade? You’ve built equity just by making your mortgage payments and riding the wave of rising home values. Because the financial side of homeownership is about playing the long game, not worrying about little ups and downs in the market here and there. And over time, that means you’re winning.

So, if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for a bit, here’s how much the behind-the-scenes price growth has helped you out. According to NAR:

“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”

What Could You Actually Do with That Equity?

Your equity isn’t just a number. It’s a tool you can use to unlock your next big move. Depending on your goals, you could:

Use it to help buy your next home. Your equity could help you cover the down payment on your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house in all cash.
Renovate your current house to better suit your life now. And, if you’re strategic about your projects, they could add even more value to your home if you do sell later on.
Start the business you’ve always dreamed of. Your equity could be exactly what you need for startup costs, equipment, software, or marketing. And that could help increase your earning potential, so you’re getting yet another financial boost.

Bottom Line

Chances are, your house is worth quite a bit right now. If you’re curious about the value of your home, let’s connect. We’ll run the numbers and give you a professional equity assessment report, so you know what you’re working with and where you can go from here.

Representing Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of Deep East Texas since 2012!

I am always striving to be the Best Realtor and Best Advocate I can for all of my clients. Rooted in Faith – Strengthened by Hope — Guiding you home with purpose! Isaiah 40:31

Twila Bertrand, REALTOR

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand

Real Estate • September 8, 2025

Why 50% of Homes Are Selling for Under Asking Price and How To Avoid It

by Twila Bertrand

Why 50% of Homes Are Selling for Under Asking Price and How To Avoid It

Monday September 8th, 2025

For Sellers,Home Prices,Selling Tips

Article from Keeping Current Matters

If your selling strategy still assumes you’ll get multiple offers over asking, it’s officially time for a reset. That frenzied seller’s market is behind us. And here are the numbers to prove it.

From Frenzy to “Normal”

Right now, about 50% of homes on the market are selling for less than their asking price, according to the latest data from Cotality.

But that isn’t necessarily bad news, even if it feels like it. Here’s why. The wild run-up over the last few years was never going to be sustainable. The housing market needed a reset, and data shows that’s exactly what’s happening right now.

The graph below uses data from Zillow to show how this trend has shifted over time. Here’s what it tells us:

2018–2019: 50–55% of homes sold under asking. That was the norm.
2021–2022: Only 25% sold under asking, thanks to record-low rates and intense buyer demand.
2025: 50% of homes are selling below asking. That’s much closer to what’s typical in the housing market.

Why This Matters If You’re Selling Your House

In this return to normal, your pricing strategy is more important than ever.

A few years ago, you could overprice your house and still get swarmed with offers. But now, buyers have more options, tighter budgets, and less urgency.

Today, your asking price can be make or break for your sale, especially right out of the gate. Your first two weeks on the market are the most important window because that’s when the most serious buyers are paying attention to your listing. Miss your price during that crucial period, and your sale will grind to a halt. Buyers will look right past it. And once your listing sits long enough to go stale, it’ll be hard to sell for your asking price.

The Ideal Formula

Basically, sellers who cling to outdated expectations end up dealing with price cuts, lower offers, and a longer time just sitting on the market. But homeowners who understand what’s happening are still winning, even today.

Because that stat about 50% of homes selling for under asking also means the other half are selling at or above – as long as they’re priced right from the start.

So, how do you set yourself up for success? Do these 3 things:

Prep your house. Tackle essential repairs and touch-ups before you list. If your house looks great, you’ll have a better chance to sell at (or over) your asking price.
Price strategically from day one. Don’t rely on what nearby homes are listed for. Lean on your agent for what they’ve actually sold for. And price your house based on that.
Stay flexible. Be ready to negotiate. And know that it doesn’t always have to be on price. It may be on repairs, closing costs, or some other detail. But know this: today’s serious buyers expect some give-and-take.

If you want your house to be one that sells for at (or even more than) your asking price, it’s time to plan for the market you’re in today – not the one we saw a few years ago. And that’s exactly why you need a stand-out local agent.

Bottom Line

You don’t want to fall behind in this market.

So, let’s talk about what buyers in our area are paying right now. With local expertise and a strategy that gets your house noticed in those crucial first two weeks, anything is possible.

Want to know what your house would sell for? Give me a call!

Twila Bertrand, Realtor ®

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901

Serving Buyers and Sellers with Real Estate transactions in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all over East Texas since 2012!

Award Winning, Results Proven Agent – Awarded the Best Agent of the Year by the Lufkin Association of Realtors in 2024.

#ExperienceMatters #TrustThePros #SellingEastTexas #KnowledgeIsPower

Click the link below for my Zillow website where you can find many of my previous client testimonials.

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand

Real Estate • September 4, 2025

What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About the Rise in New Home Inventory

by Twila Bertrand

What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About the Rise in New Home Inventory

Thursday August 28th, 2025

For Buyers, New Construction

You may have seen talk online that new home inventory is at its highest level since the crash. And if you lived through the crash back in 2008, seeing new construction is up again may feel a little scary.

But here’s what you need to remember: a lot of what you see online is designed to get clicks. So, you may not be getting the full story. A closer look at the data and a little expert insight can change your perspective completely.

Why This Isn’t Like 2008

While it’s true the number of new homes on the market hit its highest level since the crash, that’s not a reason to worry. That’s because new builds are just one piece of the puzzle. They don’t tell the full story of what’s happening today.

To get the real picture of how much inventory we have and how it compares to the surplus we saw back then, you’ve got to look at both new homes and existing homes (homes that were lived in by a previous owner).

When you combine those two numbers, it’s clear overall supply looks very different today than it did around the crash (see graph below):

So, saying we’re near 2008 levels for new construction isn’t the same as the inventory surplus we did the last time.

Builders Have Actually Underbuilt for Over a Decade

And here’s some other important perspective you’re not going to get from those headlines. After the 2008 crash, builders slammed on the brakes. For 15 years, they didn’t build enough homes to keep up with demand. That long stretch of underbuilding created a major housing shortage, which we’re still dealing with today.

The graph below uses Census data to show the overbuilding leading up to the crash (in red), and the period of underbuilding that followed (in orange):

Basically, we had more than 15 straight years of underbuilding – and we’re only recently starting to slowly climb out of that hole. But there’s still a long way to go (even with the growth we’ve seen lately). Experts at Realtor.com say it would take roughly 7.5 years to build enough homes to close the gap.

Of course, like anything else in real estate, the level of supply and demand is going to vary by market. Some markets may have more homes for sale, some less. But nationally, this isn’t like the last time.

Article from Keeping Current Matters

Bottom Line

Just because there are more new homes for sale right now, it doesn’t mean we’re headed for a crash. The data shows today’s overall inventory situation is different.

If you have questions or want to talk about what builders are doing in our area, let’s connect.

Representing Buyers and Sellers with Real Estate transactions in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all over East Texas since 2012!

Always striving to be the Best Realtor and Best Real Estate Advocate I can for all of my clients!

Twila Bertrand, Realtor

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901

Cell # 936-208-7631

twilabertrand@gmail.com

Click the link below to see many of my past client testimonials on my Zillow website.

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand

Real Estate • September 2, 2025

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?

by Twila Bertrand

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?

Monday August 25th, 2025

Article from Keeping Current Matters

For Buyers,First-Time Buyers

If you’re still worried about having to deal with a bidding war when you buy a home, you may be able to let some of that fear go.

While multiple-offer situations haven’t disappeared entirely, they’re not nearly as common as they used to be. In fact, a recent survey shows agents reported only 1 in 5 homes (20%) nationally received multiple offers in June 2025.

That’s down from nearly 1 in 3 (31%) just a year ago – and dramatically lower than in June 2023 (39%) (see graph below):

This trend means you should face less competition when you buy. That gives you more time to make decisions and the ability to negotiate price or terms.

It Still Depends on Where You’re Buying

Of course, national trends don’t tell the full story. Local dynamics matter, a lot. This second graph uses survey data from John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) to break things down by region to prove just how true that is. It shows, while the share of homes getting multiple offers has dropped pretty much everywhere, some areas are still seeing more offers than others:

In the Northeast, 34% of homes (roughly 1 in 3) are still receiving multiple offers. That’s more than the national average. But in Southeast, that number drops to just 6%.

What’s behind the difference? In general, the areas still seeing bidding wars tend to have lower-than-normal inventory. That imbalance between buyers and available homes keeps pressure on prices and competition. But markets with more listings are seeing conditions cool – and that means fewer bidding wars.

Sellers Are More Flexible Than You Might Think

Here’s another shift to show you just how much things have changed. According to a Redfin report, almost half of sellers are offering concessions, like covering their buyer’s closing costs or dropping their asking price to get their house sold.

That’s a clear sign this isn’t the same ultra-competitive market we saw a few years ago. Back then, sellers rarely compromised. And buyers often waived their inspection or appraisal to try to make their offer stand out. Now, things are different.

But again, how often this is happening is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. And that’s why you need a local agent’s expertise.

Bottom Line

If concerns about bidding wars have been holding you back, it may be time to take another look. Nationally, competition is down. In some markets, it’s down significantly. And with more sellers offering concessions, buyers today have more power and flexibility than they’ve had in a long time.

Want to find out what the market looks like where you’re buying? Let’s connect.

Serving Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!

Always striving to be the Best Realtor and Best advocate for all of my clients! Awarded the Realtor of the Year in 2024 by the Lufkin Association of Realtors! Trust the Experts! Experience Matters! 🙂

Twila Bertrand, Realtor

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901

Direct Cell: 936-208-7631

Email: twilabertrand@gmail.com

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand

Real Estate • August 25, 2025

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

by Twila Bertrand

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

Thursday August 21st, 2025

For Buyers,First-Time Buyers,Buying Tips

Article from Keeping Current Matters

If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next. Sometimes it only took hours. You had to drop everything to go and see the house, and if you hesitated even slightly, someone else swooped in and bought it – sometimes even sight unseen.

That kind of intensity pushed a lot of buyers to the sidelines. It was stressful, chaotic, and for many, really discouraging.

But here’s what you need to know: those days are behind us.

Today’s market is moving slower, in the best possible way. And that’s creating more opportunity for buyers who felt shut out in recent years.

The Stat That Changes Everything

According to the latest data, homes are spending an average of 58 days on the market. That’s much more normal. And it’s a big improvement compared to the height of the pandemic, when homes were flying off the shelves in a matter of days (see graph below):

That means you now have more time to make decisions than you have at any point in the past five years. And that’s a big deal. Now, you’ve got:

Time to think.

Time to negotiate.

Time to make a smart move without all the pressure.

More Time Means Less Stress (and More Leverage)

Based on the data in the graph above, you have an extra week to decide compared to last year. And nearly double the time you would have had at the market’s peak.

Back then, fear of missing out drove buyers to act fast, sometimes too fast. Today, the pace is slower, which means you’re in control. As Bankrate puts it:

“For years, buyers have been racing to snag homes because of the fierce competition. But the market’s cooled off a bit now, and that gives buyers some breathing room. Homes are staying listed longer, so buyers can slow down, weigh their options and make more confident decisions.”

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers racing to grab them, the balance has shifted. Bidding wars aren’t as common, and that means you may have room to negotiate. And you can actually take a breath before you make your decision.

More listings + a slower pace = less stress and more opportunity

But, and this is important, it still depends on where you’re buying. Nationally, homes are moving slower. But your local market sets your real pace. Some states are moving faster than others. It may even vary down to the specific zip code or neighborhood you’re looking at. And that’s why working with an agent to know what’s happening in your area is more important than ever.

To see how your state compares to the national average (58 days), check out the map below:

As Realtor.com explains:

“While national headlines might suggest a buyer’s market is taking hold, the reality on the ground depends heavily on where and what you’re trying to buy. Local trends can diverge sharply from national averages, especially when you factor in price range, property type, and post-pandemic market dynamics.”

A smart local agent can tell you exactly when to move fast and when you can take your time, so you never miss the right home for you.

Bottom Line

If the chaos of the past few years drove you to hit pause, this is your green light. The market’s pace has shifted. You have more time. More options. More power.

And with the right agent guiding you, you’re in the best position you’ve been in for years.

Let’s talk about what the pace looks like in our area, and if now could be the right time for you to re-enter the market.

Twila Bertrand, Realtor

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

210 E Lufkin Ave

Lufkin Tx, 75901

Helping buyers and sellers with real estate transactions in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all over Deep East Texas since 2012!

Awarded the prestigious Best Realtor of the Year Award in 2024 by the Lufkin Association of Realtors and always striving to be the best real estate agent I can for all of my clients!

Click the link below to my Zillow website to see many of my previous client testimonials!

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand

Real Estate • August 21, 2025

How are Changing Rates Impacting Your Monthly Payment?

by Twila Bertrand

How are Changing Rates Impacting Your Monthly Payment?

Even a small shift in mortgage rates can make a big difference in your monthly payment. Want to stay on top of rate changes and what they mean for your budget? Let’s connect.

Twila Bertrand, Realtor

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

Serving buyers and sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!

#MortgageRates #Homebuyuing

Real Estate • August 18, 2025

Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?

by Twila Bertrand

Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?

Wednesday August 13th, 2025

Article from Keeping Current Matters

For Buyers,New Construction,Agent Value,Affordability

If you’ve been skipping over newly built homes in your search, you might be doing so based on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths, so you don’t miss out on a solid opportunity.

Myth 1: New Homes Are More Expensive

It’s easy to assume a new build will cost more than an existing home, but that’s not necessarily true, especially right now.

Data from Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the median price of a newly built home today is actually lower than a home that’s been lived in already (an existing home):

So, why’s this happening? As Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, explains:

“This largely reflects two trends: New homes are getting smaller on average, and builders are doing more price cuts.”

If you’ve ruled out new construction based on price alone, it’s time to take another look. Talk to your local real estate agent to see what’s available (and at what price points).

Myth 2: Builders Don’t Negotiate

Many buyers assume builders aren’t going to play ball when it comes time to negotiate. But that’s just not the case. A number of builders are sitting on finished inventory they want to sell quickly. And that makes them more open to compromising. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains a builder:

“. . . would love to sell you the home because they’re not living in it. It costs money not to sell the home. And many of the public home builders have said in their earnings calls that they are not going to be pulling back on incentives, especially the mortgage rate buydown . . .”

That means you may find builders more flexible than individual sellers, and more motivated to toss in incentives to get the deal done. According to Zonda, 75% of new home communities offered incentives on new homes considered quick move-ins in June.

Myth 3: They Don’t Build Them Like They Used To

Some people think newer homes lack the craftsmanship of older ones. But here’s a reality check. Quality can vary in any era. And using a reputable builder matters more than the build date.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a good way to gauge quality is by talking to buyers who have purchased from that builder recently. In an article, NAHB explains:

“Any high-quality builder should be ready to provide you with the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. If they cannot, consider that a red flag and walk away.”

The article suggests asking those buyers questions like:

Did the builder meet their expectations?
Would you use that same builder, if you were to do it again?

But you can also ask your agent about the builder’s reputation. Generally, agents know about the builders active in your area and may even have experience with past clients who have bought a home in one of that builder’s communities.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need Your Own Real Estate Agent

This might be the biggest myth of all. The truth is, when you buy a brand-new home, using your own agent is even more important. Builder contracts have different fine print, and you’ll want a pro on your side who can really explain what you’re signing and advocate for your best interests.

These stats seem to prove that’s the case. In a Realtor.com survey, buyers who purchased a newly built home rated their agents far more helpful than the builder (or the builder’s representative) during the process (see visual below):

Bottom Line

Don’t let misconceptions keep you from exploring one of the most promising options in today’s housing market.

Whether you’re curious about what’s being built nearby or wondering if a new home fits your budget, let’s connect and take a closer look. You might be surprised by what’s out there.

Experienced Realtor Representing Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all over East Texas since 2012! Always Striving to be the Best Realtor and Best Agent I can for all of my clients! Recently Awarded Best Realtor of the Year in 2024 by the Lufkin Association of Realtors!

Twila Bertrand, Realtor

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901

twilabertrand@gmail.com

Cell #936-208-7631

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand

Real Estate • August 14, 2025

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

by Twila Bertrand

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Thursday August 7th, 2025

For Sellers,For Sale by Owner,Inventory,Agent Value,Selling Tips

Article from Keeping Current Matters

Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth.

Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one.

That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling on your own is a mistake that’s going to cost you.

This Isn’t the Market for DIY Selling

A few years ago, you might’ve gotten away with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sign in your yard, navigating the process on your own. That’s because homes were flying off the market and buyers were pulling out all the stops. But that’s just not the case anymore. With more inventory than we’ve seen in years, we’re not in a “list it and they will come” market anymore. You need professional expertise.

A yard sign and some photos you take on your own won’t cut it.

Right now, the housing market is getting back to what most would consider a more normal balance of buyers and sellers, and that really changes the game. According to Realtor.com, the latest number of listings for sale was the highest it’s been in any month of July since 2019 (see graph below):

And while inventory growth is going to vary by local market, nationally, this graph shows the number of homes for sale is inching back toward normal.

With more listings available, that means buyers can be more selective. They’ll compare your home to others on price, condition, photos, location, and more. If yours doesn’t stand out, it will get skipped over.

More Inventory = More Competition for You

Selling today requires the latest pricing strategy, expert prep work, professional marketing, and strong negotiation skills. And if you’re not bringing all of that to the table, chances are, you’re going to feel it in your bottom line.

More Homeowners Are Turning To the Pros

That’s why even more home sellers are working with agents today. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record-low percentage of homeowners sold without an agent last year. And the few sellers who tried to sell on their own realized their mistake pretty quickly.

According to Zillow, 21% of homeowners ended up hiring an agent anyway after struggling to sell on their own.

So, why take the risk? With a local pro, you’ll have:

Pricing precision to attract buyers and maximize your return
Expert staging and presentation advice to highlight your home’s best features
Pro-level marketing, including the best exposure and access to buyer networks you can’t reach on your own
Skilled negotiation to evaluate offers and navigate inspections, protecting your bottom line
Local market expertise that helps your listing stand out based on what inventory looks like in your area

An agent’s expertise isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential.

Bottom Line

In a market with more listings and pickier buyers, many sellers who try to sell on their own end up working with an agent anyway. So why not start there?

Let’s connect so you have a pro who knows exactly what it takes to sell your house in today’s market, for the best possible price, without leaving money on the table.

Reach out if you want a professional assessment on what your house could sell for today.

Twila Bertrand – Award winning and results proven Realtor® Helping families buy and sell homes with faith, integrity, and results. Always striving to be the Best Realtor I can for all of my clients!📍 Serving Lufkin, Diboll, Huntington, Central, Nacogdoches & Lake Sam Rayburn Area Properties.
💻https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand

Real Estate • July 28, 2025

Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

by Twila Bertrand

Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

Thursday July 24th, 2025

For Buyers,For Sellers,Home Prices,Mortgage Rates,Forecasts

Article from Keeping Current Matters

If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you.

Will Home Prices Fall?

Many buyers are hoping home prices will come down soon. And recent headlines about prices dipping in some areas are making some people believe it’s just a matter of time before there’s a bigger drop. But here are the facts.

While home price growth is slowing down, that doesn’t mean we’re headed for a crash. As NAHB explains:

“House price growth slowed . . . partly due to a decline in demand and an increase in supply. Persistent high mortgage rates and increased inventory combined to ease upward pressure on house prices. These factors signaled a cooling market, following rapid gains seen in previous years.”

But experts say, even with that slowdown, prices will still rise this year at the national level. The average of 8 leading forecasters shows prices are expected to go up 1.5-2% in 2025 (see graph below):

That means, if you’re waiting for a major drop, experts agree that’s just not in the cards.

Keep in mind, while some markets are already seeing prices come down slightly, the average dip is just -3.5%. That’s a far cry from the nearly 20% decline the market experienced during the 2008 crash.

Plus, those small changes are easily absorbed when you consider how much home prices have climbed over the past few years. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows prices are up 55% nationally compared to just 5 years ago.

The takeaway? Prices aren’t crashing. They’re expected to keep climbing – just not as quickly these days. And some may argue they’ll be closer to flat by the end of this year. But, again, this is going to vary by market, with some local ups and downs. So, lean on a pro to see the latest price trends for your area.

Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Another common thought among today’s buyers is: I’m just going to wait for rates to come down. But is that a smart strategy? According to Yahoo Finance:

“If you’re looking for a substantial interest rate drop in 2025, you’ll likely be left waiting. The latest news from the Federal Reserve and other key economic data point toward steady mortgage rates on par with what we see today.”

In other words, don’t try to time the market or wait for a drop that may not be coming. Most experts say rates will remain in the 6s, and current projections have them settling in the mid-6% range by the end of this year (see chart below):

And that’s not a big change from where they are right now. So, if you need to move, let’s talk about how to make it happen and what you should watch for. Because while rates may not be as low as you want them to be, you don’t want to put your needs on the back burner, hoping for something the data shows isn’t likely to happen.

Working with an expert who is keeping an eye on all the economic factors that can influence mortgage rates is going to be essential this year. That’s because changes in things like inflation and other key drivers could impact how rates move going forward.

The Takeaway for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying, selling, or thinking about doing both, this market requires strategy, not guesswork. Prices are still rising nationally (just more slowly), and rates are projected to stay pretty much where they are, so the bigger picture is one of moderation – not a meltdown.

Bottom Line

If you want to make a move, your best bet is to focus on your personal situation – not what the headlines say – and work with a real estate pro who knows how to navigate the shifting conditions in our local market.

Let’s talk about what’s happening in our area to build a plan that works for you.

Twila Bertrand, Realtor

CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901

Helping Buyers and Sellers with Real Estate Transaction in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas Since 2012!

Always Striving to be the Best Realtor I can for my clients and the Most Trusted Realtor in Angelina County!

Click the link below to see many of my client testimonials on my Zillow website!

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila%20Bertrand

Real Estate • July 15, 2025

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

by Twila Bertrand

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

Monday July 14th, 2025

Article from Keeping Current Matters

Buying your first home is a big milestone – and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier.

Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to your agent. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork.

Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers.

Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First

Rocket Mortgage says this is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at homes online is fun. But doing it before you know your numbers? That’s risky. You don’t want to fall in love with a house that’s way outside of your financial comfort zone. That’s a fast track for getting frustrated.

Instead, find your agent and talk to a lender early – before looking at any houses. With your lender’s help, you’ll be able to get pre-approved for your home loan. That’ll give you a better idea of what you’ll be able to borrow. And it helps you set a realistic budget. Then, your agent will be able to make you a customized list of homes, so you’re only seeing what’ll work for what you can spend. More clarity, less frustration.

Tip #2: Set a Budget and Stick To It

Remember, just because you can borrow up to a certain amount, chances are you won’t want to max that number out. It’s really important to avoid overextending your budget, especially in today’s market. Other housing expenses like home insurance, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and taxes are on the rise, and you need to factor those in. Bankrate offers this advice:

“When you’re building a budget to narrow your search for properties, don’t just think about how much house you can afford, but how much in recurring costs you can handle once you’ve purchased your home.”

So, lean on the pros for advice on expenses you may not be thinking of, so you can work them into your budget.

Tip #3: Don’t Skip the Inspection

When you find the right home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But skipping the inspection just to make your offer look stronger is a gamble that could cost you.

Instead, work with your agent to schedule a real inspection. They’ll connect you with local pros, make sure it’s booked, and help you understand the results so you can negotiate repairs or ask for money off at closing, if needed. It’s better to invest in this time up front to avoid what could be thousands in surprise repairs later.

Tip #4: Your First Home Doesn’t Have To Be Your Forever Home

For a lot of buyers, this is where unnecessary pressure creeps in. But remember, you don’t have to land your dream home right out of the gate. That’s why it’s called a starter home. It’s a starting point, not your final destination.

An agent will help you explore all your options, including ones you may not have thought about. For example, a well-kept condo, a townhouse in a great location, or a house with good bones can be a perfect first step into homeownership. The goal? Get in. Start building equity. Then, grow from there.

Bottom Line

Buying your first place is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel like a step in the dark. Let’s talk about where you’re starting, what’s stressing you out (or holding you back), and what you actually need to know to make it happen.

What’s one question you wish you could ask an expert right now? What is keeping you from owning a home vs sending your money to a landlord?

Looking for the Best Local Realtor in Angelina County, look no further! I am always striving to be the Best Realtor and Best Local Expert I can for my clients! Serving Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!

Twila Bertrand, Realtor
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

936-208-7631

twilabertrand@gmail.com

210 E Lufkin Ave

Lufkin Tx, 75901

https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila%20Bertrand

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The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First

Tip #2: Set a Budget and Stick To It

Tip #3: Don’t Skip the Inspection

Tip #4: Your First Home Doesn’t Have To Be Your Forever Home

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