Should I Sell My House in 2026? What This Spring’s Numbers Actually Say
The 30-second answer If you’ve been sitting on the “should I sell my house?” question for a year, here’s the short read for spring 2026: The 30-year fixed closed at 6.50% today, up 0.12%. That’s noise inside a 6.20–6.55% band rates have held all April. The trend is sideways, not catastrophic. Mortgage applications jumped 7.9% […]
Home Appraisal Cost: Shocking Facts That Could Save You Thousands
What You’ll Actually Pay for a Home Appraisal in 2026 Home appraisal cost is the question that trips up more buyers and sellers than almost anything else in real estate. I’ve watched clients budget perfectly for their down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses — then get blindsided by an appraisal bill they didn’t see […]
The Shocking Truth About Who Pays Realtor Fees in 2026 (And How to Save Thousands)
So, Who Actually Pays Realtor Fees When You Sell a Home? Who pays realtor fees is one of the first questions I get from homeowners thinking about selling — and honestly, the answer changed pretty dramatically in 2024. I’m David Speers, and I run HomeRise, Houwzer, and Trelora — three real estate companies built around […]
Home Buyer Rebate: How to Get Thousands Back When You Buy a House (2026)
Most people don’t know this exists. And honestly, that’s by design. A home buyer rebate is when your buyer’s agent gives you back a portion of their commission at closing. On a $400,000 house, that could mean $4,000 to $8,000 back in your pocket. Real money — not a coupon for a free home warranty […]
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a $500,000 Sale? (2026 Breakdown)
The Short Answer: Less Than You Think So how much does a realtor make on a $500,000 sale? The quick math looks generous — at the current national average commission of 5.70%, that sale generates $28,500 in total commissions. But the agent who listed your home doesn’t pocket $28,500. They don’t even pocket half of […]
Are Realtor Fees Included in Closing Costs? Here’s the Real Answer
Are realtor fees included in closing costs? I get this question constantly — and the confusion is understandable. Most sellers see one giant number at closing and assume it’s all the same bucket. The short answer is no, realtor fees and closing costs are completely separate — but here’s why this matters to your wallet. […]
The 2026 Housing Market Has Shifted: Here’s How to Make It Work for You
After years of a market that felt rigged against buyers and effortless for sellers, the 2026 housing market has brought something neither side has seen in a while: balance. The frenzy of waived inspections, escalation clauses, and blink-and-it’s-gone listings has given way to a market where preparation and strategy matter again. Whether you’re looking to […]