Dave Woody's Blog Posts

Wildfire preparedness isn’t just for homeowners who live in the woods. Homes in rural areas, suburbs, and cities can all be vulnerable to wildfire—particularly from wind-blown embers

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while. But before you get discouraged, there's a number working behind the scenes that's actually good for you

Every June, we celebrate National Homeownership Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the value of homeownership and helping more people achieve the dream of owning a home.For many families, a home

Many homeowners still believe they’ll get their asking price — or even more — when they sell. In fact, nearly 80% expect it. But in today’s market, only about 40% actually do

What Home Sellers Should KnowIf you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you may have heard the terms “pocket listing” and “exclusive listing.” While both

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market. But what does that really mean – and is it worth the effort?The short answer is ;

The average homeowner’s net worth is 43 times greater than that of a renter.Not two times. Not five times. Forty-three.That number tends to stop people in their tracks—and for good.

Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved. Because here’s what not enough people know.If buying a home is on your radar

While the decrease in rates is helping to offset higher home prices, buyers still face a challenging housing market.By: Melissa Dittmann TraceyHopeful home buyers may be getting their New Year

Mortgage rates have shifted in a meaningful way over the past year—and for buyers, that change can translate into real savings.Rates are down roughly a full percentage point from this time

If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dropping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for the value of your home too. Here’s what you really need to know.Even with small price

The Federal Reserve recently announced another rate cut — the second in a row, lowering the federal funds rate by 0.25%. After a stretch of steady rates, this move is bringing fresh energy

Many people think spring and summer are the only good times to sell a home—but that’s not always true! Fall and winter pose unique opportunities for sellers. With fewer listings on the

If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to

Are you looking for a home that checks all your boxes—great location, fits your budget, and feels just right? If so, timing could be your secret weapon. According to a new report from Realtor

Mortgage rates are finally heading in the right direction – and buyers are starting to jump back in.According to the data, buyer demand picked up considerably once mortgage rates hit a new low

Over the past few weeks, mortgage rates hit their lowest point of the year – and it was big news.So, what you need to know if you’re buying a home is, whenever these shifts happen

If you're a homeowner planning to move, you're probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first:Is it better to start by finding your next home? Or should

It feels like we’re in a slack tide—everything is still, but the momentum is about to shift.If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time to make a move in real estate

by Charmaine Griffin on May 28, 2025Ideally, your backyard is where you can recharge, rest, and entertain. Maybe you aren’t sure what to do to spruce things up – you know your

That viral Redfin article? It’s not proof of a crash. It’s proof you should stop getting your economic analysis from doom-scrolling.Keith Robinson | Jun 10, 2025That Redfin article that

After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better. Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why

As more tariffs are implemented, these are the items and materials that could become more expensive.By Kristine GillKristine GillKristine Gill is a former newspaper reporter who spent five

Top Tips To Deal With a Bidding War During Home Selling Season—and Knowing When To ExitBy Joy DumandanMarch 17, 2025More homes will soon start to flood the market with the best time

When you’re in the market for a new home, one of the most important factors lenders will look at is your credit score. Your credit score helps determine your eligibility for a mortgage, as

With more homes for sale and buyers being more selective, it’s smart to make strategic updates.​ But how do you decide what’s worth doing? ​You lean on an agent. An agent will be

In January, SW Washington and the Portland Metro areas, the real estate market saw a strong start to the year with new listings more than doubling from December, up 106.5%. Pending sales also showed

Is buying cheaper than renting? It depends on several factors: Long term - Owning builds equity, no rent forever Short term - Downpayment, taxes, may be pricier Market-

It’s no secret that updated kitchens are a huge selling point. Buyers are often looking for turnkey homes, and a modern kitchen means one less project for them to tackle after moving in.

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your

If your goal is to sell your house in 2025, now’s the time to start prepping. Even though it might seem like there’s plenty of time between now and the new year, you should get

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, many homeowners may wonder if it’s the right time to sell. While spring and summer are often considered peak selling seasons, fall

Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed). The overwhelming expectation is that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their upcoming meeting,

You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that mortgage rates have had a big impact on housing affordability over the past couple of years. But there is hope on the

Portland-MetroIn July 2024, the residential real estate market experienced slight changes compared to June 2024. New listings decreased by 4.6%, and pending sales saw a slight decline of 1.2%. A

Do you know where to find the best local farmer's markets? With summer coming to a close very soon, what better way than to go to a local farmers market and pick up some fresh local fruits and

In January compared to December, the real estate market saw a significant increase in new listings by 89.2%, while active inventory slightly decreased by 3.3%. Pending sales showed a positive trend,

PUBLISHED TUE, FEB 13 2024 | Annie NovaA new, more affordable repayment plan for federal student loan borrowers may come with another advantage: It could make it easier to become a

Based on what you’re hearing in the news about home prices, you may be worried they’re falling. But here’s the thing. The headlines aren’t giving you the full

Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly

Over the past year, a lot of people have been talking about housing affordability and how tight it’s gotten. But just recently, there’s been a little bit of relief on that.

PUBLISHED MON, JAN 15 2024 | 8:30 AMAna Teresa Solá Key Points·         The median U.S. asking rent price in December was $1,964, a 0.8%

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of

Some HighlightsIf you’re worried about what’s next for home prices, know the HPES shows experts are projecting they’ll continue to rise at least through 2028.Based on

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the

If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed

When you read about the housing market, you’ll probably come across some information about inflation or recent decisions made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how do those

If you're thinking about moving, it's important to know what's happening in the housing market. Here's an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you're buying 

More sellers shaken free from ‘rate lock’ late in the year.Skylar Olsen • DEC 11 2023What buyers should know about the market right now:·      

If a home renovation is on the horizon for you, take note of these trends pros say you should skip.By Alexandra Kelly | Published on December 11, 2023Deciding to embark on a home renovation is an

By Shara Howard | Photo from Christmas Ships Parade WebsiteFor more than 65 years, local Vancouverites have looked forward to the fleet of Christmas Ships that cruise by on

The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it

With the smell of crisp leaves and pumpkin spice lattes in the air, it's time to switch up your home's decor to celebrate the fall season.Read more

Are you thinking about making a move? If so, all the speculation that home prices would crash this year may have you feeling a bit on edge about your decision. Let the data and the

The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate. As a recent article from CoreLogic explains: “As the specter of climate

Are you thinking about selling your house? If so, today’s mortgage rates may be making you wonder if that’s the right decision. Some homeowners are reluctant to sell and

If you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back then. And after years of being virtually nonexistent, more people are once

Media Contact: Troy Green 202-383-1042Key Highlights· Single-family existing-home sales prices climbed in approximately 60% of measured metro areas – 128 of 221 – in the second

If you've been keeping up with the news lately, you've probably come across headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market. This may have left you with some

July 12, 2023 By: Lawrence Yun(click the image to read more)Low inflation means low mortgage rates. Therefore, decelerating consumer prices could steadily lift home sales and increase home

If you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear about the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a

Some signs are pointing to a housing correction — but don’t mistake it for a crash.Aly J YaleJuly 10, 2023There’s no official definition for what makes a housing market correction,

One of the biggest challenges in the housing market right now is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy them. To help emphasize just how limited housing

We all know it’s national ice cream month, but did you know we also celebrate National pickle month in July too? Cucumbers are in season and whether you like dill, sweet, bread & butter,

Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership.Over time, homeownership 

You may see media coverage talking about a drop in homeowner equity. What’s important to understand is that equity is tied closely to home values. So, when home prices appreciate, you can

June 23-25 – Tacos in the Park Esther Short Park, Vancouver, WA  Tacos, craft beer, live music, and tequila. Yes, please! You don’t want to miss this taco festival! The music lineup

Buying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. And with June being National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to

You’re probably feeling the impact of high inflation every day as prices have gone up on groceries, gas, and more. If you’re a renter, you’re likely experiencing it a lot as your

The housing market’s been going through a lot of change lately, and there’s been uncertainty surrounding what will happen this spring. You may be wondering if more homes will go on the

In the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren’t alone. According to Zonda, 98% of

If you’re planning to buy a home, an inspection is an important step in the process. It assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. It’s also a different step

Since inflation is increasing the cost of goods and services, it may make sense to look for an energy-efficient home. Energy prices have increased over the last year, so look for energy-efficient

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale is still a sellers’ market. But what does that really

>> If you’re thinking about buying a home, be sure to plan for closing costs.>> Closing costs are typically 2% to 5% of the total purchase price of a home, and they can include

PUBLISHED WED, MAR 22 20237:00 AM EDTDiana OlickKEY POINTS·         Mortgage demand rose last week, but rising interest rates may stand in the way of

By Anna Bahney, CNNPublished 9:03 AM EDT, Fri March 24, 2023WashingtonCNN — Mortgage rates have taken would-be buyers on a ride this year — and it’s only March.Generally,

If you’ve spotted this outdoor feature, you might have mistaken it for a windchime or decorative accent. But rain chains offer more than just curb appeal.By Nafeesah Allen  | 

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This SpringThough there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses

One of the benefits of being a homeowner is that you build equity over time. By selling your house, that equity can be used toward purchasing your next home. But before you can put it to use, you

February 2023 saw a decrease of 9% in new listings compared to January 2023. Meanwhile, pending sales also decreased by 3.8%. However, closed sales experienced a significant increase of 31.8%,

As you get ready to sell your house, there are specific things you can add to your to-do list. These include decluttering, taking down personal photos and items, and power washing outdoor surfaces.

By Margaret HeidenryFeb 2, 2023After suffering all-time lows during the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of homes for sale has rebounded with a bang.January marked a whopping 65% more real estate

There’s no doubt today’s housing market is very different than the frenzied one from the past couple of years. In the second half of 2022, there was a dramatic shift in real

Here are the mortgage origination fees that can be negotiatedStory by Mia TaylorFor most prospective home buyers, obtaining a mortgage is an essential part of the home buying process. And

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market this year. In 2022, the market underwent a

The wellness room—a room or corner of your home dedicated to the activities that help you feel your best—is a decor trend with a very positive impact.By Maggie Gillette Published on

If you have a house, there is a very probable chance that a lot of your personal net worth is directly associated with your home. As such, you will certainly want to insure your house, but before

Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to

There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it

There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today as the market cools. In the simplest

With the rapid shift that’s happened in the housing market this year, some people are raising concerns that we’re destined for a repeat of the crash we saw in 2008. But in,

If you’re thinking of buying a home and living with siblings, parents, or grandparents, then multigenerational living may be for you. The Pew Research Center defines a

Every time there’s a news segment about the housing market, we hear about the affordability challenges buyers are facing today. Those headlines are focused on how much mortgage rates have

It turns out, millennials aren’t the renter generation after all. The 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd says there’s a portion of millennial

The Northwest is home to beautiful some of the most stunning landscapes and some incredible solar rebates and incentives. Homeowners in Oregon and Washington are going solar and saving money on

10 CHORES TO TAKE ON THIS FALL1. Replace AC & Heating FiltersThis is important to do at the beginning of every season. A dirty filter will slow down and strain your system and make the

What is a 2-1 temporary rate buydown?November 1, 2022, 6:26 pm By Jessica DavisAs mortgage rates hit 7% and above, loan officers are seeing new borrowers increasingly interested in options

While higher mortgage rates are creating affordability challenges for homebuyers this year, there is some good news for those people still looking to buy a home.As the market has

If you’re thinking about selling your house but wondering if buyers are still out there, know that there are still people who are searching for a home to buy today. And your house

👉  If you’re planning to sell your house this year, you likely have questions about what the shift in the housing market means for your home sale.👉 You

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, you’ll want a trusted real estate professional on your side for their industry experience and expert.

By: Brandon DoyleMoved in the last few years? Smart features and a few tried-and-true essentials provide the options you need to protect your new home.Your home is a major investment. If you are one