Noopur Gupta

5 Home Improvement Projects That Can Add Value

Want to ensure you're making the best renovation decisions for your properties?

Are More Homeowner Selling as Mortgage Rates Come Down?

This could be a signal that the rate lock-in effect is easing a bit in response to lower rates.

Are You Concerned About the Top Three Housing Market Concerns?

When it comes to what's going on in the housing market, there's a lot of uncertainty right now.

Bay Area Housing Market Forecast 2023-2024

According to CAR, the Bay Area sales price-to-list ratio in May 2023 was 102.6%.

Forecast for the Bay Area Housing Market in 2023-24

Waiting can aid purchasers in general as the market becomes more impartial.

Discover Your Property Investment Strategy

It provides opportunities to diversify your portfolio, build long-term wealth, and save for retirement.

Does It Make Sense To Buy a Home Right Now?

Nobody can make that decision for you, but here's some information that can help you decide.

Experts Project Home Prices Will Increase in 2024

Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down.

Finding Your Perfect Home in a Fixer Upper

Once you’ve sorted your list in a way that works for you, share it with your real estate agent.

How Changing Mortgage Rates Impact You [INFOGRAPHIC]

That’s because even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your purchasing power.

How to Become a Winner Buyer in 2023

You can still be the champion in today's housing market if you've got the right team and strategy.

How to Start making Your Homeownership Dream a Reality?

If your objective is to buy a house, here's what you need to know to get there.

Key Terms Every Homebuyer Should Learn [Infographic]

Let’s connect so you can get expert help with any questions you have.

Prepare Yourself: The Best Time to Sell Your Home Is Almost Here.

Determine which updates to make with the help of an agent.

Pricing Your Home Correctly Is Still Important Today. Yup It Is!

You must rely on an agent to put yourself up for such benefits.

What Lies Ahead for The Bay Area Housing Market in 2024? Insights from Experts Are Provided

Alternative financing methods may see increased popularity as traditional options become less prevalent.

The Benefits of Downsizing When You Retire

If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal.

The Risks of Selling Your House on Your Own

Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)?

Tips for Buying a Home Sight Unseen

Are you considering a sight-unseen purchase? Here’s how you can minimize your risk.

Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know

If you need more strategies for getting ready to buy, let’s connect.

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are

The key is knowing the difference between the asking price and the sold price.

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up

People remember what happened to the housing market back in 2008.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy.

What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs

What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs

The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal

Real Estate Still Holds the Title of Best Long-Term Investment

Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise. That’s because the pursu… Read more

Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier

The Benefits of Moving into a Smaller Home

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates

What's Real About the Recent Real Estate Headlines?

Compass sees these updates as being positive both for our clients and for the brokerage community, as they provide enhanced transparency and clarity, that will encoura… Read more

NAR Settlement Fact vs Fiction

You may have heard about the upcoming practice changes by the National Association of REALTORS®. Our goal is to simplify the two key changes that go into effect August… Read more

The NAR Practice Changes Explained

Together, we will navigate the changes to rules and regulations in our industry while continuing to provide the same exceptional service we always have.

Buyer Representation Fact vs Fiction

As of 8/17 buyer’s agents are required to have a signed Buyer Representation Agreement before they are permitted to tour properties with potential clients. This is not… Read more

Top Reasons to work with the Buyer Agent

When making one of the most significant financial transactions of your lifetime, you deserve an expert advisor to guide you through the process and protect your intere… Read more

Newsletter: July 2024

Home Inspection for Sellers: How to prepare?

Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Bay Area

Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live?

One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year. 

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House?

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House?

HOME BUYERS: HERE’S WHAT THE NAR SETTLEMENT MEANS FOR YOU

HOME SELLERS: HERE’S WHAT THE NAR SETTLEMENT MEANS FOR YOU

As a home seller, you have a wide range of choices when it comes to listing your home. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help … Read more

What the NAR Settlement means for you

You’ve probably heard about the significant changes happening in real estate that will change some aspects of how homebuying and selling are done. These changes will b… Read more

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in today’s housing market. … Read more

2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect

Looking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market. And whether you're thinking of buying or selling a home next year… Read more

Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You?

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale

August 2024 Newsletter

August 2024 Newsletter

What To Know About Closing Costs

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in over a Year and a Half

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half. And that’s big news if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this moment.

Lower Mortgage Rates Boost Your Buying Power

Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line. As rates drop, your monthly payment on your next home does too. Even a small change in mor… Read more

Why Buying Now May Be Worth It in the Long Run

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days. And while what’s right for you is going to depend on a lot of dif… Read more

Secrets To Selling Your House Quickly

Home Values Rise Even as Median Prices Fall

Now’s the Time To Upgrade to Your Dream Home

Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

Bay Area Local Events

How Much Does It Cost To Sell My House?

The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in thei… Read more

Why Did More People Decide To Sell Their Homes Recently?

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

With mortgage rates expected to ease and home prices projected to rise at a more moderate pace, 2025 is shaping up to be a more promising year for both buyers and sell… Read more

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to kn… Read more

Avoid These Top Homebuyer Mistakes in Today’s Market

Tips for Buying a Fixer Upper

More Homes, Slower Price Growth – What It Means for You as a Buyer

What’s Behind Today’s Mortgage Rate Volatility?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on mortgage rates lately, you might feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride. One day rates are up; the next they dip down a bit. So, wh… Read more

Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?

Sell Your House During the Winter Sweet Spot

When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

More Starter Homes Are Hitting the Market

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

Get Ready To Buy a Home in 2025

If buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, here’s how to make it happen. Focus on improving your credit, planning for your down payment, getting pre-approved, a… Read more

Expert Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market

The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You?

Buying a Home May Help Shield You from Inflation

The Return to Urban Living — Why More People Are Moving Back to Cities

Outdoor Projects Can Boost Curb Appeal When You Sell

Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move

Achieve Your Dream of Homeownership with Condos and Townhomes

Best Living Room, Bedroom Colors for a Home Sale

January 2025's Housing Conditions Remain at Affordable Levels

The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedIn Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009. And maybe you’re reading that and thinking: oh no, here we go again. That’s because you remember the housing crash of the late 2000s and you’re worried we’re repeating the same mistakes. But before you let fear take hold, remember: headlines are designed to be clickbait. And a lot of the time, they do more to terrify than clarify. That’s because they don’t always give you all the context you need. So, let’s take a step back and look at what the data really says. Why This Isn’t Like 2008 While it’s true the number of new homes on the market has reached its highest level since 2009, that’s not a cause for alarm. Here’s the context that matters most. When the data is turned into a graph, it’s clear the amount seen in 2009 wasn’t the peak of oversupply – not even close. That high point came earlier in 2007-2008. If anything, 2009 was when the number of new homes being built was really starting to slide back down (see graph below): a graph of a market growth The overbuilding that contributed to the housing crash happened in the years leading up to 2008. Not in 2009. At that point, construction was already slowing down. So, saying we’ve hit 2009 levels isn’t the same thing as saying we’re overbuilding like we did the last time. Builders Have Actually Underbuilt for Over a Decade Here’s some more data to prove it to you. After the crash, builders pulled production way back. As a result, they built far fewer homes than the market needed. And that was a consistent problem that lasted for over a decade. That long stretch of underbuilding created a major housing shortage, which is still a challenge today. The graph below uses Census data to show the number of new homes built each year over the past 52 years. You can clearly see the overbuilding leading up to the crash (in red), the period of underbuilding that followed (in orange), and how we’re only now getting back to a more normal level of construction: a graph of a number of units Today’s situation is different. Builders aren’t overbuilding – they’re catching up. In a recent article, Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, highlights this deficit and speaks to why the recent ramp-up in construction is actually good for today’s market, especially buyers: “This means more homes on the market and more options for home buyers, which is good news for a housing market that has been underbuilt for over a decade.” Of course, like anything else in real estate, the level of supply and demand will vary by market. Some markets may have more newly built homes, some less. But, nationally, there’s nothing to worry about. This isn’t like the last time. Bottom Line No matter what you’re reading or seeing, the growing number of newly built homes on the market isn’t a red flag nationally – it's a sign builders are starting to make up for years of underbuilding. If you want to talk about what’s happening in your market, connect with an agent.

Why You Don't Want To Skip Your Home Inspection 

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here

Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Your Home Equity Could Make Moving Possible

Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedIn As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says: “. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.” That may leave you wondering what you should expect when you sell. Let’s break it down and give you some actionable tips on how to make sure your house is one that sells quickly. Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic The first thing you should know is that, in most markets, things have slowed down a little bit. While you may remember how quickly homes sold a few years ago, that’s not what you should expect today. Now that inventory has grown, according to Realtor.com, homes are taking a bit longer to sell in today’s market (see graph below): a graph of a bar chartBut before you get hung up on the ten-day difference compared to the past few years, Realtor.com will help put this into perspective: “In April, the typical home spent 50 days on the market . . . This marks the 13th straight month of homes taking longer to sell on a year-over-year basis. Still, homes are moving more quickly than they did before the pandemic . . .” By this comparison, if your house does take a little more time to sell this year, it’s not really a concern. It’s actually still faster than the norm. Plus, it gives you a bit more time to find your next home, which is welcome relief when you’re trying to move, too. Just remember, some homes sell in less time than this. Some take even longer. So, what’s the real difference? Why do some homes attract eager buyers almost instantly, while others sit and struggle? It comes down to having the right agent and strategy. Here are a few tips you need to know. 1. Price It Right One of the biggest reasons homes sit on the market is overpricing. Many sellers want to shoot for a higher price, thinking they can lower it later – but that backfires by turning buyers away. What to do: Work with an agent to make sure your house is priced right. They’ll analyze recent comparable sales (what other homes have sold for recently in your area), so you know you’re pricing appropriately for today’s market and what buyers are willing to pay. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, explains: “My advice to sellers is to price your home fairly for the shifting market; you may need to price lower than your initial instinct to sell quickly and avoid giving concessions.” 2. Focus on the First Impression A messy yard or a house that needs paint? It’ll turn buyers off. Since buyers decide within seconds whether they like a home, a good first impression is key. What to do: Outside, clean up your front yard, tidy up your landscaping, power wash walkways, and add fresh mulch. Inside, declutter and depersonalize. And consider minor touch-ups like repainting in a neutral tone. Your agent will offer advice on what to tackle. 3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos If your listing or your photos don’t look professional, you could have trouble drawing in buyers who think you’re trying to cut corners. What to do: Instead, lean on your agent’s skills, expertise, and resources. They’ll help you make sure you have: High-resolution listing photos showing the home in its best light. Detailed descriptions that highlight differentiating features of your house. Your listing on multiple platforms, including major real estate sites and social media. 4. The Location of the Home You may have heard the phrase “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate. And there’s definitely some truth to that. Homes in highly sought-after neighborhoods tend to sell faster. What to do: While you can’t change where your house is located, your agent can highlight the best features of your neighborhood or community in your listing. By showcasing what’s great about your area, they can help draw buyers into what life would look like in your house. Bottom Line Homes that sell quickly don’t necessarily have better features – they have better agents and a better strategy. Are you thinking about selling? Connect with an agent to talk about how to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It's Your Buying Opportunity

Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?