Becky Petree's Blog Posts

October 2025NextHome Blue SkiesCatawba • Caldwell • Burke • Alexander • Lincoln • IredellLocal events, market snapshot, and ways we can help this month.Questions about,

Should You Consider Buying a Newly Built Home?If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be focusing on previously owned ones. But with so few houses for sale today, it makes sense

Why It’s Easy To Fall in Love with HomeownershipNo matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about owning a home that never change—like the personal benefits

What You Should Know About Closing CostsBefore you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are

How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership RateAs we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path

The Top Reasons for Selling Your HouseMany of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in

Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023The housing market has gone through a lot of change recently, and much of that was a result of how quickly mortgage rates rose

Should You Rent Your House or Sell It?If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling;

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure HeadlinesIf you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There&rsquo

The 3 Factors That Affect Home AffordabilityIf you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But

Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.Last year, the housing market slowed down in response to higher mortgage rates, and that had an impact on home prices. If you’re thinking of &

What’s Really Happening with Home Prices? [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking about selling your house, recent headlines about home prices falling month-over-month

Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To KnowOne of the first steps in your homebuying journey is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to

Have Home Values Hit Bottom?Whether you’re already a homeowner or you’re looking to become one, the recent headlines about home prices may leave you with more questions than

Think Twice Before Waiting for 3% Mortgage RatesLast year, the Federal Reserve took action to try to bring down inflation. In response to those efforts, mortgage rates jumped up

Is It Time To Sell Your Second Home?During the pandemic, second homes became popular because of the rise in work-from-home flexibility. That’s because owning a second home, especially in the

What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing MarketIt doesn’t matter if you’re someone who closely follows the economy or not, chances are you’ve heard whispers of an upcoming

Today’s Housing Market Is Nothing Like 15 Years AgoThere’s no doubt today’s housing market is very different than the frenzied one from the past couple of years. In the

The Truth About Negative Home Equity HeadlinesHome equity has been a hot topic in real estate news lately. And if you’ve been following along, you may have heard there’s a

What Experts Are Saying About the 2023 Housing MarketIf you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing&

3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This YearA new year brings with it the opportunity for new experiences. If that resonates with you because you’re considering making a move, you

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro.With higher mortgage rates and moderating buyer demand, conditions in the housing market are different today. And if you’re

Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But

Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment?If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, you’re likely focused on saving up for everything that purchase involves. One cost

What Are Your Goals in the Housing Market This Year?If buying or selling a home is part of your dreams for 2023, it’s essential for you to understand today’s housing market, define your

What To Expect From the Housing Market in 2023The 2022 housing market has been defined by two key things: inflation and rapidly rising mortgage rates. And in many ways, it's put the market into

Homeowners Still Have Positive Equity Gains over the Past 12 MonthsIf you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a big boost over the past few years thanks to rapidly rising home prices. Here;

Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move.If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, you may be planning your next steps. One of your goals could be 

2023 Housing Market Forecast Some HighlightsFrom home sales to prices, the 2023 housing market will be defined by mortgage rates. And where rates go depends on what happens with 

Mortgage Rates Are Dropping. What Does That Mean for You?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

What Buyers Need To Know About the Inventory of Homes Available for SaleIf you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re likely trying to juggle your needs, current mortgage rates,

Why There Won’t Be a Flood of Foreclosures Coming to the Housing MarketWith the rapid shift that’s happened in the housing market this year, some people are raising concerns that we;

3 Ways You Can Use Your Home EquityIf you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly

Your House Could Be the #1 Item on a Homebuyer’s Wish List During the HolidaysEach year, homeowners planning to make a move are faced with a decision: sell their house during the

Top Questions About Selling Your Home This WinterThere’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season, and that may leave you with some questions about whether it still

Home Sweet Home: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsWhile there are many financial perks to owning a home, there are also powerful non-financial benefits 

More People Are Finding the Benefits of Multigenerational Households TodayIf you’re thinking of buying a home and living with siblings, parents, or grandparents, then multigenerational living

VA Loans: Making Homes for the Brave Achievable [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsVA Loans can help make homeownership possible for those who have served our country.These loans offer 

VA Loans Can Help Veterans Achieve Their Dream of HomeownershipFor over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes

Key Factors Affecting Home Affordability TodayEvery time there’s a news segment about the housing market, we hear about the affordability challenges buyers are facing today. Those headlines