LeAnne Carswell's (leannecarswell) Blog

You may not feel it yet, but the housing market is shifting.  In July, the market shifted from a strong sellers’ advantage to more balanced neutral territory, according to Zillow’s latest market report.  So, what does this mean for you? Let’s dive in.The Shift to a Neutral MarketFor the first tim...

Let’s get real. Do you have to use a real estate agent when buying or selling a home? The answer, of course, is no. You can absolutely go it alone, and there are people who opt to do so every year. After all, with the internet at your fingertips, you can search for homes, look up property values,...

A little backstory:  Back in March, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed to a settlement deal. The organization agreed to both a monetary settlement as well as real estate practice changes aimed at providing more transparency regarding how real estate agents are paid.  But how exactl...

A headline caught my eye this week. It read:  “The Housing Market Isn’t Making Sense. What’s Going On.”  It got me thinking about how much information is circulating out there. Numbers are flying around about inventory increases and price reductions (promising news for buyers)—and at the same tim...

When it comes to selling your home, making a great first impression is crucial. But what if you don't have the budget for a major renovation?  Luckily, new data from Zillow and Thumbtack reveal that you don't need to break the bank to boost your home's appeal. "Certain low-lift projects can deliv...

When it comes to selling your home, making a great first impression is crucial. But what if you don't have the budget for a major renovation?  Luckily, new data from Zillow and Thumbtack reveal that you don't need to break the bank to boost your home's appeal. "Certain low-lift projects can deliv...

A recent study by Fannie Mae revealed a surprising lack of confidence among consumers about the mortgage process.  There’s good reason to feel a little cautious. Here in Greenville, SC, home prices have risen 62% since 2020, and mortgage rates have also climbed. However, homeownership remains a t...

Now, more than ever, having the right home insurance is essential.  But with rates on the rise, how do you ensure you're getting the best coverage without breaking the bank? Let's explore the ins and outs of home insurance and uncover some strategies to secure the best deal for your home in the U...

Lately, there's been a lot of buzz about what's next for home prices, especially with 2024 shifting gears in some markets. Here in Greenville, SC, we have seen a 6.7% increase in sales from May 2023 to May 2024 and an increase in prices of 3.3% during the same time.  But what about the future of ...

You may have noticed an uptick in construction and newly built homes. But it’s not just a trend we’re seeing here in Greenville, SC. In fact nationally, about one-third of single-family homes for sale today are newly constructed, a dramatic increase from pre-pandemic levels. Let's dive into why n...