Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home? Think about […]
The post What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
The “2% rule” used to be a popular guideline for investors. It said a rental property was a good deal if the monthly rent was at least 2% of the price you paid for it. But in today’s market—especially in places like Western New York—that rule doesn’t hold up like it used to. Home prices […]
The post Buffalo is Booming—Here’s How to Get in on the Real Estate Action. appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home. Take a look at the graph below. It uses data […]
The post What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why. That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And […]
The post Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
If you’re still renting, it’s easy to look at homeownership as just a bigger monthly payment. But owning a home isn’t just about building equity—it’s also about saving money where it counts: your taxes. With tax season here and many Western New Yorkers getting their refunds, there’s no better time to talk about the financial […]
The post The Hidden Payoff: Tax Advantages of Owning a Home appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Some Highlights Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts. Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation. The best way to avoid […]
The post If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
From Great Lakes Real Estate You got into real estate to serve your clients, build your brand, and take control of your income. But if you’re like many agents today, you may find yourself wondering: Am I really working for my clients… or just padding my brokerage’s bottom line? High splits, franchise fees, transaction costs, […]
The post Are You Working for Your Clients… or Your Brokerage? appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer. The best time to get serious […]
The post Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: “Is the housing market about to crash?” If you’ve been scrolling through social media or watching the news, you might have seen some pretty scary headlines yourself. That’s why it’s no surprise that, according to data from Clever Real Estate, 70% […]
The post Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This First appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What you might not realize is that your tax return could give you a little extra cash to help you get there sooner. As Freddie Mac notes: “ . . . your tax […]
The post Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up. If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help […]
The post 4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Some Highlights There’s a lot of talk about a recession lately and how the odds of one are rising. If you’re wondering what that means for the housing market, here’s what the data tells us. While you may remember the price crash in 2008, that’s not the norm. Looking back all the way to 1980, […]
The post A Recession Doesn’t Mean a Housing Crisis appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Purchasing a home is a significant financial decision, and understanding the various financing options available is crucial for buyers, sellers, and investors. At Great Lakes Real Estate, we’re committed to guiding you through the complexities of home financing, ensuring you’re well-informed about the types of loans and assistance programs tailored to your needs, especially those […]
The post Navigating Home Loan Options and Assistance Programs in Western New York appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
When you finally find the home you want to buy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. You’ve toured the place, imagined your furniture in it, maybe even pictured your morning coffee on the porch. The last thing you want is to slow down the process with more steps or lose out to […]
The post Why You Don’t Want To Skip Your Home Inspection appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Retirement isn’t just a milestone. It’s the beginning of something really special. After years of hard work, it’s finally time to slow down, explore new passions, and live life on your own terms. But with this exciting chapter comes some big choices. And one of the biggest is this: does your current home still make […]
The post Does Your Current Home Fit Your Retirement Plans? appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Inflation—a term that frequently dominates economic discussions—refers to the general increase in prices of goods and services over time. Its ripple effects touch various sectors, notably the housing market. At Great Lakes Real Estate, we believe it’s essential for buyers, sellers, and agents to grasp how inflation influences real estate dynamics. Let’s delve into the […]
The post Understanding Inflation’s Impact on the Housing Market: Insights from Great Lakes Real Estate appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
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 […]
The post The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of homes for sale over the past few years, here’s some good news. You have more options, so it may finally be time to kick off your home search again. As Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, explains: “Now is the best time to buy in the last […]
The post House Hunting Just Got Easier – Here’s Why appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
The real estate market is always evolving, and Western New York is no exception. Economic trends, interest rates, and local demand all play a role in how quickly homes sell and at what price. As of 2025, the market has stabilized, but sellers must be strategic to maximize their home’s value. At Great Lakes Real […]
The post Navigating Home Sales in a Shifting Market: Your Guide to Success appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.
Some Highlights Once a lender has reviewed your finances as part of the homebuying process, you want to be as consistent as possible. Don’t make any big changes that could affect your mortgage application. Here are a few tips. Don’t change bank accounts or apply for new credit. And this one may surprise you, don’t […]
The post Things To Avoid After You Apply for a Mortgage appeared first on Western New York's #1 Realtors Serving Lewiston NY and surrounding communities.