Should You Sell or Stay in 2025?

If you’re a homeowner in Savannah or the surrounding Lowcountry, chances are you’ve noticed your home’s value climb over the past few years. Thanks to record-high equity levels, many local families are sitting on what feels like a financial jackpot. But as we approach 2025, the housing market is shifting, and you might be wondering: Is now the time to sell my home and cash in on that equity—or should I stay put and make the most of what I’ve got? Let’s break it down so you can make the smartest move for your situation. What Is Home Equity (and Why Should You Care)? Home equity is simple: it’s the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your Savannah home is valued at $400,000 and you owe $200,000, you’ve got $200,000 in equity. In Corelogic's Q3 2024 Homeowner Equity Insights Report, they reported that nationwide, homeowners saw their collective equity increase by $425 billion in the past year, bringing total U.S. homeowner equity to a jaw-dropping $17.5 trillion (yes, trillion). Even though the pace of equity growth is slowing for 2025, homeowners here in Savannah can still benefit from historically high equity levels. This brings us to the big question: What do you do with this financial windfall? Should You Sell? Selling your home can be a winning strategy, especially if you want to: 1. Cash In on Equity Gains Over the last five years, median home prices in the U.S. have climbed nearly 50%. That means if you bought your home before 2019, you’re likely sitting on significant equity. By selling now, you can use that cash to fund a new down payment, pay off debt, or invest in something else that aligns with your financial goals. 2. Downsize or Relocate Maybe your kids are off to college, or you’re eyeing a move closer to work, family, or the beach. If your current home no longer fits your needs, your equity can help you transition smoothly—whether that’s downsizing to save money or moving to a new neighborhood that’s a better fit for your lifestyle. 3. Get Ahead of Market Changes While home prices are expected to grow modestly in 2025 (about 2.3%, according to CoreLogic), rising inventory and regional affordability concerns could slow equity growth in the coming years. Selling now allows you to lock in your gains before the market shifts. Or Should You Stay? Staying in your home might make more sense if you: 1. Want to Build More Equity Even with slower price appreciation expected, Savannah’s housing market remains strong, and steady mortgage payments mean you’ll continue to build equity over time. If you don’t need to sell right away, staying put allows your investment to grow further. 2. Love Your Current Home and Community Let’s be real—Savannah has a charm that’s hard to leave behind. If you’re happy in your current space and love your neighborhood, staying put and focusing on home improvements or paying down your mortgage can be a great way to enhance your lifestyle and financial future. What’s Your Best Move? When deciding whether to sell or stay, ask yourself: What are my financial goals? Do you need a lump sum of cash now, or do you prefer to continue building long-term wealth through equity? What is the market like in my area? CoreLogic and CBS highlight significant regional differences in equity growth. Research your local market or consult a real estate agent to understand your home’s value. What are the costs of moving? Factor in expenses like closing costs, moving fees, and potential higher mortgage rates if you’re buying a new home. If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk. Whether you’re looking to sell, buy, or stay put, I’m here to help Savannah families make confident, informed decisions about their homes. Let’s create a game plan that works for you.

The 2025 Homeowner’s “Reverse Resolution” List

The 2025 Homeowner’s “Reverse Resolution” List New year, new resolutions—but let’s flip the script for a second. Instead of focusing on what you should do, what about the things you shouldn’t do? As homeowners, steering clear of a few key mistakes can save you a boatload of time, stress, and money in 2025. So, whether you’re settling into your first Savannah home or you’ve been here long enough to know the difference between a palmetto bug and a cockroach (spoiler: they’re essentially the same thing), this list is for you. 1. Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance Here’s the deal: your home is probably your biggest investment, and it doesn’t come with a magic “self-maintenance” button. Ignoring basic upkeep is like driving on bald tires—you’re just asking for trouble. Savannah Pro Tip: The humid coastal climate means regular inspections are crucial. Check for mold, mildew, and wood rot—especially after those summer storms. Tasks You Shouldn’t Ignore: Clean and inspect your gutters to avoid water damage. Replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months (your AC works hard in Savannah). Seal cracks around windows and doors to keep out drafts and bugs. Tackle these small issues now, and you’ll avoid massive repair bills later. Plus, if you’re thinking about selling, a well-maintained home gets buyers excited, not worried. 2. Don’t Overlook Energy Efficiency With Savannah’s long summers, energy bills can skyrocket fast. Ignoring energy efficiency means throwing cash out the window—literally, if your windows are drafty. Simple Upgrades to Make This Year: Add weatherstripping or caulk to seal drafts. Upgrade to LED light bulbs (bonus: they last a really long time). Invest in Energy Star appliances. Install a smart thermostat to keep your home cool without wasting energy. Not only will these upgrades lower your bills, but eco-conscious buyers love energy-efficient homes. That’s a win-win. 3. Don’t Go Wild With Personalization (If Selling Soon) Savannah is full of charm, but not everyone wants your neon green bathroom or your wall of 1990s boy band posters. When it comes to personalization, less is more—especially if you’re thinking about selling in the next few years. Stick to temporary pops of personality: bold throw pillows, funky rugs, or colorful artwork. Save the custom-built indoor slide for your next house. 4. Don’t Neglect Curb Appeal First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is Savannah’s version of a Southern welcome. Whether it’s a neighbor stopping by or a potential buyer pulling up, curb appeal sets the tone. Quick Wins for Every Season: In winter: Keep walkways clear and add evergreen planters for a fresh look. In spring and summer: Prioritize lawn care, plant seasonal flowers, and refresh mulch or pine straw. Small updates like painting your front door or upgrading your house numbers can add serious value—and they don’t break the bank. 5. Don’t Procrastinate on Small Repairs Here’s a Savannah truth: small problems turn into big problems real quick. A leaky faucet today can become a water damage nightmare tomorrow. Fix These ASAP: Loose shingles (hurricane season loves to expose weak spots) Cracked tiles or squeaky doors Peeling paint or drafty windows Create a “repair day” once a month to knock out these tasks. If you’re not the DIY type, don’t hesitate to call a pro or ask us for our preferred vendor list—especially for plumbing, electrical, or structural work. 6. Don’t Wait Until Spring to Plan Home Projects Spring might be the traditional season for renovations, but here in Savannah, planning early can save you a ton of hassle. Contractors book up fast once the azaleas start blooming, and demand drives up costs. Get ahead by booking your pros in winter and ordering materials early. Whether you’re redoing your kitchen, sprucing up your outdoor space, or upgrading your bathroom, planning now means you’ll enjoy those upgrades sooner (and for less). Avoiding the “Don’ts” for a Smarter 2025 This year, let’s focus on smarter homeownership. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll keep your Savannah home in top shape, reduce stress, and save money. Plus, when it’s time to buy or sell, you’ll be miles ahead of the game. Looking for more tips or ready to make a move in 2025? Reach out—I’m here to make the process easy and stress-free, just like it should be.

What Homeownership Really Means

What Homeownership Really Means—and Why It’s About More Than Just the Numbers The other day, I heard a podcast featuring Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist. As you’d expect, there was a lot of talk about housing market predictions for 2025, what might’ve been missed in 2024, and the trends shaping real estate across the country. All great stuff for a real estate geek like me. But toward the end, the conversation took a turn. Olsen was asked a simple yet profound question: “What does homeownership mean to you?” Her answer wasn’t what you’d expect from a numbers person—it wasn’t about ROI, market trends, or investment strategies. It was personal. It was emotional. And honestly, it hit home for me. Let’s break it down—and why it matters as you think about finding your next (or first) home here in Savannah. More Than a Financial Equation Olsen admitted she’s naturally wired to look at the data—after all, she’s an economist. She crunched the numbers on homeownership versus renting, comparing it to investing in stocks. Sometimes, renting might make more sense financially, depending on the situation. But then she flipped the script: “That’s the cost of ownership and customization and personalization and vision,” she said. Translation? Owning a home isn’t just about spreadsheets or calculating equity. It’s about creating a space that’s yours—a blank canvas where your vision for your life can come alive in ways renting just doesn’t allow. Here in Savannah, where historic homes meet new builds, and the charm of coastal living adds its own flair, that vision could mean anything. Maybe it’s restoring an old Victorian in the Historic District or setting up the perfect backyard oasis in Richmond Hill. Whatever it is, it’s yours to create. The Freedom to Be You Olsen shared a personal story about her own home. Picture this: a backyard with chickens, fruit trees, flowers, and pumpkins (some of which are now chicken snacks, thanks to nature running its course). “That is a vision I can’t create if I’m a renter. I don’t know what landlord would let me do this craziness,” she said. For her, homeownership means freedom—the freedom to dream big, get creative, and make her space her own. And that’s what it’s all about. Whether you’re looking for a big yard for the kids, a space to entertain friends, or a quiet retreat after a long day, owning a home gives you the flexibility to make it happen. Rethinking the American Dream For decades, the “American Dream” has been tied to the image of a single-family home with a white picket fence. But the truth is, that dream looks different for everyone—and that’s a good thing. Olsen pointed out that the American Dream is about vision and choice. It’s not just about buying a home; it’s about creating a life that feels like yours. That might mean a historic condo downtown with a view of the Savannah River, a bungalow in Thunderbolt, or even renting if flexibility is what you value most. The key is defining what homeownership—or simply “home”—means to you. What This Means for Savannah Homebuyers Olsen’s perspective offers some powerful takeaways as you think about your next move: Focus on What Matters to YouSure, the financials are important. But think beyond the numbers. What kind of life do you want to create? How can your home reflect your values, personality, and goals? There’s No One-Size-Fits-All DreamWhether it’s a spacious lot in Pooler or a charming beach house on Tybee Island, your dream doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Make it your own. Look at the Lifestyle BenefitsOwning a home isn’t just about building equity—it’s about building a life. From customizing your space to planting roots in a community, the rewards go far beyond the financial. Helping people find their dream home is why I love what I do. It’s not just about contracts and negotiations—it’s about seeing families and individuals create a space where they can truly thrive. So, let me ask you: What does homeownership mean to you? Is it freedom? Stability? A blank slate for your vision? Whatever it looks like, I’m here to make it easy for you to find it in Savannah. Let’s connect and bring your vision to life—Savannah style.

How do you spot an overpriced home?

How to Spot an Overpriced Home in Savannah In Savannah, charm is plentiful—and so are pricey listings. But some homes wear a price tag that just doesn’t match up. Here’s the lowdown on how to tell when a home's asking price is a bit too ambitious, so you can avoid overpaying. Unlocking the Power of Market Analysis Think of a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) like a treasure map—it reveals a home’s true value based on real sales data from similar properties nearby. This isn’t just guesswork; it’s your crystal-clear snapshot of the local market right now. With a solid CMA, you’ll know exactly where a listing stands, making it a lot easier to recognize when a home’s price might be more fantasy than reality. The “Days on Market” Signal When it comes to timing, the market doesn’t lie. If a home’s been sitting unsold for a while, it’s often a clue that the price is off. Homes priced right don’t linger—they catch eyes and go quickly. Every neighborhood in Savannah has a different “sweet spot” for days on the market, so don’t hesitate to ask me for the inside scoop. The Appraisal Reality Check Here’s where things get real. When the appraisal comes in lower than the listing price, it’s time to pause. If a home’s appraisal doesn’t match up, it’s often overpriced, giving you the leverage to renegotiate or walk away if needed. Condition Matters: Don’t Skip the Details Whether a home has been meticulously updated or feels like a time capsule can play a huge role in its value. Take a hard look at the home’s condition inside and out—updates add value, while a lack of them might not justify the asking price. If the numbers don’t line up with the appearance, start asking questions. Emotional Pricing Alert Sometimes, sellers set a price based more on memories than market reality. While it’s understandable, sentimental value shouldn’t impact the price you pay. With a solid CMA in hand, you can approach the conversation with compassion but also stick to the facts, ensuring you get the best deal. The Bottom Line? Finding the right home in Savannah is all about being informed and strategic. For a deeper dive, check out my guide, “Is It Worth It? Decoding Property Prices.” Shoot me a text with "Guide Me!" for your free guide to savvy home buying in Savannah.