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        <title>themarycoxteam.wordpress.com</title>
        <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Real Estate Blog, Personal and Professional Updates on the Anchorage Real Estate Market. Tips and Tricks for Homeowners. Mary's Monthly Letter From The Heart. </description>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/thinking-about-tapping-into-your-401k-to-buy-a-home-read-this-first/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/thinking-about-tapping-into-your-401k-to-buy-a-home-read-this-first/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. 


Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything.


Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting


Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below):


And when you've got a good chunk saved and your dream home is right there, reaching for it can feel like an easy call.


But dipping into your retirement savings to buy a home could cost you a penalty and set back your finances later on. That's why it's a good idea to explore other options for your down payment first. As Redfin says: 




&quot;If you’re struggling to save enough for a down payment, you may be wondering if tapping into your 401(k) is the right option. While it’s possible, doing so comes with significant risks, like early withdrawal penalties and lost investment growth.&quot;




Before you decide, have a financial advisor help you compare the upsides to the risks. Bankrate points to a few of each (see visual):





Other Options Worth Exploring First


Your 401(k) isn’t the only way to finance a home purchase. Redfin outlines a few other options to look into before you decide what to do:






Low and No-Down Payment Loans: FHA loans, for example, allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5 of the home's price, depending on their credit scores.






Down Payment Assistance Programs: Many national and local programs can help reduce what you pay toward your down payment or closing costs.






Make a Plan Before You Make a Move


No matter which route you take, talk with a financial expert first. The buyers who come out ahead build a solid plan with the right professionals before starting their journey to homeownership. As NerdWallet puts it:




&quot;Even if you’re convinced a 401(k) loan is the way to go, it’s important to understand the risks at the outset.&quot;






Bottom Line




Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.


If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget. 



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:32:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/most-home-sales-close--heres-how-to-keep-yours-on-track/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/most-home-sales-close--heres-how-to-keep-yours-on-track/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.


But if you’re getting ready to sell, here’s what you should know. Even in today’s market, it rarely comes to that. Buyers who are moving at today’s rates and prices are generally moving because of some big life change. That means they’re motivated, and eager to get all the way to the closing table.


According to the latest data from Redfin, only about 1 in 7 pending sales are falling through. Meaning the vast majority make it all the way to closing.


And the single biggest thing that puts a deal at risk is the one you have the most power to prevent. It just takes a little smart planning before your house hits the market.


Why Some Deals Fall Apart Before Closing


A Redfin survey sheds light on the most common things that trip up a sale (see visual below):





Here’s a bit more information on each one.






Inspection or repair issues. This is the big one. When a buyer’s inspector finds a problem, whether with the roof, the plumbing, the foundation, or elsewhere, the buyer can push back, ask you to make repairs, request a credit so they can do it themselves, or see if you’ll lower your price. If they don’t get what they want, they may walk away from the deal altogether.






The buyer’s financing fell through. Their mortgage loan has to be fully approved in time for closing day. If the loan doesn’t come together, the sale can’t move forward. 






The buyer’s current house didn’t sell. Some buyers need to sell their own home before they can close on yours. If that takes longer than expected, you may run into some issues with your timeline or even see them give up on their move.






There was a change in buyer’s financial situation. A new job, a big purchase, or new debt can change what a buyer qualifies for on their mortgage loan, even after they were pre-approved.






Where Your Agent Makes the Difference


Some of those reasons are outside your control, like whether a buyer’s loan clears or whether they sell their own home in time. But according to Zillow, there are a few proactive things you can do to help make sure your sale goes as smoothly as possible:






Save yourself the headache and get a pre-listing inspection. That’s when you get your own inspection before a buyer gets theirs. It lets you find the big issues before a buyer’s inspector does, so you can fix them or disclose them on your terms, instead of scrambling once you're under contract. In this situation, your agent will help you decide what's worth addressing and what to just disclose. Handle it now, and the biggest risk to your sale is behind you before a buyer ever brings it up.






Look at more than just the offer price. Your agent will help you weigh the whole offer, including the buyer’s timeline and any contingencies attached. When a buyer’s offer depends on selling their own home first, the success of your sale rides on a second deal you can’t see. Sometimes, a slightly lower offer with fewer strings is the safer one. Your agent will help you weigh your options and make a plan that works well for you. 






One of those is something you can’t do until you have offers in hand, but the other is something you can get ahead of right now. The pre-listing inspection.


That relatively small cost upfront can save you the much bigger hassle of a deal falling apart later. And while getting your own inspection before listing may not make sense in every market, your agent can tell you whether it’s worth it based on your market, your house, and what buyers are prioritizing in your area.


Sometimes the smartest move is staying one step ahead.




Bottom Line




Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.


With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold. 


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:42:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/the-kind-of-house-buyers-are-willing-to-pay-more-for/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/the-kind-of-house-buyers-are-willing-to-pay-more-for/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage.


To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house. Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise.


Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally


The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com.


And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs.


While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area (see map below):





Where does your state fall? Depending on where you are, the pool of buyers looking for a house like yours could be even bigger than you’d think. But the overall bottom line is this.


There’s a real market out there for larger homes with room for multiple generations under one roof, especially since affordability is still so tight. And if you own a house like that, it’s in demand.


Multi-Generational Houses Sell at a Premium


And that extra room carries real value with the right buyer. According to Realtor.com, in 2025 the median asking price for a multi-generational house was $709,000 – roughly 65 higher than the $429,900 median for a standard house.


Some of that is simply size. But compare multi-generational homes to regular homes with the same amount of square footage, and they still come out on top – $262 per square foot versus $215.


That’s a 22 premium you could command for special features like in-law suites, second kitchens, and separate entries (see graph below):





When you sell, this could help you walk away with more money in your pocket, especially when your agent highlights your home’s multi-generational-friendly features in your listing.


And Buyers Aren’t Getting Sticker Shock


And even with slightly higher price tags, buyers aren't flinching. Multi-generational houses drew 13.5 more online views than standard ones, and they still sold just as fast – in about 59 days – per the same Realtor.com report.


Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:




&quot;The strong demand and steep premiums we are seeing in inventory-constrained markets point to a real mismatch between what buyers are looking for and what is actually available. For sellers in these markets, this type of home can be a significant asset.&quot;




Basically, when buyers want something that's very specific, the house that checks the box tends to stand out.




Bottom Line




Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can't find in a standard one. That's what gets attention. And offers. So, let’s chat about what it could get you in our market right now.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:08:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/the-case-for-putting-20-down-on-your-next-home/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/the-case-for-putting-20-down-on-your-next-home/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>The Case for Putting 20 Down on Your Next Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20 for your down payment.


The truth is, you usually don’t have to. Plenty of loan options let qualified buyers put down much less. But a lot of repeat buyers are choosing to put down 20 anyway.


So, why are they if they don’t have to?


Two reasons. They know a bigger down payment pays off, and after years in their current house, they’ve built up enough equity that it’s finally possible.


Repeat Buyers Put More Money Down


According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical repeat buyer puts down 23when they buy a home (see graph below):





That’s more than double the 10 they may have put down as a first-time buyer. So, how do they manage it? Their equity.


When you’ve owned a house for a while, two things tend to happen. One, you pay down your mortgage, and two, your home’s value climbs. The difference between what you still owe on your mortgage and what your house is worth is your equity. And the longer you’ve lived in your house, the bigger that number grows.


When you sell, your equity turns into cash. And NAR data shows most repeat buyers put it straight toward their next down payment (see chart below):





First-time buyers don't have that springboard yet, and that's normal. But if you already own, you may be holding more buying power than you think because of it.


And if putting 20 down is finally possible, it may be worth at least considering. Here’s why. Let’s go over what you get in return.


4 Perks of Putting 20 (or More) Down


As Redfin explains, putting more down pays off in a few ways:






A smaller monthly payment. The more you put down, the less you borrow at today’s rates. And if taking on a higher mortgage rate is one of the reasons you’re debating whether to move, that’s a win.






Paying less interest. A smaller loan can also carry less interest across the life of your mortgage. If you put 20 down, you’ll only pay interest on the remaining 80. Put 5 down and you’ll pay interest on the remaining 95, which will cost you more over the lifetime of the loan.






No private mortgage insurance (PMI). When you put down less than 20 on a conventional loan, lenders usually add a monthly fee called private mortgage insurance. With 20 down, PMI isn’t required and that saves your money every month. 






A stronger offer. A larger down payment can make your offer more attractive, since sellers tend to read it as a sign your financing is solid and the deal is more likely to close.








Bottom Line




So, no. You don't need to put 20 down to buy your next home. But you may want to. If your equity puts it within reach, going bigger can lower your costs and make moving more doable than you think – even with today’s rates.


A trusted lender can run the numbers on your financing. And when you want to know what your current house could add to your next down payment, let's talk.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:32:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/heres-where-to-start-if-youre-selling-and-buying-at-the-same-time/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/heres-where-to-start-if-youre-selling-and-buying-at-the-same-time/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>Here’s Where To Start if You’re Selling and Buying at the Same Time</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


If you're a homeowner getting ready to move, one question usually comes first: should you buy your next home before you sell, or sell your current house before you start looking?


There's no single right answer. The best call depends on your finances, your local market, and your timeline. And a trusted agent can help you weigh all of it.


But in a lot of cases these days, selling first puts you in the stronger spot.


The Advantages of Selling First


Selling is usually the trickier half of a move today, so getting it done first clears your biggest hurdle. And that’s especially true right now, because there are more homes for sale than there are buyers, which means houses are taking longer to sell than they did a year or two ago.


So how does leading with your sale pay off? Let’s start with the money.


1. You Won’t Get Stuck Paying Two Mortgages


Buy before you sell, and you could end up carrying two mortgages at once. And especially since houses are staying on the market longer these days, that overlap may drag on for more time than you’d planned. And if unexpected repairs come up, it could get even more expensive.


Selling first takes that risk off the table, so you’re not multitasking homeownership. As Ramsey Solutions puts it:




&quot;It's best to sell your old home before buying a new one to avoid unnecessary risks and possible headaches.&quot;




2. You Can Use Your Equity To Fuel Your Move


This is always true, but one of the biggest perks of selling first is that you’ll know exactly how much money you're walking away with. And one of the big figures that matters in that conversation is how much equity you have in your current place.


Equity is basically your house’s value minus what you still owe on your mortgage. And it adds up fast. According to Realtor.com, homeowners who’ve been in their home for 5 years have about $180,000 in equity on average. And those who’ve had their home for 6-10 years? They have over $340,000.


After you sell, you can use that money to cover your down payment or even buy your next home in cash. And knowing that profit up front helps you plan your next move.


3. Your Offer Will Be Hard To Pass Up


When your house is already sold, you don’t have to make your offer contingent on that sale. In a market where buyers are taking their time, that’s exactly what a seller wants to see.


Picture it from the seller’s side. If their house has been sitting for a while, they’ll gravitate toward the offer most likely to close without a snag.


That can also give you room to ask for a little more, like repairs, since a motivated seller would rather keep things moving than lose you and wait for another offer to come in. Your agent can help you make the most of your upper hand in that scenario.


Is There a Catch?


Selling first has its tradeoffs too, and it helps to see the pros and cons side by side before you decide. Here’s a quick breakdown based on information from Zillow (see visual below):


 


The cons are manageable with the right plan, so talk about them with your agent. They can help you negotiate things like a rent-back, where you stay in your house for a set time after closing, or line up flexible closing dates to keep the transition smooth.




Bottom Line




There's no one-size-fits-all answer to buying and selling at once. But for a lot of homeowners, leading with the sale makes moving easier on their mind and their wallet.


Let’s connect, so you can navigate selling and buying with more confidence, more financial power, and less stress.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:16:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/selling-a-luxury-house-heres-why-now-is-a-good-time/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/selling-a-luxury-house-heres-why-now-is-a-good-time/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>Selling a Luxury House? Here’s Why Now Is a Good Time</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


If you own a luxury house, you're in a stronger spot than most sellers right now. While much of the market has cooled, the high-end tier hasn't. Sale prices and buyer demand are both up. So if you're considering selling, now could be a great time to make your move.


Luxury Is Leading on Price


Let’s start with prices. But before we get into it – what actually counts as a luxury home? Generally, these are homes in the top 5 price range for the area, so it varies depending on where you live.


But what’s interesting is that according to the latest data from Redfin,sale prices for luxury houses have risen about three times faster than for non-luxury.


Right now, the typical home’s sale price is up about 1.5 year-over-year. But high-end homes? Their sale prices have gone up nearly 5 since last year (see graph below):





That’s a bigger deal than it sounds like.


Despite all the talk about slowing price growth lately, sale prices in this segment of the market may be rising faster than you’d expect based on the headlines. That’s going to be a good thing if you’re thinking about selling. And rising sale prices are only half the story.


Buyers Are Showing Up, Too


While so many headlines are talking about how buyers are pulling back, that’s not necessarily true when it comes to luxury homes. In fact, right now, it looks like the higher the price point, the more active the buyers.


Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:




&quot;The luxury market has really performed better compared to the lower price point. . . . if we look at price points, any home priced under $250,000, virtually no change in unit sales from one year ago. Then you go into the upper price category, and home sales are up about 10 from one year ago. But the million dollar-plus homes, it is up by 18 from one year ago.&quot;




Basically, more homes are selling on the upper end of the market. A big reason is that high-end buyers tend to feel less of the affordability pressure weighing on many households today, so they keep buying even when the wider market slows.


That demand also means that luxury houses don’t stay on the market as long as they used to.


Luxury Houses Are Selling Relatively Quickly


According to the most recent data from Redfin, for luxury homes the median number of days on market is under 50. That’s much faster than pre-pandemic norms going even as far back as 2014 (see graph below):





That means you probably won’t spend a ton of time sitting in limbo wondering when you’ll get an offer.




Bottom Line




Selling a high-end house is a big decision, and you deserve to feel confident going in. With sale prices climbing and buyers active at the top, this is a strong window to make your move.


Ready to cash in? Let’s talk strategy.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:53:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/more-homes-better-prices-a-buyers-summer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/more-homes-better-prices-a-buyers-summer/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>More Homes, Better Prices: A Buyer’s Summer</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


If you’ve thought about buying a home in the past few years, you may have run into two frustrations: asking prices that kept climbing and too few homes to choose from.


In many places, both sticking points are letting up this summer, with lower asking prices and more homes for sale. Let’s look at the trends, and what they mean for your search.


Sellers Are Pricing To Attract Buyers


According to Realtor.com, the national median asking price was $430,000 in June, nearly $11,000 under what it was the year before (see graph below):





That’s the eighth month in a row that the typical asking price has dipped below where they were the previous year, according to the same Realtor.com report.


And while falling prices can sound worrying, this isn’t a sign of an impending crash. We’re talking about asking prices, not sold prices. This is a sign that today’s sellers are meeting the market where it is and pricing to draw buyers. And that’s actually something normal we’d expect from the market. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, puts it:




“Sellers are reading market conditions and are pricing accordingly from the start rather than listing high and cutting later, and buyers are taking note and making bids. This is a welcome sign that we are in a functioning market.”




Asking prices were never going to climb forever – now they're just settling closer to what buyers can actually pay. That signals a healthier market, and sellers re-adjusting their expectations. 


More Homes Are Available Now


If you’ve spent the past few years watching homes disappear before you could even schedule a tour, this is for you.


Supply is starting to catch up. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes listed for sale in June was the highest June number we’ve seen in three years (see graph below):





This means more options for you and less competition for each one.


Now, supply is not back to normal everywhere. As you can see, we’re still down from where we were back in 2017-2019. But in many places, it’s better than it’s been in a while. Here’s how that helps you.


You don’t have to rush an offer just to stay in the running, and you have better odds of finding and landing the right home, not just the one that’s available. Plus, you’ll have more room to negotiate, so you’re searching from a stronger position than buyers had even a year ago.


Why This Is Encouraging if You’re Buying Your First Home


For first-time buyers looking for lower-priced homes, these trends line up especially well. Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow, explains:




“The lowest price tiers are exhibiting some softness in terms of price, they also had the most listing-activity growth, the first time since 2022 that’s been the case.”




So, if you’re searching for your first place or your next house, there's a little more to choose from and a little more give on price.




Bottom Line




If a tight budget or a thin selection has kept you from buying a home, now might be the time to restart your search.


Ready to see what’s available here? Let’s connect.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:44:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/the-take-it-or-leave-it-attitude-is-fading-from-the-market--what-that-means-for-you/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/the-take-it-or-leave-it-attitude-is-fading-from-the-market--what-that-means-for-you/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 








Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too. 


That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive.






A concession is something a seller agrees to during negotiations to get a deal done.






An incentive is a perk a builder (or a seller) advertises upfront to attract buyers.






Let’s run through what you need to know about both and how they could play a role in your move.


More Sellers Are Agreeing to Concessions


Almost half (46) of homeowners who sold recently gave the buyer a concession, according to Redfin. That’s the highest share on record for this time of year. And roughly 1 in 7 (16) sellers went a step further, cutting their asking price and offering a concession on top (see chart below):


 


So, what kind of concessions are we talking about?


A seller might cover part of your closing costs, take care of a repair, or offer a credit that trims your upfront costs. It’s how they keep a deal on track when buyers have more options to choose from – and homeowners aren’t the only ones compromising.


Builders Are Cutting Prices, Too


Newly built homes are seeing the same push and pull. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 62 of builders are offering incentives right now. And about 35 are cutting prices outright (see chart below):





Those incentives often look like:






Price adjustments






Mortgage rate buydowns






Free upgrades, like nicer finishes or appliances






Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains why:




&quot;New construction has been one of the steadiest parts of the housing market over the past few years, but builders are clearly responding to today's affordability pressures and higher levels of existing-home inventory.&quot;




Even builders, who many people think rarely negotiate, are competing on price and perks. They have been for over a year now. The same data shows this is the 15th straight month where more than 60 of builders have offered incentives to sweeten the deal. And that’s significant.


What This Means for Your Move


If you're buying, this is a good time to ask. Whether you have your eye on an existing house or a newly built home, there's a chance the seller or builder will meet you partway on price, terms, or both.


If you're selling, expect buyers to ask. Even builders of brand-new homes are making concessions more often than not right now. Holding firm on every term could mean more time on the market, or a lost sale altogether.




Bottom Line




Sellers and builders are both giving buyers more to work with this year. Want to know what’s realistic to expect in concessions and incentives in our market? Let’s connect.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:59:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/should-you-pay-for-your-buyers-closing-costs-what-sellers-need-to-know/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/should-you-pay-for-your-buyers-closing-costs-what-sellers-need-to-know/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 








A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying &quot;no&quot; to just about everything.


No repairs.


No concessions.


No negotiation.


If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller's terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again.


That's why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this:


The goal isn't to “win” every negotiation.


Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer's closing costs.


Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale.


What Are Buyer Closing Costs?


Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples:






Loan origination fees






Appraisal and inspection costs






Title and attorney fees






Survey fees and more






Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2 to 5 of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket.


And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself. 


That’s why more people are asking sellers for help.


And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes”


According to the latest data from Zillow, 67 of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 (see chart below):





Now, that doesn't mean every seller is doing it. And it definitely doesn't mean every seller should. But it does show how common concessions have become as the market has shifted. And that’s important for you to know.


When Paying Closing Costs May Make Sense


This is where many sellers get stuck. They hear &quot;help with closing costs&quot; and immediately think: &quot;Why should I pay for their expenses?&quot;


But that's not always the right way to look at it. You’ve got to consider who has the leverage in today’s market.


Redfin data shows there are more sellers than buyers active today. And that shifts the market dynamics (see graph below):





That doesn't mean every market favors buyers. Far from it. In some areas, homes are still selling quickly and sellers have plenty of leverage. But in others, buyers have more room to negotiate than they've had in years.


That's why local market conditions matter so much when you make your decision.


For example, helping with closing costs may be worth considering if:






There are a lot of homes for sale in your area






Your house has been sitting on the market longer than expected






You’ve had showings, but no offers






You’re motivated to move quickly






Or you’re trying to keep a deal together during negotiations






After all, if it’s the thing that helps bring a serious buyer across the finish line, it could be well worth it.


Other Concessions You Could Offer Instead


Just remember, being flexible doesn’t mean saying “yes” to every request.  It means understanding which compromises actually help you accomplish your goals. Because there are always alternatives.


Redfin suggests considering other concessions if you’re not interested in helping with closing costs, like:






A home warranty






Repair credits






Flexible closing dates, or






Leave behind appliances or furniture






The right answer depends on what buyers in your market are asking for and what matters most to you. That's exactly why working with an experienced local agent is so important.




Bottom Line




The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is.


Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for our local market.


If you’re wondering what's normal in our area, what's worth negotiating, and where it makes sense to stand firm, let’s connect.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:22:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/less-house-more-home-why-smaller-homes-are-paying-off-for-todays-buyers/</guid>
    <link>https://www.homesinalaska.com/blog/less-house-more-home-why-smaller-homes-are-paying-off-for-todays-buyers/</link>
        <author>mary@marycox.net (Mary Cox)</author>
        <title>Less House, More Home: Why Smaller Homes Are Paying Off for Today’s Buyers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 








You started shopping with a specific mental image of your future home in your mind. Then the houses in your budget came in smaller than you pictured.


That’s the reality for a lot of buyers right now. Affordability is tight.


But don’t let that discourage you. Going smaller might actually be a smart play in today’s market – and the upside can be bigger than you'd think. Let’s break down two places to look where smaller won’t necessarily feel like a compromise.


Homebuilders Are Focused on Smaller Options Lately


For starters, smaller is kind of on trend right now. Newly built homes have been shrinking for years. According to the latest data from the Census, the median square footage of new single-family homes has been falling overall since 2014 (see graph below):





Why? Builders focus on the types of homes consumers want the most. After all, they want to build what will actually sell. And for the past decade, buyers seem to agree less is more.


Especially right now, when affordability is a key concern, they’re building homes with smaller square footage than a decade ago. And that’s good because that may be more within budget for many buyers. It’s part of why new home prices recently hit a 5-year low.


So, if you’re not getting excited about any of the existing options at your price point, it may be time to check out what builders are doing in your area.


You may find brand-new options you really love with all the latest and greatest features. And if you’ve got modern appliances and design, maybe slightly less square footage doesn’t feel like that much of a compromise anymore, especially if the house is move-in ready.


Condos Are Opening Up Another Path


Just in case you don’t have a ton of new builds in your area, another avenue worth exploring is condominiums or condos.


For buyers crunching numbers to make the math work, condos can take real pressure off the budget. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price for condos is less than the median for single-family homes in every region (see graph below):





Part of that is because condos are typically smaller. And smaller square footage can come with a smaller price tag too. That's a selling point to affordability-strapped buyers right now – and it’s one of the reasons we’re seeing a bump in condo sales.


The number of condos sold rose 2.7 from just a month ago. It’s also up year over year, according to NAR. Ali Wolf, Chief Economist for New Home Source, explains why more buyers are going this route:




“In addition to favoring smaller floor plans, more consumers are showing a willingness to live in an attached home. This shift is not driven by a preference for shared walls, but by a pursuit of value.”




The Community Does Some of the Heavy Lifting


Here’s why smaller may still work for you. Whether it’s a condo complex or a neighborhood of detached single-family homes, the right community can give you back in amenities what you trade in square footage.


Many developments are designed so the home is just one piece of where you actually spend your time. Master-planned communities often include walking trails, pools, fitness centers, co-working spaces, and outdoor gathering areas – the kind of features that pick up where your floor plan leaves off.


No room for a dedicated office? The co-working space might be just a five-minute walk away. Want a place to work out? It's already built in with the shared gym. And features like that can make opting for a smaller footprint feel less like a compromise – and more like a big lifestyle upgrade.




Bottom Line




Today’s smaller single-family homes and condos have more going for them than the square footage suggests. They can give your budget some breathing room and put you in a community designed with lifestyle in mind.


Curious about the options in our area? Let's connect.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:34:00 -0800</pubDate>
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