Locked-In & Loaded: Homeowners Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

Locked-In & Loaded: Homeowners Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

According to new numbers from FHFA and BatchService via ResiClub, the national average loan-to-value ratio (LTV) sits at just 62.2%. That means the typical homeowner today owns nearly 40% of their home outright — a powerful financial position. 

For reference: If a home is worth $400,000, and the mortgage balance is $320,000, the LTV is 80% (20% equity). A lower LTV = stronger footing. Nationally, that figure has plummeted, with some states far below average.

Ralph’s Take

This aligns perfectly with what we’re seeing in Westchester. Many sellers aren’t under pressure — they’ve built up significant equity and are comfortably locked into ultra-low…

485 Views, 0 Comments

The Longer a House Sits, The Less It Sells For

The Longer a House Sits, The Less It Sells For

Overpricing your house could cost you more than you think.

Homes that sit on the market tend to sell for less — and it usually comes down to pricing. When a property is listed at or just below market value, it often sells quickly, sometimes with multiple offers. But overprice it, and things stall. Interest fades, and sellers end up cutting the price or accepting less. Today’s buyers are savvy. With market data at their fingertips, they know when a price is off — and many won’t bother engaging with a seller who seems unrealistic.

538 Views, 0 Comments

Zillow Downgrades 2025 Home Price Forecast

Zillow Downgrades 2025 Home Price Forecast

Zillow has revised its U.S. home price forecast via ResiClub, now predicting just a 0.8% increase from February 2025 to February 2026, down from earlier projections of 1.1% and 2.9%. This reflects rising inventory levels nationally and ongoing affordability issues, which are dampening buyer demand. Zillow expects only 4.1 million existing home sales in 2025, significantly below pre-pandemic levels.

• 2025 existing home sales projected at 4.1M, down from 5.3M in 2019.

• Temporary spring sales boost expected, followed by a seasonal dip.

• Single-family rents forecasted to rise 3.6%; multifamily rents up 2.5%.

• Rents continue climbing, 3.6% for single-family homes,…

393 Views, 0 Comments

The Top Price Ranges Driving Westchester’s Real Estate Market

The Top Price Ranges Driving Westchester’s Real Estate Market

The chart above provides a breakdown of property showings by price range for homes listed under $2 million in Westchester County, from January 1st to March 15th. It highlights which price segments that are attracting the most buyer interest, showing trends in demand based on the number of showings per listing. Key findings:

Most Active Price Ranges:

1. $600K – $699K: The lead in every category, representing 12.19% of all showings.

2. $700K – $799K: Placed second in all categories except showings per listing (10th)

3. $1.6M – $1.69M: Second in showings per listing (21.24), despite overall low volume.

Ralph’s Take

…

448 Views, 0 Comments

Early Signs Buyer Demand Is Picking Up

Early Signs Buyer Demand Is Picking Up

More buyers are jumping back into the market – and that means it may be time for you to do the same thing. Mortgage applications are up, demand is growing, and home showings are increasing. Those are signs that serious buyers are active today.

If the right buyer walked through your door tomorrow, would you be ready?

284 Views, 0 Comments

Reader Q&A: Westchester County Sellers

Reader Q&A: Westchester County Sellers

Is it worth making upgrades or should we sell “as-is”?

It all depends on your home’s condition and how it compares to the competition. I never recommend my sellers spend money on upgrades unless there’s a clear return on investment. Small cosmetic changes, like fresh paint, updated lighting, or minor kitchen and bathroom touch-ups, can add value. But major renovations don’t always pay off; I sold a home with a brand-new kitchen a few years ago — the buyers hated it and tore it out after closing. A pre-listing consultation can help determine which updates, if any, will boost your home's appeal and selling price.

We tried selling our home but didn’t like the offers. What should we do…

337 Views, 0 Comments

When to List Your Westchester Home for the Highest Offers

When to List Your Home for the Highest Offers

​According to a recent analysis by Realtor.com, the optimal time to sell your home in 2025 will be the week of April 13–19th. Homes listed during this period are expected to achieve higher selling prices, face reduced competition, and sell faster than average.​ Here’s why they consider that week ideal:

• Listings typically see a 1.1% increase in pricing compared to the average week.

• Properties often sell nine days quicker than the annual average.

• Sellers can expect 13% fewer competing listings.

Ralph’s Take

Buyers are entering the market early to get ahead of rising competition, yet many sellers have yet to list, keeping demand high and…

391 Views, 0 Comments

MLS vs Off-MLS: The Truth About Selling Prices

MLS vs Off-MLS: The Truth About Selling Prices

Multiple Listing Service (MLS): A database used by real estate professionals to share information about properties for sale. It allows brokers and agents to see up-to-date listings, including details like price, location, and property features.

Home sellers who choose not to list their properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), collectively lost more than $1 billion in potential profits over the past two years, according to a Zillow report. The study indicates that properties sold off-MLS typically fetched a median loss of 1.5% nationwide, when compared to those listed on the MLS. The trend is particularly more pronounced in New York, where sellers saw a median loss of 3.7%.

722 Views, 0 Comments

Why wait for spring? Here’s why buying now has its perks

Visual of the Week

Why wait for spring? Here’s why buying now has its perks.

Many buyers think spring is the best time to move, but here’s the truth: winter can offer some big advantages. With fewer buyers in the market at this time of year, home prices tend to be at their lowest point just before the spring competition heats things up. Why pay more later? Buying a home this winter could work in your favor. Let’s connect

293 Views, 0 Comments

Existing Home Sales Expected to Rise in 2025

Existing Home Sales Expected to Rise in 2025

According to ResiClub's analysis of projections from 16 top industry forecasters, U.S. existing home sales are expected to average around 4.22 million in 2025. Below, you'll find detailed forecasts alongside historical data for added context.

1467 Views, 0 Comments