Spring Home Selling Myths Busted: What the Data Actually Says

The spring housing market is here, and if you’re thinking about buying or selling, you’ve probably heard plenty of predictions, opinions, and advice. Some of it is useful. Some of it, not so much.

So, what’s the real story? Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale, recently shared advice with her own neighbor about buying a home—advice that every buyer and seller needs to hear.

Here’s what you actually need to know about the 2025 spring market, based on data from Zillow and expert insights from Hale herself.

1. Timing the Market? That’s a Risky Game

Zillow’s latest research says that homes listed in late May sell for $5,600 more on average. That stat makes headlines every year, but here’s what most people miss:

• In 2022, March was the best month to sell.
• In 2023, it was June.
• In 2025? No one knows for sure, because mortgage rates, local demand, and inventory play a bigger role than the calendar.

Danielle Hale backed this up when giving advice to her neighbor:

“There are always reasons to be uncertain in the housing market. My advice…is to keep your eyes open and when you see the home that is a good fit to go for it.”

Trying to outsmart the housing market is like trying to predict the stock market—it rarely works.

2. Serious Buyers Are Always Looking

A common myth is that most buyers don’t start house hunting until late spring. In reality, serious buyers are already looking.

Mortgage rate volatility means that buyers are jumping in and out of the market all year long. They’re not waiting for May—they’re waiting for an opportunity.

The takeaway? If you’re selling, don’t assume waiting for May will bring better buyers. The right buyer could be searching for your home right now.

3. Mortgage Rates Matter More Than the Season

This is the real wild card. If rates drop, buyers flood the market—no matter the time of year. If rates rise, demand cools off—even in a so-called “hot” market.

That’s why Hale told her neighbor to stop worrying about short-term fluctuations and instead focus on long-term plans. If you plan to stay in a home for at least five years, trying to time the market perfectly isn’t worth the stress.

For sellers, this means one thing: If buyers see an opportunity, they’ll jump—regardless of whether it’s May, March, or July. The question isn’t when you list; it’s how competitive you make your home.

4. Local Insights Matter Most

One of the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make is trusting national headlines instead of understanding their local market.

Zillow found that the best time to sell varies widely by city. In San Diego and Austin, the peak selling period starts as early as March. In Phoenix, sellers don’t hit peak pricing until November, and in Orlando, the “seasonal bump” is small—just 0.9%. 

Meanwhile, inventory is rising in some areas and staying tight in others. The Northeast is still short on homes. The South and West have more new construction, which means more options for buyers.

Danielle Hale summed it up perfectly: 

“You want to look at national numbers to understand the broader context, but what really matters is what’s happening in your market.”

So what’s happening in San Diego? Here are some quick housing market stats:

• Inventory: Up/down 19% year over year. 
• Median Sale Price: Up 4.1% year over year.

Want a deeper dive into market stats for your neighborhood? Contact me, and I’ll compile the data for you. 

5. The Right Listing Strategy Can Make or Break Your Sale Price

A lot of sellers focus on when to list. But how you list is just as important—maybe more.

Zillow’s research found that:

• Homes listed on the MLS sell for 1.5% more than off-market listings.
• Homes with high-quality photos, 3D tours, and interactive floor plans sell for 2% more.
• Homes with in-demand features—like remodeled interiors, outdoor TVs, or bluestone patios—can command thousands more in offers.

That’s why sellers who maximize exposure and highlight the right features will get top dollar—no matter the month.

Final Thoughts

The biggest takeaway from both Zillow’s research and Hale’s advice is that you shouldn’t wait around for the “perfect” moment.

For buyers: If you find a home that meets your needs and budget—and you plan to stay put for a while—go for it.

For sellers: If you’re ready to sell, focus on strategy, not just timing.

The market doesn’t wait for anyone, and the best deals go to those who are prepared to act.

David Demangos - eXp Realty
Cell: 858.232.8410 | Realtor® DRE# 01905183
www.AwesomeSanDiegoRealEstate.com
We Go to Extremes to Fulfill Real Estate Dreams

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market.

What Is an ADU?

According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include its own areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms independent of the main house. And they can take shape in a few different ways. Fannie Mae adds, an ADU can be:

• Within a main home, such as a basement apartment
• Attached to a main home, such as a living area over a garage
• Detached from the home entirely; it could even be a manufactured home

The Benefits of ADUs

ADUs are growing in popularity as more people discover why they’re so practical. In fact, a recent survey shows that 24% of agents say an ADU, such as a mother-in-law house, is one of the most desired features buyers are looking for right now.

The growing appeal makes sense. With rising costs all around you, an ADU can help supplement your income and ease some of the strain on your wallet. Whether you buy a home that has one already or you add one on, it gives you the option to rent out that portion of your home to help pay your mortgage.

Here are some of the other top benefits of ADUs, according to Freddie Mac and the AARP:

• Living Close, But Still Separate: You get the best of both worlds — more quality time together, plus privacy when you want it. If that sounds like a win, it might be worth looking for a home with an ADU or adding one to your home.
• Aging in Place: Similarly, ADUs allow older people to be close to loved ones who can help them if they need it as they age. It’s a sweet spot that offers independence and support from loved ones. For example, if your parents are getting older and you want them nearby, this could be a great option for you.
• Built-In Childcare: If your family’s living in the ADU, you may be able to use them for childcare, which can also be a big cost savings. Plus, it gives your kids more time with their grandparents.

It’s worth noting that since an ADU exists on a single-family lot as a secondary dwelling, it typically can’t be sold separately from the primary residence. And while that’s changing in some states, regulations vary by location. So, connect with a local real estate expert for the most up-to-date guidance.

Bottom Line

In today’s market, buying a home with an ADU or adding one to your current house could be worth considering. Just be sure to talk with a real estate agent who can explain local codes and regulations for this type of housing and what’s available in your area.

What’s your motivation for exploring ADUs?

David Demangos - eXp Realty
Cell: 858.232.8410 | Realtor® DRE# 01905183
www.AwesomeSanDiegoRealEstate.com
We Go to Extremes to Fulfill Real Estate Dreams

The Truth About Credit Scores

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Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back.

The Myth: You Need To Have Perfect Credit

According to Fannie Mae, only 32% of potential homebuyers have a good idea of what credit score lenders actually require.

That means two-thirds of buyers don’t actually know what lenders are looking for – and most overestimate the minimum credit score needed.

The Reality: Perfect Isn’t Necessary

But the truth is, you don’t need perfect credit to become a homeowner. To see the average score, by loan type, for recent homebuyers check out the graph below:

There is no set cut-off score across the board. As FICO explains:

“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single “cutoff score” used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .”

So, even if your credit score isn’t as high as you’d like, you may still be able to get a home loan. Just know that, even though you don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, your score can have an impact on your loan options and the terms you’re able to get.

Work with a trusted lender who can walk you through what you’d qualify for.

Simple Tips To Improve Your Credit Score

If you want to open up your options a bit more after talking to a lender, here are a few tips from Experian and Freddie Mac that can help give your score a boost:

1. Pay Your Bills on Time

This includes everything from credit cards to utilities and other monthly payments. A track record of on-time payments shows lenders you’re responsible and reliable.

2. Pay Down Outstanding Debt

Reducing your overall debt not only improves your credit utilization ratio (how much credit you’re using compared to your total limit) but also makes you a lower-risk borrower in the eyes of lenders. That makes them more likely to approve a loan with better terms.

3. Hold Off on Applying for New Credit

While opening new credit accounts might seem like a quick way to boost your score, too many applications in a short period can have the opposite effect. Focus on improving your existing accounts instead.

Bottom Line

Your credit score doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify for a home loan. The best way to know where you stand? Work with a trusted lender to explore your options.

David Demangos - eXp Realty
Cell: 858.232.8410 | Realtor® DRE# 01905183
www.AwesomeSanDiegoRealEstate.com
We Go to Extremes to Fulfill Real Estate Dreams

Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

Turning a dream into reality starts with one thing: a plan. And if buying your first home is on your list of goals, now’s the perfect time to put a plan in motion to help you save.

And the best part? Reaching your savings goal doesn’t mean making huge sacrifices overnight – small, consistent steps can get you there over time. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up the process.

Step 1: Build a Budget That Works for You

Knowing where your money’s going is the first step to saving more of it. Take some time to track the money you’ve got coming in and going out. This helps you spot areas where you're spending more than you realize. It also helps to give yourself some guidelines on what you want to spend for groceries, gas, and more – try to stick to whatever caps you put on each spending category.

Step 2: Cut Down on Any Extras (It Adds Up)

Once you’ve got a clear budget, it’s time to tighten up. Look for areas where you can cut down your costs – like services you don’t really need – or ways you can reduce recurring expenses and put that money in your house fund instead. Every dollar you save now brings you closer to your future house. As Bankrate says:

“If you’re saving for a house, cutting back on your spending can help. Start with cutting unnecessary expenses, like subscription services, entertainment, delivery services or eating out. If possible, negotiate down recurring monthly or annual expenses, such as getting a better car insurance rate or reducing an internet bill . . . .”

Step 3: Automate Your Savings

Consistency is the real game-changer. If you have to transfer money manually, you may forget to do it. That’s why setting up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account makes it easier to save regularly. Even apps that round up purchases to the nearest dollar and save the difference can help you build momentum without effort. As an article from Forbes explains:

“Automating your savings helps to keep your progress toward your goal consistent. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. This will help you prioritize saving and minimize the chances of spending your money on other things.”

Step Four: Put Any Extra Money To Work

Got a tax refund, work bonus, or a cash gift? Don’t fall into the temptation to spend it on something you don’t actually need. Use those unexpected boosts to make big strides toward your savings goal. Treating this extra cash as an opportunity, not just a nice surprise, will help you get there faster.

Bottom Line

Saving for your first house isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. A solid plan, a little discipline, and a clear goal will take you further than you think. If you’re ready to make homeownership happen, let’s connect. We’ll map out the next steps together to get you closer to the keys to your first home.

David Demangos - eXp Realty
Cell: 858.232.8410 | Realtor® DRE# 01905183
www.AwesomeSanDiegoRealEstate.com
We Go to Extremes to Fulfill Real Estate Dreams