Chad Schmidt - Real Estate Advisor

11/26/2025

If you’re torn between renting and buying, here’s something to keep in mind 👇

Renting might feel cheaper in the moment, but it also means giving up the long-term wealth that comes with owning a home.

The numbers are clear: no matter when someone buys, homeowners build significantly more wealth over time than renters, even after accounting for things like repairs, taxes, and maintenance.

Why? Because every mortgage payment boosts your equity. Every rent payment is money you’ll never see again.

If you’ve been on the fence about what makes the most sense, take this as your reminder: buying is almost always the stronger long-term financial move.

Thinking about what it would take to get started? Send me a message.

11/19/2025

Here’s a stat every seller should have on their radar: 57% more homes have been taken off the market compared to this time last year.

Not because the market is broken, but because expectations were.

A lot of sellers in 2025 priced too high or expected instant offers, and when that didn’t happen, they pulled the plug. But that doesn’t mean homes won’t sell… it just means the strategy has to change.

Homes that are priced correctly and positioned well are still moving and moving fast.

If you want a game plan that actually works in today’s market, shoot me a message. I’ll walk you through what’s helping sellers win right now.

11/13/2025

Would you let $80 a month hold you back from buying your next home? 🤔

Even if mortgage rates drop from recent highs to 5.99%, that’s about all you’d save per month (give or take depending on your price point and lender).

The good news? Rates have already come down enough to save buyers almost $400 a month compared to what they’d pay for a typical home earlier this spring. Waiting for that last tiny dip could actually cost you more in the long run.

Once rates dip below 6%, more buyers are likely to jump back into the market which will create competition that could drive prices higher and cancel out the savings you were hoping for.

So… is $80 a month really worth the wait?

DM me and let’s run the numbers for your price point in our market. You might be surprised at the difference.

10/31/2025

🏡 New listing in Byron Center!
📍 1941 Conifer Ridge Drive SW, Byron Center, MI 49315

This beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bath ranch in the highly desirable Planter Row neighborhood is one you won’t want to miss! Set on a peaceful pond, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience.

✨ Highlights You’ll Love:

Bright and open main floor with vaulted ceilings

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances + large center island

Private primary suite with walk-in closet and full bath

Two additional bedrooms and a full bath on the main level

Finished lower level with a spacious family room, 2 more bedrooms, a full bath, and plenty of storage

Back deck with stunning pond views—the perfect place to unwind

📍 Conveniently close to Byron Center schools, walking trails, shopping, and dining.

➡️ Thinking about making a move or want to schedule a private tour? Send me a message—I’d love to help you explore this home or find the perfect fit for you.

Listing courtesy of Five Star Real Estate

Beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bath ranch in the sought-after Pla...

10/30/2025

Remember when finding a home that actually checked all your boxes felt impossible? That’s starting to change. 🏡

Inventory is up across the board compared to this time last year, which means more homes to choose from, more room to negotiate, and far less stress for buyers.

Of course, availability still varies by zip code and neighborhood, but no matter where you’re looking, there are more options than there used to be. I can help you see exactly what’s out there in our local area.

On top of that, home prices are softening, mortgage rates are easing off their highs, and the intense pressure buyers felt in past years has cooled.

If you paused your search before because the market didn’t feel right, now’s a great time to take another look. This could be the moment that finally gets you home. 🏠

DM me if you’d like a free copy of my latest guide!

10/23/2025

Think big investors are the reason home prices have gone up? 🤔 The numbers tell a different story.

Last year, only 2.8% of homes were bought by large investors. That means the vast majority were purchased by everyday buyers, not corporations.

So what’s really behind rising prices?
A long-term housing shortage. There simply haven’t been enough homes for everyone who wants to buy one.

The good news? More listings are starting to hit the market, and that’s helping to ease some of the pressure in many areas.

Want to know what that looks like here locally? Send me a DM and I’ll break it down for you!

10/20/2025

👀 Seeing posts or headlines wondering if home prices are about to drop? Let’s clear that up.

According to a survey of over 100 housing experts, prices are projected to keep rising nationally for at least the next five years. Even the most cautious forecasts aren’t predicting a crash, or even a real decline.

Now, growth will look different depending on where you live. Some markets will rise faster, and others may see small, short-term dips. But overall, we’re heading toward a more normal pace, and not a downturn.

Bottom line: steady, sustainable growth is a good thing for both buyers and sellers.

Curious what home prices are doing in your area? Send me a DM and I’ll fill you in.

10/15/2025

🏡 How low will mortgage rates go?

Here’s what the latest expert forecasts are saying 👇

While no one’s expecting a major drop, most experts predict we’ll see gradual improvement over the next year.

It won’t be a straight line down.. There will likely be a few ups and downs as new economic data rolls in, but even small decreases can make a noticeable difference in affordability.

Remember, you don’t need a huge rate drop to feel the impact. A little movement downward can go a long way for your monthly payment.

Curious what your numbers might look like as rates ease? Send me a DM and I’ll run a quick estimate for you.

10/01/2025

Thinking about buying but waiting for the right moment? 🏡

👉 63% of would-be buyers say they’re hoping for lower home prices.
👉 50% say they’re watching for lower mortgage rates.

Here’s the good news:
✅ Experts expect only modest price increases this year (some markets may even see slight declines). That’s a big shift from the 20% spikes we saw a few years back.
✅ Mortgage rates have also come down from their recent highs.

While affordability is still a challenge, these trends are creating better opportunities for buyers, and they’re expected to stick around into 2026.

Curious how this could work for your budget? Send me a DM and let’s talk strategy.

09/25/2025

📊 Did you know 79% of homeowners say they regret waiting to sell?

If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your nudge. ⬅️

Don’t let “I should have sold sooner” be part of your story.

09/24/2025

🤔 Who’s really winning in today’s housing market.. Buyers or sellers?

The truth is… it depends.

➡️ In some areas, buyers are gaining leverage with more inventory, more choices, and more negotiating power.

➡️ In others, listings are still scarce which is giving sellers the upper hand.

That’s why local market expertise is so important. The strategy you’ll need depends entirely on which side of the market you’re in.

Want to know how things look right here in your market? DM me and I’ll walk you through it.

09/17/2025

🔥 Buyer activity is picking up again!

Mortgage rates just hit their lowest point since last October – and that little shift has been enough to bring a wave of buyers back into the market.

👉 If you’ve been thinking about moving, or if your home sat on the market earlier this year without selling, this could be your window of opportunity.

Listing now means you can get in while demand is climbing before the competition increases.

Want to know my strategy to help you take advantage of this moment? Send me a message and let’s chat about how to position your home to sell.