Get REAL with The Main Street Team

Learn how to navigate rising rents, understand your rights as a tenant, and explore cost-saving options like apartments or condos to stay ahead in today’s market. If you’re a renter, you’ve probably felt the sting of rising rental prices at some point.  According to Zillow , single-family home rents are now 20% higher on average than apartment rents—the widest gap ever recorded. While the market has its challenges, there’s good news: by understanding your rights and exploring your options, you can make smart choices that protect your wallet and your peace of mind. Let’s break down what you need to know about rent increases, your rights as a tenant, and how making savvy rental decisions—like opting for an apartment or condo—can help you save. Can Your Landlord Raise the Rent?  The short answer is yes, but there are rules landlords must follow. Knowing these can give you more control over the situation. Your Lease Sets the Rules Fixed-Term Lease: If you have a one-year lease, y...

Handling mortgages and bills after disaster strikes can be overwhelming. Explore relief options, aid programs, and practical steps to rebuild financially and emotionally. With wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County, images of destruction are everywhere. Over 12,000 structures have been burned down, neighborhoods reduced to rubble and nearly 92,000 residents forced to evacuate.  As Angelenos come together to rebuild their city—and their lives—people across the nation are asking the same questions: What happens to financial responsibilities, like mortgage payments, rent, and utility bills, when their home is destroyed? This guide answers the most pressing questions for homeowners and renters affected by natural disasters, drawing on resources and advice from FEMA, mortgage servicers, and disaster survivors. Do You Still Have to Pay Your Mortgage If Your Home Is Destroyed? Yes, even if your home is no longer standing, your obligation to pay your mortgage remains. However, there...

Move-in-ready homes are the top priority for 2025 buyers, with over 56% ranking them as essential. Find out why this trend matters, how sellers can prepare, and strategies to attract buyers—even if your home needs some TLC. 2025 homebuyers have made one thing clear: they want move-in-ready properties. According to a recent Bright MLS survey , more than 56% of prospective buyers say that move-in-ready condition is their top priority.  If selling is in your plan this year, here’s what you need to know about buyer priorities and how to prepare for them. What Makes Move-In-Ready Homes So Appealing? With high home prices, limited (yet rising) inventory, and elevated mortgage rates shaping the housing market in 2025, buyers are looking to avoid additional costs and hassles after closing.  A move-in-ready home means: No immediate repairs or renovations : Buyers want to focus on settling in rather than dealing with contractors or DIY projects. Predictable expenses : With fewer surpris...

Home equity is at record highs, but is now the time to sell or stay? Explore the smartest ways to leverage your equity in 2025 for your financial goals. If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve watched your home’s value rise over the past few years. Thanks to record-high equity levels, many homeowners are sitting on what feels like a financial jackpot. But with the housing market shifting and 2025 on the horizon, you might be wondering:  Should I sell my home and cash in on my equity, or stay put and make the most of what I have? Here’s how to use your home equity to make the smartest decision for your situation. What Is Home Equity, and Why Does It Matter? Home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $200,000 in equity. According to CoreLogic’s Q3 2024 Homeowner Equity Insights Report , U.S. homeowners with mortgages saw their collective eq...