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Call Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate at (925) 628-2436 | DRE #01117537Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate - Keller Williams East County
Real Estate - Home » First-Time Home Buyers

Real Estate Advice for First-Time Homebuyers

A First-Time Homebuyer is by definition someone or several people who purchase a home for the first time.

These articles can help guide you through the process and provide crucial information to those who are inexperienced in the home buying experience.

Be sure to read our featured article First-Time Home Buyer Tips

Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons

December 8, 2025 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves

Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, understanding seasonal patterns has become more critical than ever. With inventory levels normalizing and […]

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Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyers, Home Buying Tips, Home Seller Tips, Homeowner Tips

How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)

October 13, 2025 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

How to Spot Real Estate Scams

Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports.1 Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encounter suspicious activity during the closing process, and one in […]

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Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyers, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips, Homeowner Tips

5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership (and Ways to Move Past Them)

April 7, 2025 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership

Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1 According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, home prices have risen around 32% since the pandemic, and elevated mortgage rates have caused monthly payments […]

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Filed Under: Home Buyers Tagged With: Credit Score, First-Time Home Buyers, Home Buyer Tips

The 2025 Real Estate Report

January 13, 2025 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

Home Values are going up in 2025

Experts Predict Home Values to Increase 1.5% to 3.6% in 2025. Top housing experts and economists give a glimpse of what mortgage rates, home values and the national real estate market will do in 2025. Key Takeaways Mortgages are forecasted to remain higher for longer; but there are things you can do to lower your […]

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Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Credit Score, First-Time Home Buyers, Home Buying Tips, Home Sale Prices, Home Seller Tips, Market Report, Real Estate Market

Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage

August 12, 2024 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage

With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don’t let that deter you: If other homebuyers’ experiences are any indication, odds are you’ll eventually find a home loan that works well for you. In fact, most U.S. homeowners say they’re satisfied with the […]

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Filed Under: Financing Tagged With: Credit, Credit Score, First-Time Home Buyers, Mortgage

Real Estate Market Forecast: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2024

January 8, 2024 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

Real Estate Market Forecast 2024

Wondering about Real Estate Market Forecast for 2024? We’ve rounded up economists’ predictions for the coming year. A growing share of home buyers and sellers sat on the sidelines last year as the pace of home sales continued its downward trajectory.1 In fact, since the Federal Reserve began its series of interest rate hikes in […]

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Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyers, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips

35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home for Less

November 13, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home for Less

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter. But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any […]

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Filed Under: Homeowners Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyers, Home Improvement Projects, Homeowner Tips

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guthriegrouphomes

Libby Guthrie, Realtor
@ Keller Williams 865-966-5005
🏡 Helping You Make the Move to Knoxville
📱 Cell: 865-364-0200
🏡 Good People, Great Homes!

Holiday shopping for your home this year? These 6 Holiday shopping for your home this year? These 6 smart upgrades aren't just convenient—they're features today's buyers actually expect when they're home shopping:
1. Smart Thermostat – Energy savings that pay for themselves
2. Video Doorbell – Security and convenience in one
3. Integrated Security Hub – Peace of mind from anywhere
4. Smart Locks – Keyless entry is the new standard
5. Leak Detectors – Prevent costly water damage before it starts
6. EV-Ready Outlets – Future-proof your home for electric vehicles
Here's the thing: These aren't luxury add-ons anymore. Buyers in 2025 are comparing homes based on smart features, and properties with these upgrades often sell faster and for more money.
Think of it as holiday shopping that doubles as an investment in your home's resale value. Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to enjoy modern convenience, these devices deliver real returns.
Pro tip: Start with the smart thermostat and video doorbell—they offer the biggest immediate impact on both daily life and buyer appeal.
Thinking about upgrading your home or curious what smart features could boost your property value? Call/text/email us if you have questions.Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
Libby@GuthrieGroupHomes.com
---
#SmartHome #SmartHomeTechnology #HomeUpgrades #RealEstateTips #HomeValue #HolidayShopping #ModernHome #HomeImprovement #ResaleValue #RealEstateAdvice #HomeBuyers #PropertyValue #2025Trends
According to Realtor.com's 2025 Home Trends Report According to Realtor.com's 2025 Home Trends Report, WaterSense fixtures saw a 290% increase in listing mentions year-over-year—making them the #1 fastest-growing home feature heading into 2025. Net-zero ready homes and EV charging aren't far behind.⁣
⁣
What's driving this shift? Today's buyers want homes that save money, conserve resources, and reduce environmental impact. WaterSense-certified fixtures use at least 20% less water, leading to lower utility bills without sacrificing performance.⁣
⁣
Meanwhile, infinity-edge pools dropped 25% in mentions—still a luxury marker at $2.9M median price, but clearly not the priority it once was.⁣
⁣
If you're thinking about selling, here's what this means: highlighting efficiency upgrades like low-flow fixtures, EV charging, or energy-efficient systems can make your home stand out. Even modest investments in sustainable features are resonating with a wider pool of buyers who prioritize long-term savings and eco-conscious living.⁣
⁣
The takeaway? Luxury is evolving—and efficiency is now part of the baseline expectation.⁣
⁣
Let us know in the comments: what eco-friendly features matter most to you when house hunting? 👇⁣
⁣
#RealEstateTrends #HomeBuyingTips #SustainableLiving #EnergyEfficiency #RealEstateNews #HomeSellerTips #WaterSense #NetZeroHomes #RealEstateAdvice #ModernHomeDesign #EcoFriendlyHomes #2025Trends⁣
⁣
Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡⁣
Cell: 865-364-0200⁣
Keller Williams 865-966-5005⁣
GGHKnoxville.com⁣
Libby@GuthrieGroupHomes.com
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Hours & Info – Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate

Location
191 Sand Creek Rd #100,
Brentwood, CA 94513

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info@guthriegrouphomes.com
Office: (925) 628-2436

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