• Home
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Location
  • About
    • Libby Guthrie
    • Ken Guthrie
    • Brittany Armenta Perez
  • Search the MLS
  • Sell
    • Sell My House
    • What’s My Home Worth?
  • Buy
    • Search the MLS
    • Home Buyers Guide – How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying a Home
    • Frequently Asked Questions of Home Buyers
  • Reviews
    • Leave Your Review
  • FAQs

Guthrie Group Homes

Real Estate

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

Articles about Home Buyer Tips

There is a lot to know when you are buying a home. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, we have loads of tips for you.

Scroll down the page to find articles that interest you. Of course, if you have any questions, we are happy to help, just ask!

Buying a Home With Family: How Multigenerational Living Works (and What to Get Right)

April 13, 2026 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

Is Buying a Home Together Right for Your Family

For a long time, multigenerational living had a reputation problem. It was the option families turned to when something had gone wrong — a job loss, a divorce, a health crisis. Moving back in with your parents, or having your parents move in with you, meant something hadn’t worked out. That story has changed pretty […]

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
Buffer
0 Shares

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

The True Cost of Homeownership: What You Pay Beyond the Mortgage

February 9, 2026 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

The True Cost of Homeownership - What You Pay Beyond the Mortgage

When most homebuyers calculate whether they can afford a new home, they focus almost exclusively on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. It’s the figure lenders qualify them for, the number discussed during showings, and the benchmark used to determine budgets. The average annual cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., […]

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
Buffer
0 Shares

Filed Under: Homeowners Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyers, Home Buyer 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 […]

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
Buffer
0 Shares

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

Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move

July 8, 2025 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

Real Estate Market Update What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate boom has long since cooled, but in its place we’re seeing a market searching for balance. Higher mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and rising home inventory are combining to reshape what it means […]

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
Buffer
0 Shares

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips, Homeowner Tips, Real Estate Market

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 […]

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
Buffer
0 Shares

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

Mid-Year Real Estate Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

June 11, 2024 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

Mid-Year Real Estate Market Update for 2024

Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far […]

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
Buffer
0 Shares

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: California Real Estate, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips, Homeowner Tips

The Ultimate Relocation Guide: From Finding a House to Feeling at Home

May 10, 2024 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

The Ultimate Relocation Guide

The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong.2,3 In fact, Architectural Digest recently declared “Americans are restless” after a survey found that 55% […]

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
Buffer
0 Shares

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips

Next Page »

Find Us on Social Media

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
YouTube
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
Twitter
Follow Me

Our Most Popular Content

  • First-Time Home Buyer TipsFirst-Time Home Buyer Tips I’ve put together 15 First-Time Home Buyer Tips for you
  • Trilogy at Rio VistaTrilogy at Rio Vista Over 55 Community Have you been thinking about moving to a senior
  • A Homeowners Guide to Home Insurance A Homeowners Guide to Home Insurance Does Your Insurance Cover That? No one likes to
  • Real Estate - Home » Blog » Real Estate » You Just Listed Your Home, Now What? You Just Listed Your Home, Now What? You Just Listed Your Home, Now What? While listing and selling your home can feel
  • What $500,000 Will Buy You In Brentwood, CA vs. San Jose, CA What $500,000 Will Buy You In Brentwood, CA vs. San Jose, CA OK, we all know that buying a home
  • How Much Is My Home Worth? How Much Is My Home Worth? Get a FREE home valuation from expert

Blog Topics

  • FAQ's
  • Financing
  • Home Buyers
  • Home Improvement
  • Home Sellers
  • Homeowners
  • Libby and Ken Recommend
  • Local Communities
  • Page
  • Real Estate
  • Seasonal

guthriegrouphomes

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

Would You Rather: Brand New Construction or Establ Would You Rather: Brand New Construction or Established Neighborhood Charm?Would You Rather: Brand New Construction or Established Neighborhood Charm?
One of the biggest decisions homebuyers face is choosing between a newly built home and a property in an established neighborhood. Both have unique advantages!
✨ Brand New Construction:
• Builder warranties and modern systems
• Energy-efficient features and smart home technology
• Customization options during the build process
• Everything is brand new—no immediate repairs needed
🌳 Established Neighborhood:
• Mature trees and landscaping
• Homes with character and unique architectural details
• Proven community with established amenities
• Often closer to city centers and developed areas
Pro tip: Consider your lifestyle and long-term goals. New construction is ideal if you want move-in ready perfection and modern efficiency. Established neighborhoods are perfect if you value location, charm, and a sense of community history.
Let us know in the comments which you prefer and why!
Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
Libby@GuthrieGroupHomes.com
Knoxville, Tennesseehttps://gghknoxville.com/contact-guthrie-group-homes-knoxville/
#RealEstate #HomeBuying #NewConstruction #EstablishedNeighborhood #RealEstateTips
𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 = 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬? Spring is offic 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 = 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬?Spring is officially here, and if you're thinking about listing your home this April, now's the time to prepare for peak buyer activity.
Here's the truth: buyers are out in full force during spring, but they're also comparing more homes. The difference between a good offer and a great one often comes down to how your home presents.
Three simple steps can make a big impact:
1. Declutter ruthlessly – Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes spaces feel smaller. Buyers need to envision their life in your home, not yours.2. Deep clean everything – Don't just tidy up. Clean baseboards, windows, grout, and carpets. A sparkling home signals that it's been well-maintained.3. Add light staging touches – Fresh flowers, neutral throw pillows, and good lighting can transform a room without a big investment.
These aren't just cosmetic changes. They help buyers emotionally connect with your space, which directly impacts offer strength.
Spring sellers who take these steps seriously tend to see faster sales and higher offers. It's not about perfection—it's about presentation.
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
Knoxville, Tennesseehttps://gghknoxville.com/contact-guthrie-group-homes-knoxville/
#realestate #realestateagent #homeselling #sellingtips #springrealestate
Follow on Instagram

Hours & Info – Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate

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

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

Broker:
Keller Williams East County

Real Estate License
Lic #01117537

Hours
Monday - 9AM–5PM
Tuesday - 9AM–5PM
Wednesday - 9AM–5PM
Thursday - 9AM–5PM
Friday - 9AM–5PM

Weekends by Appointment
Call (925) 628-2436

See Location

Real Estate Menu
How We Market Your House
Home Search
Blog
Sitemap
FAQs

Search Here

Visit our Sister Site in Knoxville Tennessee

Libby Guthrie Real Estate, Knoxville TN
Libby Guthrie Realtor, Knoxville TN

Guthrie Group Homes, Knoxville TN

Discover the history, beauty, and affordability of the Greater Knoxville area. Each neighborhood in Knoxville has its own charm and is worth exploring to get a true sense of the city's diverse character!

  • Home
  • Contact
  • Location
  • About
  • How Much Is My Home Worth?

Copyright © 2026 · Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate · Lic #01117537 · 925-628-2436 · Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley, California · Log in

If your home is currently listed or you are a buyer represented by another real estate agent, this website, article, or blog post is for informational purposes only.

It is not our intention to solicit the offerings or clients of other real estate agents or brokers.

All information on this site is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Terms of Use  | Cookies Policy | Privacy Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.

To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy