Why Square Footage Is Overrated for Most Buyers

Many buyers start their search with a specific number in mind. Square footage. While size matters, it is rarely the deciding factor in long-term satisfaction. How space functions often matters far more than how much of it exists. Unused Space Creates Hidden CostsRooms that are rarely used still require maintenance, heating, and furnishing. Buyers often realize later that extra space added expense without improving daily life. Layout Drives ComfortA well-designed smaller home can feel more comfortable than a larger home with poor flow. Natural light, storage placement, and room connection shape how space feels. Lifestyle Changes Over TimeNeeds evolve. Flexible…
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Why the Best Homes Rarely Feel Perfect at First

Most buyers expect an instant emotional reaction when they walk into the right home. The idea of love at first sight is common, but in reality, many of the best homes do not create fireworks immediately. They create possibility, and that is often quieter. Emotion Can Be MisleadingStrong reactions are not always reliable indicators of long-term satisfaction. A beautifully staged home can create excitement, while a less polished property may offer better functionality. Learning to separate emotion from practicality helps buyers make decisions that serve them beyond move-in day. Potential Is Easy to OverlookMany buyers struggle to see past surface-level…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 9th, 2026

While Consumer Sentiment has inched up slightly, Consumer Credit tells a different story. Credit usage has continued to rise, suggesting increased financial strain on consumers amid ongoing economic pressures such as inflation. Although another rate cut is still expected, its likelihood remains uncertain under the current administration. Consumer SentimentConsumer sentiment was essentially unchanged, inching up less than one index point from last month and sitting about 20% below January 2025. Sentiment surged for consumers with the largest stock portfolios, while it stagnated and remained at dismal levels for consumers without stock holdings.Consumer CreditIn 2025, consumer credit increased 2.4 percent, with…
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