Every month, new real estate articles hit the web filled with advice for buyers, sellers, and homeowners. To make it easier, we’ve compiled some of the most insightful and practical reads.

From first-time buyer guides to seasonal selling tips and market predictions, this roundup delivers practical takeaways you can put into action right away.

Real Estate September 2025

How To Become a Homeowner: A First-Time Home Buyer
Guide

If you’re ready to take your first steps toward buying a home, the article by Luke Skar on MadisonMortgageGuys provides a clear, step-by-step guide.

It begins by explaining the actual cost of owning a home, including not only the mortgage but also property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and ongoing maintenance.

Many first-time buyers overlook these expenses, but they’re critical for setting a realistic budget. Skar even points out that annual upkeep alone can average around 1.5% of a home’s value—something to factor in before you buy.

Another major takeaway is understanding how much house you can actually afford. Skar warns against pushing your budget to the absolute max.

Instead, he suggests working with a mortgage professional to determine an amount that leaves room for emergencies and lifestyle changes. He also stresses the importance of getting mortgage preapproval before house hunting, which
helps you stay within budget and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

The guide also highlights practical steps like saving for a down payment (sometimes as little as 3.5% with specific loan programs), checking your credit score, and avoiding significant financial changes after you’ve been
preapproved. These are small but essential details that can make or break your mortgage approval.

Finally, Skar reminds readers that you don’t have to do this alone. From tapping into first-time home buyer assistance programs to working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, there are resources available to make the process smoother.

As the article on how to become a homeowner with bad credit and low down payment options shows, with the correct planning and support, buying your first home is more achievable than you might think.

Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorine Pool: Which One Is Better?

Michelle Gibson breaks down the pros and cons of saltwater versus chlorine pools, providing homeowners with a clear understanding of what to expect from each system. A saltwater pool utilizes a generator to convert salt into chlorine, resulting in softer water and eliminating the need to add harsh chemicals constantly.

Chlorine pools, on the other hand, require regular treatments with tablets, granules, or liquid chlorine to stay clean and
balanced.

Gibson explains that saltwater pools typically feel gentler on your skin and eyes, and they don’t carry that strong chlorine smell. However, they do require a higher upfront investment, and salt can sometimes damage pool equipment if not carefully maintained.

Chlorine pools are less expensive to install and easier for beginners to manage, but often need more frequent chemical adjustments.

When it comes to costs, Gibson points out that installing a saltwater system typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, with annual maintenance costs of around $200 to $400.

Chlorine pools may be cheaper initially, but the ongoing chemical expenses can add up to $300 to $600 per year. This involves making a decision that balances short-term versus long-term costs, along with lifestyle preferences.

Ultimately, Gibson suggests that if you want a pool that is easier on your body and requires less day-to-day maintenance, saltwater might be the right choice.

If lower initial costs are your priority and you don’t mind a bit more weekly upkeep, chlorine could be the better option. For a full breakdown, check out her article on saltwater pool vs chlorine pool pros and cons, which offers valuable insights to help you make the right choice for your backyard.

Low Appraisal? Here’s How to Handle It Without Losing the Deal

Tom Horn pulls back the curtain on what happens when a home appraisal comes in under the contract price—and why it doesn’t have to derail your deal.

He starts by explaining that appraisals reflect what comparable homes are actually selling for, not necessarily what buyers hoped or offered.

In hot markets, it’s common for a purchase offer to outpace what the data supports.

A key step Horn advises is to review the appraisal carefully with your real estate agent. Examine the comparables the appraiser used: Were they truly similar in terms of size, age, condition, and features?

Suppose the appraiser missed better comps or overlooked recent upgrades. In that case, you can submit them via a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) to the lender, requesting that the report be revised based on more accurate data.

If reconsideration doesn’t budge the numbers, Horn outlines the options: renegotiate with the seller (split the difference), bring extra cash to cover the gap, or walk away if neither side can compromise.

He also emphasizes proactive steps to prevent the issue, including pricing the home realistically upfront, using a pre-listing appraisal when warranted, and thoroughly documenting all upgrades so the appraiser doesn’t miss them.

If you’re navigating a low appraisal situation, Horn’s Advice is calm and bright: know your data, lean on your agent, and explore all routes before assuming the deal is dead.

For a deeper dive, check out his guide on low appraisal negotiation tips for homebuyers and sellers to walk through every possible path.

Housing Market Predictions For 2025: WhatÂ’s Coming Next

Robin Rothstein outlines what buyers, sellers, and investors can expect as we move through 2025. The overall outlook suggests a stabilizing market—no dramatic crash on the horizon, but also no explosive growth.

Prices are likely to rise modestly, mortgage rates are expected to remain steady, and tight inventory will continue to be one of the biggest challenges for both buyers and sellers.

Rothstein emphasizes that regional differences are more significant than ever. In-demand cities with limited housing supply could continue to see price gains, while other areas with more balanced markets might experience slower growth or even slight declines.

The key takeaway: don’t rely solely on national headlines, because local market conditions often tell a very different story.

The article also discusses the ongoing “lock-in effect.” Many homeowners who locked in historically low interest rates are reluctant to sell, which limits inventory and keeps upward pressure on home prices. At the same time, affordability challenges persist, as mortgage rates remain elevated compared to just a few years ago.

For anyone planning a move or investment, the comprehensive 2025 housing market predictions guide is a valuable resource.

It breaks down the forces shaping the market this year and offers a perspective on how local conditions and national trends intersect to influence real estate decisions.

Is Your Home Ready for Fall? Early Prep Tips for Sellers

In the article from Century 21 Mertz, the author provides homeowners with a seasonal checklist to prepare their property for the market before autumn arrives.

It starts with exterior curb appeal—cleaning up landscaping, trimming back shrubs, raking leaves, and power washing siding. These minor updates go a long way toward making a great first impression on potential buyers.

The article also emphasizes preventative maintenance.

Cleaning gutters, checking for roof damage, sealing cracks, and servicing HVAC systems early can prevent costly surprises during a buyer’s inspection. Staying ahead of these issues keeps your home in top shape and helps it stand out in a competitive market.

Inside the home, the piece suggests creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Decluttering, staging key spaces, and adding subtle seasonal decor can make rooms feel inviting, allowing buyers to picture themselves living there. Lighting also plays a significant role—soft, warm light creates comfort as days get shorter.

For a complete seasonal checklist, don’t miss their guide on fall home prep tips for sellers. It’s a practical resource to make sure nothing slips through the cracks and your home shines when the market picks up.

Selling a House in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

In the article, Kevin Vitali outlines the four major phases of a home sale—Preparation, Pricing, Presentation, and Closing—and explains why each step matters. He begins by emphasizing the importance of selecting the right real estate agent through an interview.

Sellers should interview multiple agents and look for someone who offers transparent communication, a data-driven pricing strategy, and a strong marketing plan.

During the Preparation stage, Vitali recommends A Deep Clean, Declutter, and Depersonalize. These steps instantly
make a home more appealing to buyers. He also points out that minor updates—such as fresh paint, landscaping, or simple repairs—can deliver a strong return without requiring a significant renovation.

When it comes to Pricing, Vitali emphasizes setting a realistic price based on comparable sales. Overpricing a home often backfires, leaving it to sit on the market longer and eventually sell for less.

He also highlights the importance of Presentation, which includes professional photos, compelling listing descriptions, and an online presence that reaches buyers everywhere.

Finally, the article walks sellers through the Closing process, from handling contingencies and inspections to ensuring all paperwork and disclosures are in order. For a complete step-by-step breakdown, check out selling a house in Massachusetts guide for homeowners. It’s a detailed resource that helps you navigate the entire selling process with confidence.

Summary

Each of these articles brings a fresh perspective on real estate, whether youÂ’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your property.

From financing your first home to preparing for seasonal changes and navigating market trends, the insights here can help you make better, more confident decisions.

By staying informed with expert advice, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever the market brings.

PREVIOUS REAL ESTATE ROUNDUPS

• Real Estate Roundup August 2025 – see some of the helpful advice for buyers and sellers published in August.
• Real Estate Roundup July 2025 – get an overview of the posts that were exceptional last month.

The author, Kevin Vitali, has been a local Massachusetts REALTOR for over 23 years and provides valuable real estate information for homebuyers and sellers through his blog, Merrimack Valley MA Real Estate.