Mortgage rates are expected to remain low, and home prices are forecast to rise more slowly than in 2020.


Buying a house is like playing a complicated sport. You need to know the rules and get in shape before hitting the field, and then nimbly maneuver through challenges to win the game.

In 2021, “winning” will require understanding how you stack up against lender qualifications, preparing to compete with other buyers and navigating a socially distanced homebuying process until vaccines end the pandemic.

Here's what buying a house in 2021 will look like and how to get ready.

More buyers than homes for sale

If you find a reasonably priced house in good condition, chances are you won't be the only one making an offer — even if it just hit the market.

"It is a seller’s market in just about every part of the country," says Christopher Arienti, broker and owner of Re/Max Executive Realty in Franklin, Massachusetts. “Seller’s market&r ...

Keep cool this summer and don’t forget to perform annual maintenance on your air conditioning unit now, before the real heat hits!

Here are a few things most homeowners can do themselves to help maintain their air conditioner: 


Ensure the filter is clean or replaced regularly. Disposable filters are inexpensive and should be replaced once a month during high use periods.



Trim back plants so there is at least one foot of clearance from the A/C unit to allow proper air flow and reduce motor strain.



Sand, dirt, and other debris can get sucked into the condenser coils. To clean the coils, first disconnect the power to the A/C and then use a garden hose to spray the coils clean.


You should also have annual maintenance service performed by a professional air conditioning technician. Always ensure the following items are included in the maintenance service:


Condenser – check pressure, oil motor bearings, and current electric; ...