The Realtor Roundup

                                                                        Image courtesy Freepik 🏡 First-Time Homebuyer? Start Here! 4 Key Tips for a Successful Purchase Buying your first home is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—experiences you'll ever have. With so many decisions to make and steps to take, it’s easy to get lost in the process. But don’t worry—we've got your back! Here are four smart tips to help guide you through your first home purchase with confidence: 1. Get Pre-Qualified First Before you scroll Zillow for hours or fall in love with that dreamy front porch, get pre-qualified with a lender . This step gives you a clear picture of what you can afford and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. It also helps you avoid the heartache of finding the ...

                                               Photo by Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash As we gather around barbecue grills, wave flags at parades, and watch fireworks dance across the night sky, the Fourth of July is more than a holiday—it’s a powerful celebration of what it means to belong. In real estate, we talk a lot about finding the perfect home. But as a local Realtors, we’ve come to realize that July 4th reminds us of something even deeper: the meaning of home in the American spirit. It's not just about square footage or updated kitchens—it’s about freedom, legacy, and the pursuit of happiness. 🎇 A Celebration Rooted in Independence This day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776—a bold, defining moment in history. For generations, people have fought and worked to uphold that promise of liberty. And today, we honor that spirit ...

  Source: Keeping Current Matters For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room. In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move. What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market? In a buyer’s market , there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers competing for these homes, that means they generally sit on the market longer, they might not sell for as much as they would in a seller’s market, and buyers have more room to negotiate. On the flip side,  in a seller’s market , there aren’t enough homes for sale for the number of buyers who are trying to purchase them. Homes sell faster, sellers often get mu...

Thinking About Downsizing or Moving Closer to Family? Here's How We Can Help Seniors  Navigate the Process As we move through different seasons of life, our housing needs often change. For many homeowners  the idea of downsizing or relocating to be closer to loved ones becomes increasingly appealing. Whether it’s the desire for less maintenance, reduced expenses, or simply being near family, making a move later in life can be both exciting and overwhelming. As Realtors® who specializes in working with Seniors, Veterans, First Responders, Healthcare Professionals, and Educators, we also understand the unique needs of seniors and their families during this important transition. If you're considering a move, here’s how we can help you make the process smoother and more manageable. Why Downsizing or Relocating Makes Sense Less upkeep: A smaller home often means fewer chores, lower utility bills, and less stress. Closer to loved ones: Being near family can enhance your q...

  Can You Buy a Home If You Have Student Loans? Yes—Here’s How! If you’re dreaming of owning a home but worried that your student loan debt might hold you back, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of luck. Many people believe that student loans automatically disqualify them from buying a home, but that’s simply not true. As a Realtor® who works with professionals like educators, healthcare workers, and first responders, we often help clients navigate this very concern. Let's break it down. How Student Loans Affect Home Buying Student loans are a form of debt, so they do factor into your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) —a key metric lenders use to determine how much home you can afford. But having student loans doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a mortgage. Lenders look at: Your monthly student loan payment Your overall DTI Your credit score Your income and job stability If your other financial factors are strong, student loans alone won’t prevent you from buying. Ti...

                         Wire Fraud and First Time Homebuyers                                                        Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with risks many new buyers aren't aware of. One of the most serious threats? Wire fraud . As your trusted Realtor®, it’s my job to help you navigate the home buying process safely—and that includes protecting your hard-earned money from cybercriminals. 💻 What Is Wire Fraud in Real Estate? Wire fraud typically occurs when hackers intercept emails during a real estate transaction. These criminals pose as your lender, title company, or even your Realtor® and send fake wire instructions. If you fall for the scam, your down payment or closing fun...