The Realtor Roundup

                                                                                                          Image by starline on Freepik January Reset: Planning Today for a 2026 Move January has a way of inviting us to slow down, cozy up, and take a deep breath after the hustle of the holidays. It’s a month filled with fresh starts and the feeling of possibility. As we step into a new year, January is the perfect time to reflect with gratitude on where we’ve been—and thoughtfully reset for where we’re going. Whether your goal is to purchase a home in 2026 or you’re thinking about selling and moving in 2026 , a little planning now can make the journey smoother, less stressful, an...

                                                                                 Image courtesy of Freepik                                              Whether it’s at a holiday party, a family get-together, or chatting with friends over coffee, real estate always finds its way into the conversation. And honestly, we get why—this market has kept everyone guessing. Here are the three questions we're hearing over and over again right now, along with simple, honest answers to help you feel more confident about what’s really going on. 1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?” Short answer: Yes. And defi...

                                                                             Image courtesy of Freepik  As Thanksgiving arrives, many of us take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blessings in our lives. For us, this season is all about gratitude — for home, for family, and for the incredible people we get to serve every day in our community. In real estate, we talk a lot about houses… but Thanksgiving reminds us why those houses matter: They’re where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and where the people we love gather around warm meals and shared conversations. Grateful for the Clients Who Trust Us With Their Homes Whether you bought, sold, or simply reached out with questions this year, please know how truly thankful we ar...

  image by freepik Protect Yourself from Real Estate Fraud: What Everyone Should Know Real estate fraud can happen to anyone — homeowners, renters, investors, or even people just browsing listings online. Scammers are getting more creative every year, using fake listings , identity theft , and even fraudulent property transfers to steal money or ownership rights. The good news? A few simple precautions can help protect you, your identity, and your property. Here’s how to stay one step ahead: 1. Verify Who You’re Dealing With Before you share any personal information or money, confirm that the person or company you’re working with is legitimate. Look them up online, check reviews, and verify licenses. In Texas, you can confirm that a real estate agent, lender, or title company is licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission . If someone pressures you to act quickly or discourages you from asking questions, that’s a red flag — slow down and verify. 2. Be Extremely Cauti...

Looking to buy a home in Johnson or Tarrant County but need help with the down payment? Check out these Texas programs that offer grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits to make homeownership more affordable. Buying a home is exciting—but let’s be real, that down payment can feel like a mountain. The good news? If you’re looking to buy in Johnson or Tarrant County , there are plenty of programs that can help bridge the gap and get you into your new home faster. Let’s break down a few of the most popular options right here in North Texas   1. Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) Website: TSAHC.org The TSAHC program is one of the most popular options across the state. It offers: Down payment and closing cost assistance (up to 5% of your loan amount) Available as a grant (you don’t pay it back) or a forgivable second lien Open to first-time buyers, teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters, law enforcement, and veterans They even offer a Mort...

       The Market Divide: Buyers vs. Sellers—What’s Really Happening Right Now Right now, the housing market looks very different depending on where you live. In some states, buyers are starting to gain the upper hand. In others, sellers are still in the driver’s seat. So the big question is—what does it look like where you are? Here’s a quick breakdown:      Inventory Sets the Stage The number of homes on the market has gone up in most places, but not evenly. In states where inventory has grown a lot, buyers have more options and negotiating power. In states where inventory is still tight, sellers can expect faster sales and fewer concessions.      Prices Follow Inventory When there are more homes to choose from, prices tend to level off or even dip slightly. That’s why some states are seeing prices cool down. On the flip side, where homes are harder to come by, prices are still climbing.      Time on Mark...

                                                                                                                                              Image by Freepik   Buying a Home With Cash: What You Need to Know In today’s market of rising mortgage rates, the idea of paying cash for a home can sound appealing. After all, a cash purchase means no monthly mortgage payment and often puts you in a stronger position with sellers who love the certainty of an all-cash deal. But before you pull out the checkbook and spend every dollar on a home, it’s important to understand what buying with cash really m...

                                                                         Image by wirestock on Freepik Buying and Selling a Home This Fall: Tips for a Smooth Move Fall is one of the most underrated times to make a move. With cooler weather, beautiful curb appeal, and buyers looking to settle in before the holidays, it can be an ideal season to both buy and sell. But what if you need to do both at the same time? Coordinating these two big moves can feel overwhelming—but with the right planning, you can enjoy a seamless transition into your next home before the holiday season begins. Here are some helpful tips to make it happen this fall: 1. Review Your Finances Before Pumpkin Spice Season Kicks Into Gear Before you shop for your next home, meet with a lender to determine:...

  As proud advocates for our nation’s heroes, we're committed to helping Veterans, active-duty military, and eligible service members make the most of the benefits they’ve earned—especially when it comes to homeownership. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the VA home loan . Whether you're buying your first home or your forever home, here's everything you need to know about the VA loan process—plus how we can help you navigate it with confidence. 🔍 What Is a VA Loan? A VA loan is a mortgage option backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It's designed to make homeownership more accessible for Veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses. With no down payment , no private mortgage insurance (PMI) , and competitive interest rates , it’s one of the best loan programs available today. ✅ Who Is Eligible? You may be eligible if you are: A Veteran with an honorable discharge An active-duty service member A member...

                                                                        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...