The Realtor Roundup

                                               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...

  Is It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market? Here’s What That Means for You If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably heard the terms “buyer’s market” and “seller’s market” thrown around — but what do they really mean? And more importantly, how do they affect you as a buyer or seller? Let’s break it down:   What Is a Buyer’s Market? A buyer’s market happens when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers . That means: Buyers have more choices. Homes may stay on the market longer. Sellers might have to compete on price, repairs, or incentives. In this type of market, buyers typically have the upper hand when it comes to negotiations — they can take their time, shop around, and potentially get a better deal. Good news for buyers: You may be able to negotiate a lower price, ask for closing cost assistance, or get other seller concessions. Heads-up for sellers: Pricing your home right and making it shine (think great p...

  Buying Your First House? Here Are 25 Questions to Keep in Mind Are you a  first-time home buyer ? Before you settle on a house, asking yourself, your lender, and your real estate agent some key questions can help you prepare for a seamless home buying process. Check out these important questions to ask when buying a house! What Are My Future Goals? Whether you’re in the market for a starter home you plan to stay in for five years or the forever home you want to retire in, you should consider your goals when looking for homes. Take some time to think about your future.  Also, give thought to your financial goals because buying a home is a big investment. What Are My Must-Haves? It’s smart to make a list of  home features  that are important to you before you start your house search. That way, you know which features to look for as you start touring houses and working with your real estate agent. Your must-haves can be things like a fenced yard, short commute, o...