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What Every Homebuyer Should Look For During a House Tour

Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of the homebuying process. But it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, beautiful staging, new finishes, or fresh paint can sometimes distract from more important details. That’s why having a checklist is essential. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned mover, knowing what to look for during a house tour can help you make a smart and informed decision. Curb AppealCurb appeal is important, but do not stop there. As you approach the home, observe the driveway, sidewalks, landscaping, and roofline. Cracks in pavement, standing water, or damaged…
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Why You Should Always Check the Street Name Before Buying a Home

When your house hunting, you are likely focused on the big things like: location, price, layout, and condition. But there is one small detail that can have a surprising impact on your homeownership experience, the street name. While it may seem insignificant at first, the name of your street can affect everything from resale value and first impressions to daily convenience and even safety. Curb Appeal Starts With the AddressFirst impressions matter, and your street name is often the first thing someone hears when you share your address. Names like “Ocean View Drive” or “Whispering Pines Lane” can evoke a…
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Why Some Sellers Leave Fake Family Photos in Their Homes

Walk into an open house and you might expect fresh flowers, cozy furnishings, and soft lighting. But occasionally, you will also spot something more unexpected family portraits in frames that do not match the owner. That’s because some sellers purposely leave behind staged or even fake family photos. While it may sound odd at first, this tactic is rooted in buyer psychology and strategic marketing. Family photos, even staged ones, can stir feelings of warmth, happiness, and emotional connection. Buyers don’t just shop for square footage or granite countertops, they shop for a feeling. A framed photo of a smiling…
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The Hidden Reasons Homes Linger on the Market

When a home sits on the market longer than expected, the price is often the first thing blamed. While overpricing can be a major factor, it's far from the only one. One of the most common culprits is poor presentation. Buyers today form opinions within seconds, often based on online photos before they even step foot inside.  Homes that are cluttered, outdated, poorly lit, or in need of deep cleaning may leave a negative impression. Listing photos that are dark, grainy, or unprofessional can stop interest before it starts.  Accessibility and Showings Another big reason homes don’t move quickly is limited…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 9th, 2025

With next week bringing the latest wave of inflation data reports—namely the CPI and PPI—this week featured a slew of releases with minimal impact. The Trade Deficit and the Federal Reserve's Beige Book stood out as the main indicators reflecting the current state of the economy. Although tariffs have largely been put on pause, their effects continue to reverberate across numerous industries. Significant concern remains due to the instability in decision-making from the current administration. The Trade Deficit came in as expected, with the deficit cut in half following the announcement of tariffs, which caused imports to plunge. Meanwhile, the…
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What is a Pocket Listing?

A pocket listing is a property that is for sale, but not publicly advertised. It is not listed on major real estate websites or even MLS. Instead, the agent keeps the listing "in their pocket," only sharing it with trusted colleagues, buyers, or clients they know are serious. These homes are still for sale, but they are sold more quietly, behind the scenes. Why Would a Seller Choose a Pocket Listing? Privacy: They may not want a lot of people walking through their home, especially if they are still living in it. Testing the Market: Some sellers want to test…
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Why You Should Think Like a Seller When Buying a Home

When you are buying a home, you are likely thinking about how it fits your life. Is the kitchen big enough? Does it have a home office? Is the backyard right for pets or kids? But what if I told you that thinking like a seller can make you a smarter buyer? It might sound backward, but approaching your home search with resale in mind can help you make a better investment, avoid future headaches, and even save you money in the long run. Here’s why you should always have your future resale value in mind, even on day one:…
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How to Read Between the Lines in a Real Estate Listing

When you are scrolling through homes online, it's easy to get swept away by beautiful photos, catchy descriptions, and enticing phrases like "charming fixer-upper" or "cozy starter home." But as a real estate agent, let me tell you, there is often more to the story than meets the eye. Learning to read between the lines of a real estate listing can save you time, prevent disappointment, and help you find the right home faster. Here is how to decode what those listings are really saying: "Needs TLC" = Bring Your ToolboxIf you see phrases like "needs TLC," "great bones," or…
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Getting Approval for a Short Sale

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments and facing the possibility of foreclosure, you're not alone and you are not out of options. One path worth considering is a short sale, which can help you avoid the long-term impact of a foreclosure on your credit report. As a mortgage originator, I have helped many homeowners navigate this process. A short sale occurs when your lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on your mortgage to settle the debt. In this scenario, you sell your home for less than the remaining balance on your loan, and…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 2nd, 2025

The PCE Index release—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator—has shown favorable results. However, the overwhelming sentiment remains one of uncertainty due to the ongoing trade wars. With these conflicts still in full swing, inflation is expected to rise in the near future at a faster-than-anticipated pace. Following the recent trade truce with China, consumer sentiment has improved, though the long-term impact remains uncertain. As expected, consumer spending has declined noticeably, as the tariffs have led to short-term price increases. PCE IndexThe cost of living barely rose in April — and the rate of inflation slowed even closer to prepandemic levels…
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