Brenda Goff Realtor -NC Triangle Home Resource

11/04/2026

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

More than 1 in 4 homes are being bought with cash right now. But here's something that might surprise you about who's buying them.

It's not just wealthy investors swooping in with deep pockets.

A lot of these cash buyers are everyday homeowners who've built up serious equity over the years. And that equity is giving them more buying power than they may have ever imagined.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $310,000 in equity.

Think about what that could mean for your next move.

You might have enough equity to buy your next home outright. No mortgage payment. No worrying about today's interest rates.

And even if you can't pay all cash, that equity could help you borrow significantly less.

But what if you're buying with a mortgage?

Here's some good news: Nearly 3 out of 4 homebuyers are still using financing. You're actually in the majority.

So don't let the headlines about cash buyers make you second-guess what's possible for you. Whether you're buying your first home or using equity to make your next move, there may be more opportunities than you think.

Wondering how you stack up in today's market? Send me a message. Let's talk about your options.



Have a great day on purpose!

11/02/2026

The Home Insurance Move That Could Save You $440 a Year

When was the last time you shopped around for home insurance? Because that one move could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

With home insurance taking up a bigger chunk of monthly housing costs, that's an opportunity worth looking into.

And the numbers are pretty eye-opening.

According to Intercontinental Exchange, homeowners who switched insurance companies saved an average of $440 a year. Their premiums dropped 6.6%, while homeowners who stayed with their existing provider saw costs climb 10.4%.

That's a big difference just for shopping around.

And here's more good news: Home insurance costs are still rising, but the pace of those increases is finally slowing down.

So, what does this mean if you're buying a home?

Don't assume the first insurance quote you get is the best one. Comparing providers could help you keep your monthly payment more manageable.

And if you're open to new construction, there's another potential advantage. Newly built homes typically cost 10–15% less to insure than older ones, according to John Burns Research and Consulting.

Want help finding ways to make your next move more affordable? Send me a message. Let's talk.



Have a great day on purpose!

11/01/2026

Have a great day on purpose!

10/30/2026

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Think you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be surprised by how wrong that number is.

And if you've been putting off buying because of your credit, this could change everything.

According to a recent Veterans United survey, 57% of prospective buyers think they need a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for a mortgage. And 34% believe they need 700 or higher.

But here's what many people don't realize.

The traditional benchmark for many conventional loans has been 620. And with recent changes to mortgage credit scoring, even that isn't a hard-and-fast requirement for every loan.

Plus, lenders are beginning to adopt newer credit scoring models that could help millions more Americans get evaluated for a mortgage.

So, the number you see on your credit monitoring app may not tell the whole story about your ability to buy a home.

Does that mean everyone can qualify? Of course not. But it does mean you shouldn't count yourself out before talking to a professional.

Curious where you actually stand? Send me a message, and let's connect you with a lender who can help you find out.



Have a great day on purpose!

10/27/2026

🏡 Tuesday in the Triangle

Don’t Let Interest Rates Steal Your Homeownership Dreams! 💰

Thinking about buying a home but wondering what interest rates mean for your monthly payment? You may have more options than you realize!

🎥 This week on Tuesday in the Triangle, I’m talking with J. Scott Rutter Entrepreneur of Sky's The Limit Lending
about ways to make homeownership more affordable!

We’re breaking down:
✅ Interest rates and what buyers should know
✅ Rate buy-down options that could lower your monthly payment
✅ Closing cost credits and how they can help reduce your upfront expenses
✅ Why understanding your financing options can make a BIG difference!

💡 Here’s the takeaway: Don’t focus on the interest rate alone. Understanding the full financial picture could open doors you didn’t know were possible!

Whether you’re buying your first home, making your next move, or just exploring your options, this conversation is worth watching!

🎬 Take a few minutes to watch, and let’s talk about what opportunities might work for YOU!

10/26/2026

🎃 A little paint, a little coffee, and a whole lot of fall fun!

Thank you to everyone who joined our Pumpkin Painting Party at The Mocha Room! We loved seeing your creativity and spending time together. 🧡

A big shout-out to The Mocha Room for hosting and to Scott Rutter with Sky’s the Limit Lending and Emily Jolley with Triangle Health Advisors for their support!

10/23/2026

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today



Have a great day on purpose!

When mortgage rates climb, buying a home can start to feel like trying to hit a moving target. Every jump in rates makes monthly payments bigger, and that pushes a lot of buyers to look for another way in.