Evan Barnett - Realtor

10/26/2026

A beautifully renovated kitchen or bathroom still needs to manage heat, moisture, and air effectively. Ventilation is one of those features that may not attract attention in photos but can make a meaningful difference in everyday use.

In bathrooms, effective exhaust can help manage humidity and moisture. In kitchens, ventilation should be appropriate for the cooking equipment and configuration of the space. Laundry rooms and other enclosed areas may have their own requirements as well.

When touring an extensively updated home, look beyond finishes and consider whether these functional details were addressed during the renovation.

Is an updated primary bathroom on your must-have list? Comment below or send me a DM to start your home search.

10/26/2026

Enjoy some helpful information from Evan!

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why.

In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month.

For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe.

And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first.

A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs.



Are you looking to Buy or Sell a home? Message me and let's talk!

10/25/2026

When buyers think about making an offer, price naturally receives a great deal of attention. But the strength of an offer can also depend on timing, contingencies, financing, closing preferences, and what matters most to the seller.

That makes it important to understand the property and situation before deciding how to structure an offer. A home that has just entered the market may call for a different approach than one that has been available for several weeks.

Buyers should also understand which terms provide important protections and avoid giving them up simply to make an offer appear more competitive.

Ready to Make an Offer? Send Me a DM and Let’s Talk.

10/25/2026

Enjoy some helpful information from Evan!

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about a third of major markets.

And nationally, the gap is pretty big. A newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less than an existing one.

Prices can look very different from one area to the next, though. So, what neighborhoods do you have your eye on? Let’s tour a new home and an existing one, and see how they compare.



Are you looking to Buy or Sell a home? Message me and let's talk!

10/24/2026

Outdoor spaces are increasingly being designed with the same attention given to interior rooms. Covered seating, integrated lighting, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and thoughtfully selected landscaping can make a patio or backyard feel like a true extension of the home.

When evaluating one of these spaces, consider how it connects to the interior. Large doors, covered transitions, lighting, and convenient access to the kitchen can influence how often the area is actually used.

Also consider maintenance. More elaborate landscaping, cooking equipment, water features, and hardscaping can add appeal while bringing additional responsibilities.

A well-designed outdoor area should look inviting and support the way you plan to use it. What feature would make you spend more time outside?

10/24/2026

Enjoy some helpful information from Evan!

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

What if you could save $150–$300 a month on your mortgage payment just by choosing a different type of loan?

For some homebuyers, that could be a game changer. And it's one reason adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are getting more attention.

According to Bankrate, ARM rates recently came in more than a full percentage point lower than traditional fixed-rate mortgages. That's potentially hundreds of dollars in monthly savings on a median-priced home.

And buyers are taking notice. About 1 in 10 mortgage applicants are now choosing an ARM, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

So, what's the catch?

Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, an ARM gives you a lower introductory rate for a set number of years. After that, your rate can adjust up or down based on market conditions.

That means you could save money upfront, but you'd also need to be comfortable with the possibility of higher payments later.

And here's something worth knowing: Today's ARMs have more borrower protections than the risky loans that made headlines during the 2008 housing crisis.

The bigger takeaway? A traditional 30-year fixed mortgage isn't your only option.
If today's rates are making your homebuying budget feel tight, there may be financing options you haven't explored yet.

Curious whether an ARM could help make your next home more affordable? Connect with a trusted lender who can run the numbers.



Are you looking to Buy or Sell a home? Message me and let's talk!

10/23/2026

Some of the most important exterior features are designed to go unnoticed. Proper grading and drainage help move water away from the home and can play an important role in protecting landscaping, hardscaping, and the structure itself.

After rainfall, notice whether water collects close to the house, along walkways, or in low areas of the yard. Downspouts, drains, retaining areas, and landscaping should work together rather than directing water toward the property.

Homes with more elaborate outdoor spaces may also have additional drainage considerations around patios, pools, retaining walls, or extensive hardscaping.

Is outdoor living on your home search wish list? Comment below or send me a DM to start exploring your options.

10/23/2026

Enjoy some helpful information from Evan!

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Renting can be a good fit for the right person with the right house, but it isn’t the only option. A smart sales strategy can help your house stand out to buyers from day one.

So, if you’re on the fence, let’s sit down and compare what selling and renting would each look like for you.



Are you looking to Buy or Sell a home? Message me and let's talk!

Selling your house is a big step, and you want it to go smoothly. And with houses taking a little longer to sell these days, renting it out might start to sound like a nice backup plan.

10/22/2026

Lighting is one of those home features that can be easy to overlook until it is done particularly well. A thoughtful combination of natural light, overhead fixtures, task lighting, and softer ambient sources can completely change how a room feels and functions.

In an upgraded kitchen, under-cabinet and pendant lighting can support different activities. Living areas may benefit from dimmable fixtures and architectural lighting, while smart controls can make it easier to adjust the atmosphere throughout the day.

When touring a property, notice what the rooms look like away from bright listing photography. Consider where natural light comes from and whether the installed lighting provides enough flexibility after sunset.

Great lighting should complement the architecture rather than compete with it. Which room in your home benefits most from good lighting?

10/22/2026

Enjoy some helpful information from Evan!

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each.



Are you looking to Buy or Sell a home? Message me and let's talk!