Michael Pion Realtor

11/02/2026

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.

10/30/2026

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.

10/29/2026

What if you finally get an offer on your house... and then the buyer backs out?
It's every seller's nightmare. And with headlines about canceled contracts on the rise, it's a concern worth talking about.

But here's what those headlines aren't telling you: 85–90% of home sales still make it to closing.

And there's more good news. You can actually take steps to protect your sale before your house even hits the market.

According to a Redfin survey, 70% of agents say inspection or repair issues are a reason buyers back out. That's the biggest reason reported, by far.

So, what's one smart move you can make?

Consider getting a pre-listing inspection. It could help you spot potential problems early, decide what to fix, and avoid surprises that might send a buyer running.

And that's just one piece of the puzzle. The right preparation, pricing, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.

Selling your house doesn't have to feel like a gamble. A little preparation can give you a much stronger start.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let's talk about how to set your sale up for success.

10/28/2026

We’ve moved—and the Central PA housing market is moving, too! 🏡

September sales rose 2.1%, but fewer new contracts and showings point to a slower fall. Inventory climbed 13.4%, giving buyers more choices, while the median sold price rose 5% to $315,000.

Sellers: pricing matters more as buyers become selective.
Buyers: less competition may create room to negotiate.

Swipe through for the numbers, and reach out to talk about your next move!

Stop by our new office:
📍1017 Mumma Road, Suite 200, Lemoyne
📲717.645.7152 office # 717.409.6500

10/28/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED | 6120 Run Cross Lane | Enola, PA

✨ Space to live. Room to grow. A place to call home.

Welcome to this beautiful home offering nearly 5,000 square feet of living space, incredible views, and a layout designed for both everyday living and entertaining!

With a spacious floor plan, a finished lower level featuring an additional bedroom, full bathroom, and family room, there’s room for everyone to spread out and enjoy.

📍 Located in the desirable Cumberland Valley School District, just minutes from Shaull Elementary, Wegmans, Target, shopping, dining, and everything you need!

Whether you’re hosting friends, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the views, this home has so much to offer.

🎥 Take a look inside and see for yourself!

📲 Want to schedule a private showing? Let’s connect!

Michael Pion | REALTOR®
NextHome Capital Realty
📞 717.645.7152

🧡 Humans Over Houses®

10/28/2026

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.

10/26/2026

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.

10/23/2026

Today's market has more options than many people realize. Finding the right one could be as simple as getting more information about tools like ARMs. A trusted lender can run the numbers with you, walk you through the what-ifs, and help you explore the possibilities.

Is an ARM a good option for you? Talk to a loan officer to find out.

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.

10/22/2026

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.

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

🏡 A beautiful new listing is COMING SOON in The Preserve!

Great views, gorgeous details, and room to spread out… 6120 Run Cross Lane in Hampden Township has so much to love.

With 4,931 square feet of finished living space, 5 bedrooms, and 4.5 bathrooms, this home offers inviting spaces for everyday living and entertaining. Think morning coffee on the covered rear porch, evenings gathered around the fireplace, and a spacious primary suite to unwind in at the end of the day.

The finished lower level features a family room, bedroom, and full bathroom, giving you even more flexibility for guests, hobbies, or relaxing at home.

📍 Cumberland Valley School District, close to Shaull Elementary, Wegmans, Target, shopping, and dining.

Take a look at the video for a sneak peek! 👀 Message me for details and showing availability.

Michael Pion | NextHome Capital Realty
📲 717.645.7152