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Monday 9am - 12am Tuesday 9am - 12am Wednesday 9am - 12am Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 12am Saturday 10am - 12am Sunday 9am - 12am

http://homeasap.com/rossietherealtor, https://zenlist.com/a/rossie.melendres

Rossie The Realtor, 2935 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL (2026)

10/30/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

Pop quiz. What credit score do you need to buy a home?

If your answer was B) 660 or C) 700 … you’re not alone. A lot of people believe you need "perfect" or “near perfect” credit.

But you probably don’t need as high a credit score as you think.

Even though a Veterans United survey shows 57% of would-be buyers think you need at least a 660, the long-standing benchmark for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans is 620, and even that isn’t a hard rule for every loan.

So the real answer? Both A) 620 and D) “it depends” are right.

And with all the changes to credit models lately, even more people will be able to buy than before.

Don’t let myths keep you locked into a lease. Let’s find out where you actually stand.

Let’s find your H❤️ME!

10/30/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

Pop quiz. What credit score do you need to buy a home?

If your answer was B) 660 or C) 700 … you’re not alone. A lot of people believe you need "perfect" or “near perfect” credit.

But you probably don’t need as high a credit score as you think.

Even though a Veterans United survey shows 57% of would-be buyers think you need at least a 660, the long-standing benchmark for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans is 620, and even that isn’t a hard rule for every loan.

So the real answer? Both A) 620 and D) “it depends” are right.

And with all the changes to credit models lately, even more people will be able to buy than before.

Don’t let myths keep you locked into a lease. Let’s find out where you actually stand.

Let’s find your H❤️ME

10/29/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

Don't Let the Fear of a Buyer Backing Out Scare You Away from Selling

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.

Let’s find your H❤️ME!

10/29/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

The Fed just met and they decided on no rate hike and no rate cut. So, what does that mean if you're watching and hoping for lower mortgage rates?

The short answer: don't expect this to dramatically change things.

For now, they’re holding steady. But a recent survey from Reuters asked 100 economists what to expect from here – and all 100 said the Fed will do a hike in December.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly set mortgage rates, but their actions do have an impact. Rates will also move based on inflation, economic data, and how financial markets react.

The takeaway? There’s a lot at play here – and we’ll probably see a hike the next time they meet.

Follow me for straightforward updates on what’s actually happening and why it matters for the housing market.

Let’s find your H❤️ME

10/28/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

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.

Let’s find your H❤️ME!

10/28/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

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.

Let’s find your H❤️ME

10/27/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

Staging Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

If you’re selling soon, staging can help you draw in buyers and get the most for your house. Mid-level staging can bring a 350% return on what you spend. On a $400k house, the typical $4k cost can add about $18k in value. That could mean about $14k more in your pocket at closing. Working with a smaller budget? Even just decluttering and rearranging furniture can make a big difference. Let’s walk through your house together and pinpoint the updates that’ll help it sell sooner – and for more.

Let’s find your H❤️ME!

10/27/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

Staging Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

If you’re selling soon, staging can help you draw in buyers and get the most for your house. Mid-level staging can bring a 350% return on what you spend. On a $400k house, the typical $4k cost can add about $18k in value. That could mean about $14k more in your pocket at closing. Working with a smaller budget? Even just decluttering and rearranging furniture can make a big difference. Let’s walk through your house together and pinpoint the updates that’ll help it sell sooner – and for more.

Let’s find your H❤️ME

10/26/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

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.

Let’s find your H❤️ME!

10/26/2026

𝙄’𝙢 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙧!!
Rosalba Melendres
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥®, 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱
EXIT Strategy Realty

Here's something most buyers overlook…

When the housing market slows down, homeowners and builders don't always have the same priorities.

A homeowner may be willing to wait for a better offer. But builders with completed homes sitting unsold often have more reason to keep sales moving.

In October, over 60% of builders offered some type of incentive. And almost half (43%) cut prices.

That could mean more negotiating opportunities for you.

The trick is knowing where to look. Let's find the builders with more move-in-ready homes available right now and see what they're willing to offer to get their inventory sold.

Let’s find your H❤️ME