Bourque Real Estate

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.

10/29/2026

In case you haven’t heard, 27% of homes sold in September were bought with cash, according to NAR. That’s more than 1 in 4.

When you hear a number like that, it’s easy to wonder how that’s even possible nowadays – especially with so many people struggling with affordability.

You might picture wealthy investors with deep pockets…but not all cash buyers are who you'd think.

Some are just regular homeowners who’ve built up enough equity over the years to sell their house and buy their next one in cash.

So sure, affordability is tight. But that doesn't mean buying a home today is only possible for the wealthy or big investors.

If you own a home and you’ve lived there for a while, you may be in a better position to move than you think.

Want to know how much equity you have? Let’s find out what it could do for your next move.

10/28/2026

Is staging worth it? It may be if you want to get the most for your house.

Data shows every $1 you spend on mid-level staging could add about $3.50 to your profit when you sell.

It can save you time, too. Staged houses can also sell up to 73% faster, which means fewer weeks of keeping everything spotless for showings.

And working with a smaller budget is totally doable. Clearing off counters and arranging furniture so rooms feel open are inexpensive options that can still make a big difference on how well your house shows when it hits the market.

Not every house needs the same level of staging. Want to know which updates would help yours sell sooner – and for more? Send a message, and we’ll walk through it together.

10/27/2026

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.

10/26/2026

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.

10/23/2026

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

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

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.

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.

10/21/2026

What if your first home isn't a house at all?

If you've been struggling to find a traditional single-family home that fits your budget, don't overlook condos.

According to Zillow, the typical starter condo costs under $200k nationally. Part of the reason they can be more affordable than a single-family home is because they’re normally smaller.

Sure, you may trade some square footage or a backyard for shared walls and an HOA fee. But you could also get a lower purchase price, great amenities, and less maintenance to handle yourself.

And if that means getting your own set of keys sooner, it could be an option worth exploring.

Your first home doesn't have to check every box you originally imagined. It just needs to be the right fit for your life and your budget right now.

Let's look at what's available in our area and see if a condo could be your way into homeownership.

10/20/2026

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

10/19/2026

Hoping mortgage rates will come down soon? The latest inflation report just made that outlook a little more complicated.

Inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, higher than economists expected. And while rising gas prices were a big driver, costs increased across several other categories too.

Why does that matter for housing? Because stubborn inflation makes it harder for the Fed to justify lowering their Federal Funds Rate. It could even increase the chances of another hike.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. But inflation and Fed expectations influence them, which means there's no guarantee mortgage rates will move lower anytime soon.

If you're planning to buy or sell, don't let a hoped-for rate drop be the only thing driving your timeline.

Let's look at what today's market means for your move and build a plan around the numbers you can actually work with.