Maria C Pulido- Realtor

10/31/2026

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.

10/30/2026

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.

10/29/2026

Heating season has a way of exposing the little things that were easy to ignore all summer. 🔧

Five checks worth doing now:

1️⃣ Check or change the filter — if your heating system has one, follow the replacement schedule in the owner's manual

2️⃣ Book service if it's due — it's better to find a small problem during a routine visit than during a no-heat call

3️⃣ Find the drafts — doors, windows, the attic hatch, anywhere pipes come through a wall. Weather stripping and a tube of caulk go a long way

4️⃣ Review the thermostat schedule — make sure it still matches when you're home, asleep, and away

5️⃣ Reverse the ceiling fans, if yours have a winter setting — clockwise on low helps circulate warm air back into the room

A short check now helps your heating system work the way it's supposed to all season.

Which one is still on your list? Let us know in the comments.

10/29/2026

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.

10/27/2026

Halloween is one night when more people than usual walk right up to your front door. 🎃

It's worth looking at your house the way they will.

Is the walkway lit, or does everyone find the step the hard way? Does the front door look cared for, or has it been three winters since it was painted? Are the house numbers readable from the street? Is there anything on the porch that's been "temporary" since last spring?

None of this is about decorating. It's the same first-impression list a buyer notices in the ten seconds between the car and the front door — and Halloween gives you a rare chance to watch how people actually approach the house.

If you're thinking about listing in the spring, walk out to the sidewalk on the 31st and look back at your house. You'll see it.

What's the first thing you'd fix? Let us know in the comments.

10/27/2026

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.

10/26/2026

Today, a growing number of homeowners who set out to sell end up as landlords instead. About 9% of homes for rent were up for sale first. In the industry, we call it “accidental landlords.”

And if you’re watching the market and trying to decide between selling or renting, here’s what you need to know…

While renting out your house can be a great fit for some people, being a landlord is a job of its own. Suddenly, you’re fielding weekend calls about a leaky dishwasher and you’ve got a plumber on speed dial. And you’re still on the hook for the mortgage any month the house sits empty.

That doesn’t mean renting is a bad option, it just means you have to know what you’re getting into. And if you’d rather sell, let’s talk. Because with the right price and a strong marketing plan it is still doable today.

10/24/2026

Home prices just dropped $14,000 in two months. So, is the housing market finally getting cheaper? Not so fast. Because there's a lot more to this story than the headlines are telling you.

According to HousingWire, the national median asking price fell from $449,000 to $435,000 since August.

But here's the twist: that's what sellers are asking for their homes. Not necessarily what buyers are paying. And when you look at actual sales prices, things get even more interesting.

Over the past year, home prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. Meanwhile, prices in Seattle dipped 1.6%.

Same housing market. Two very different stories.

And that's exactly why making your next move based on national headlines could be a mistake.

So, here's my question: Do you know what home prices are actually doing in your neighborhood?

Drop your town or city in the comments or send me a DM. I'll help you find out.

10/23/2026

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

Would you rather: move before the holidays, or wait until spring? 🏡

Both are real strategies, and they trade off in opposite directions.

Move now — less competition for the homes that are out there, sellers who are motivated rather than testing the market, and more room to negotiate. The tradeoff is a shorter runway and a move squeezed into a busy season.

Wait for spring — more listings, more choice, and better weather for everything from photos to moving day. The tradeoff is more buyers competing for the same homes, and prices that tend to firm up when they do.

There's no universally right answer here. It mostly comes down to whether your priority is selection or leverage.

Which way are you leaning? Let us know in the comments.