The Real Estate Group

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

Your house isn't selling as quickly as you hoped. So, should you just rent it out instead? It's a question more homeowners are asking. And the numbers show just how common this backup plan is becoming.

According to Parcl, about 9% of homes currently listed for rent were originally listed for sale.

That's a lot of homeowners becoming landlords when selling didn't go according to plan.

But before you trade your "For Sale" sign for a "For Rent" sign, there's something worth considering.

Being a landlord isn't always the easy passive income opportunity it sounds like.
Landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more than regular homeowners insurance. Property management can eat up around 10% of your rental income.

And that's before unexpected repairs, vacancies, or late-night maintenance calls.
Suddenly, renting might not look quite as simple.

Now, that doesn't mean renting is a bad idea. For some homeowners, it's absolutely the right move.

But if selling is what you really want, don't give up on that plan just yet.
Sometimes, the difference between a house that sits and one that sells comes down to the changing the strategy.

Thinking about renting your house because selling feels harder than expected? Send a message. Let's compare the numbers and figure out which option actually makes the most sense for you.

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.

10/27/2026

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

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.

10/23/2026

The first home you buy doesn't have to be a single-family house. If affordability has been holding you back, let's expand your search and see whether a condo could fit the price point you're looking for.

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re co...

10/22/2026

National headlines can’t tell you what your home is worth or how much room you have to negotiate. Local data can. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s look at how prices are moving in your area, so you can set your price or make your offer with confidence.

Whether you own a house already or you’re looking to buy one, you probably care about home prices.

10/21/2026

The credit landscape is changing, but action is required on your part. You have to take credit for what you do. And the sooner you get started, the better.

Ready to see where you stand? A quick conversation with a loan officer costs you nothing and could show you you're closer to owning a home than you think.

What's the biggest payment you make every month? If you’re a renter, it's probably your rent.

10/08/2026

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.

10/07/2026

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its hikes can keep them higher for a while. The goal is to bring inflation, and eventually rates, down over time. With more hikes likely this year, waiting may not pay off. So, let's map out a plan that works at today's rates.

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.