Hodges Sells Homes

10/30/2026

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

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.

10/29/2026

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

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.

10/28/2026

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

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.

10/27/2026

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We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

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.

10/26/2026

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about a third of major markets.

And nationally, the gap is pretty big. A newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less than an existing one.

Prices can look very different from one area to the next, though. So, what neighborhoods do you have your eye on? Let’s tour a new home and an existing one, and see how they compare.

10/25/2026

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We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

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

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

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

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

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.

10/22/2026

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

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

Great Market Information!
We'd love to visit with you about any of your real estate questions or needs!

Same time of year. 2 very different stories. And mortgage rates are a big reason why.

Last fall, mortgage rates came down and the number of homes for sale barely budged. This fall, rates have climbed above 7%. Some buyers have pulled back, homes are taking longer to sell, and instead of coming off the market, more listings are sticking around.

Since August, the number of homes for sale has grown by about 25,000. So, what does that mean for you?

Buying? You’ve got more homes to choose from and potentially more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.
Selling? Buyers have more options, so you’ve got to give them a reason to choose your house. That means getting the price right from day one and making sure your house stands out from the competition.

Want to know what this shift looks like where you live? Drop a comment or send me...