Eric Hummel Realtor

09/16/2026

🏡 WEDNESDAY MARKET UPDATE: The Fed Raised Rates Today — What Does That Mean for Homebuyers?

You may have seen the headlines: The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25% today.

So does that mean mortgage rates just went up 0.25% too?

No—and this is an important distinction for homebuyers.

The Federal Reserve controls a short-term benchmark rate. It does not directly set mortgage rates.

Mortgage rates are influenced by longer-term factors including Treasury yields, inflation expectations, economic data and what financial markets expect the Fed to do next.

So after a Fed announcement, mortgage rates can:

📈 Rise
📉 Fall
➡️ Or barely move at all

What should buyers actually do with today's news?

Rather than trying to perfectly time the Fed, focus on the number that matters to your purchase: the monthly payment.

Ask your lender to show you how different rates, purchase prices, down payments and potential seller credits change your payment.

A change in the market doesn't necessarily mean you should stop looking—it may mean you need to adjust the strategy.

And remember: the purchase price you negotiate is permanent. Your financing may have options in the future if market conditions change.

Have questions about what today's news means for buying or selling in the Central Valley? We're always happy to help you work through the real estate side of the equation.

📲 209.556.8459
Hummel Home Sales | Your Local Real Estate Experts

DRE #01900317 | #02152840

Mortgage rates and loan terms vary by borrower, lender and market conditions. Consult your lender for current rates and financing advice.

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember.
We remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the first responders who ran toward danger, the heroes who emerged in unimaginable circumstances, and the families whose lives were forever changed.
We also remember what followed—the way Americans came together. Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers became friends. Communities stood side by side, united by compassion, courage, and love for one another.
Twenty-five years later, may we continue to carry that spirit with us.
May we never forget those we lost.
May we always honor those who served and sacrificed.
And may we never take for granted the people, communities, and country we call home.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/04/2026

🏢 MULTIFAMILY FRIDAY | CALIFORNIA LANDLORDS

Do your tenants have to move out before you sell your rental property?

Not necessarily—and in California, this is something property owners should think about before making any decisions about an existing tenancy.

Selling a rental property doesn't automatically end the tenancy. Depending on the property, lease, length of tenancy and applicable state or local protections, an owner may have specific requirements to follow when terminating a tenancy.

But here's the bigger real estate question:

Does the property actually need to be vacant to sell well?

An occupied duplex, triplex or fourplex may be attractive to an investor when it has:

🔑 Reliable existing tenants
💰 Strong rental history
📄 Favorable lease terms
📊 Rents that support the property's value
🏠 Limited deferred maintenance

On the other hand, below-market rents, needed renovations or the potential to attract an owner-occupant buyer could change the strategy.

The important thing is not to make assumptions about vacancy before understanding both the value of the property AND the tenant situation.

If you're considering selling a multifamily property in Stanislaus or San Joaquin County—even 6–12 months from now—we can help evaluate:

Current rents → Market rents → Leases → Expenses → Condition → Buyer pool → Potential value

Then you can involve the appropriate California attorney or property-management professional for any landlord-tenant legal questions before taking action.

📲 209.556.8459
Eric & Jessica Hummel | Hummel Home Sales
Investment Property Specialists
DRE #01900317 | #02152840

General real estate information only, not legal advice. California and local landlord-tenant requirements vary.

08/24/2026

🏡 MONDAY MARKET MINUTE: What Does “Days on Market” Really Tell You?

When you see a home has been on the market for 30, 45, or even 60+ days, it’s easy to assume something must be wrong with it. But that’s not always the case!

A longer Days on Market (DOM) can happen for several reasons — the home may have started out overpriced, needed better marketing, fallen out of contract, or simply be waiting for the right buyer.

And for buyers? A home that has been sitting a little longer may actually create an opportunity.

Sellers with more market time may be more willing to consider:

🏡 A lower offer
💰 Closing-cost assistance
🔑 Repair requests or other concessions
📅 Flexible terms

For sellers, this is also why pricing correctly from day one matters. The strongest buyer interest often comes when a property first hits the market.

Real estate is incredibly local — and the numbers only tell part of the story. If you're wondering what the market is doing in your neighborhood, Eric & Jessica are always happy to help.

📲 209.556.8459
🌐 hummelhomesales.com

Hummel Home Sales | Your Local Real Estate Experts
DRE #01900317 | #02152840

07/22/2026

📍 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT WEDNESDAY™
Why Community Matters Just as Much as the House

When buyers start looking for a home, they often focus on square footage, bedrooms, and upgrades.

But after helping hundreds of families, we've learned something important:

People don't just fall in love with a house—they fall in love with a community.

Throughout Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale, Ripon, Escalon, Salida, Turlock, Manteca, and surrounding communities, each neighborhood offers something unique. Whether it's local parks, farmers markets, highly rated schools, walking trails, or locally owned restaurants, these amenities become part of everyday life.

At Hummel Home Sales, we believe finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right floor plan.

Thinking about making a move? We'd love to help you discover the community that best fits your family's lifestyle.

🏡 Let's find a place you'll love coming home to.

🏡 Hummel Home Sales

"Helping Central Valley families buy smarter, sell with confidence, and build wealth through real estate."

📞 209-556-8459
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.hummelhomesales.com

💬 Ask Hummel Home Sales™

Have a question about neighborhoods, schools, or local communities? Send us a message! Your question could be featured in an upcoming Community Spotlight Wednesday™.

DRE #01900317 | #02152840

07/07/2026

🏡 Is It Better to Buy the Cheapest Home in the Best Neighborhood?

It's one of the oldest pieces of real estate advice—and for good reason.

While every buyer's situation is different, location is one of the biggest factors influencing a home's long-term value. A home that needs a little updating in a desirable neighborhood may offer greater potential than a move-in-ready home in a less sought-after area.

Why?

✅ Stronger long-term appreciation

✅ Opportunity to build equity through improvements

✅ Better resale potential

✅ Access to parks, schools, shopping, dining, and community amenities

When helping our clients buy a home, we don't just evaluate the property—we evaluate the neighborhood, market trends, and long-term investment potential.

Whether you're buying your first home, your forever home, or an investment property, choosing the right location can make all the difference.

Thinking about buying in Modesto, Oakdale, Ripon, Riverbank, Escalon, Manteca, Turlock, or anywhere in Stanislaus or San Joaquin County? We'd love to help you find the right home and the right neighborhood.

📞 209-556-8459
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.hummelhomesales.com

Hummel Home Sales
DRE #01900317 | #02152840

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Today we celebrate 250 years of freedom, opportunity, and the enduring spirit of this incredible nation.
We're grateful to call this country—and this amazing Central Valley community—home. Wishing you and your family a Fourth of July filled with laughter, good food, cherished traditions, and time with the people you love.
Here's to celebrating our past, appreciating our present, and looking forward to the future.
❤️🤍💙 Happy Independence Day!

07/01/2026

What Makes a Neighborhood Hold Its Value?

🏡 One of the questions we hear most often is:

"Which neighborhoods in Modesto tend to hold their value the best?"

While no one can guarantee future home values, there are several characteristics that consistently make neighborhoods more desirable over time.

Here are a few things buyers are looking for:

🌳 Well-maintained parks and green spaces

🏫 Nearby schools and community amenities

🛍 Convenient shopping, dining, and everyday services

🚶 Walkability and recreational opportunities

🏠 Pride of ownership throughout the neighborhood

These are just a few of the reasons communities throughout North Modesto, Oakdale, Ripon, Riverbank, Escalon, and surrounding Stanislaus County continue to attract buyers.

When we help clients buy or sell a home, we don't just evaluate the property—we look at the entire neighborhood because that's what today's buyers are doing.

Whether you're thinking about selling, buying your next home, or simply curious about your neighborhood's market, we'd love to be your local resource.

📞 209-556-8459

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.hummelhomesales.com

Eric & Jessica Hummel
Hummel Home Sales
DRE #01900317 | #02152840

06/30/2026

🏡 NEW LISTING ALERT | Riverbank, CA 🏡

Some homes stand out because of their upgrades. Others stand out because of how well they've been cared for. 5413 Flintridge Court offers both.

Lovingly maintained by its original owner since it was built, this move-in ready home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 1,853 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space.

✨ Highlights include:
✔️ Immaculately maintained by its original owner
✔️ Luxury vinyl plank flooring installed within the last year
✔️ Newer upstairs carpet
✔️ Downstairs bedroom and full bathroom
✔️ Covered backyard patio
✔️ Open-concept living with abundant natural light
✔️ Quiet cul-de-sac location

Located just minutes from Costco, Target, parks, schools, and Highway 99, this home offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and pride of ownership.

💲 Offered at $529,900

📩 Could you see yourself living here? Tell us your favorite feature in the comments below!

Ready for a private tour? Send us a message or call today!

📞 209-556-8459

Welcome to 5413 Flintridge Court, a beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offering 1,853 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Riverbanks most convenient neighborhoods. Lovingly cared for by its original owner since it was built in 2004, this m...

06/30/2026

✨ JUST LISTED IN RIVERBANK!

Some homes simply feel different the moment you walk through the front door...

This beautifully maintained original-owner home has been lovingly cared for since it was built, and it shows in every room.
🏡 4 Bedrooms
🛁 3 Bathrooms
📐 1,853 Sq. Ft.
✔️ Downstairs bedroom & full bath
✔️ Luxury vinyl plank flooring installed within the last year
✔️ Covered patio
✔️ Quiet cul-de-sac

Just minutes from Costco, Target, parks, schools, and Highway 99.

👇 If this was your home, what’s the FIRST room you’d decorate?
We’d love to hear your answer!

📩 DM “RIVERBANK” for pricing, photos, or a private tour.

Eric & Jessica Hummel
Hummel Home Sales
DRE #01900317 | #02152840
📞 209-556-8459
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.hummelhomesales.com