Northside Realty Inc.

10/30/2026

Cash-on-cash return answers a practical investment question: "How hard is the cash I put into this property working for me?" It compares your annual pre-tax cash flow with the actual cash you invested.For example, if you invested $50,000 for the down payment, closing costs, and initial improvements, and the property produces $5,000 in annual cash flow, your cash-on-cash return is 10%.It is useful for comparing properties because it focuses on your invested cash rather than the property's total value. However, it does not include appreciation, mortgage principal reduction, tax benefits, or future selling costs.If you are considering an investment property, I can help you look beyond the purchase price and evaluate the numbers that may affect your return

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/NorthsideRealtyInc/2026/10/30/Cash-on-Cash-Return-helps-make-decisions-on-investments

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(919) 757-2241 [email protected]

10/30/2026

Northside Realty

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

Many buyers plan to wait for lower interest rates, but that strategy can backfire. Rising inflation, increasing home prices, and climbing rents can easily outweigh any potential savings from a future rate drop. And if rates do fall, competition is likely to surge as more buyers flood the market—making it harder to find the right home.If you're considering a move, now is the time to explore your options. Let's talk about your best path forward.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/NorthsideRealtyInc/2026/10/29/Waiting-for-rates-to-drop-could-cost-you-more-in-the-long-run

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(919) 757-2241 [email protected]

10/29/2026

Northside Realty

What if you finally get an offer on your house... and then the buyer backs out?
It's every seller's nightmare. And with headlines about canceled contracts on the rise, it's a concern worth talking about.

But here's what those headlines aren't telling you: 85–90% of home sales still make it to closing.

And there's more good news. You can actually take steps to protect your sale before your house even hits the market.

According to a Redfin survey, 70% of agents say inspection or repair issues are a reason buyers back out. That's the biggest reason reported, by far.

So, what's one smart move you can make?

Consider getting a pre-listing inspection. It could help you spot potential problems early, decide what to fix, and avoid surprises that might send a buyer running.

And that's just one piece of the puzzle. The right preparation, pricing, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.

Selling your house doesn't have to feel like a gamble. A little preparation can give you a much stronger start.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let's talk about how to set your sale up for success.

10/28/2026

Many homeowners have built significant equity over the past several years but aren't sure of the best way to access it when needed. A HELOC and a cash-out refinance each have advantages depending on your goals, current mortgage rate, and financial situation. Before making a decision, it's worth understanding how each option works and the long-term impact it could have on your finances. If you'd like to discuss your home's current value and available equity, I'd be happy to help.

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(919) 757-2241 [email protected]

A HELOC and a cash-out refinance can both unlock home equity, but understanding how each works can help homeowners choose the option that best fits their financial goals.

10/28/2026

Northside Realty

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

Helping an adult child buy their first home doesn't necessarily mean writing a huge check. Parents may be able to help with a down payment, closing costs, a gift of equity, co-signing, or simply helping their child understand financing and make better decisions. The right approach depends on both generations' financial situations, and protecting the parents' financial security should remain a priority. If homeownership is a goal for someone in your family, let's talk about the different ways you may be able to help and which options are worth exploring.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/NorthsideRealtyInc/2026/10/27/Helping-Your-Adult-Children-Become-Homeowners

10/26/2026

Homeownership comes with expenses beyond the mortgage payment. A common rule of thumb is to budget about 1% to 2% of your home's value each year for maintenance and repairs, although the right amount depends on the home's age, condition, climate, and major systems.You may not spend that amount every year, but setting money aside creates a reserve for things like HVAC repairs, plumbing problems, appliances, roofing, and routine upkeep.Regular maintenance can also prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones. If you'd like a list of maintenance items homeowners should keep on their radar, contact me. I'm always happy to be a real estate resource.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/NorthsideRealtyInc/2026/10/26/Plan-for-Repairs-Before-They-Become-Surprises

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(919) 757-2241 [email protected]

10/26/2026

Northside Realty

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

When buyers have more choices, your home needs a reason to make their short list.Start with a competitive price, strong curb appeal, clean and uncluttered rooms, and repairs or updates that remove obvious objections. Professional photos and compelling online marketing can help earn the showing, but the home still needs to deliver when buyers walk through the door.You might also consider strategic incentives, such as closing cost assistance or an interest rate buydown, when appropriate.The goal isn't simply to be for sale. It's to be one of the homes buyers remember and seriously consider.If you're thinking about selling, contact me. I can help you evaluate the competition and develop a strategy to make your home stand out.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/NorthsideRealtyInc/2026/10/23/Give-Buyers-a-Reason-to-Choose-Your-Home-Over-Others

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(919) 757-2241 [email protected]