Sandy Harrison - A Better Way Realty

11/01/2026

Pop quiz. What credit score do you need to buy a home?

If your answer was B) 660 or C) 700 … you’re not alone. A lot of people believe you need "perfect" or “near perfect” credit.

But you probably don’t need as high a credit score as you think.

Even though a Veterans United survey shows 57% of would-be buyers think you need at least a 660, the long-standing benchmark for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans is 620, and even that isn’t a hard rule for every loan.

So the real answer? Both A) 620 and D) “it depends” are right.

And with all the changes to credit models lately, even more people will be able to buy than before.

Don’t let myths keep you locked into a lease. Let’s find out where you actually stand.

10/29/2026

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.

10/27/2026

Is staging worth it? It may be if you want to get the most for your house.

Data shows every $1 you spend on mid-level staging could add about $3.50 to your profit when you sell.

It can save you time, too. Staged houses can also sell up to 73% faster, which means fewer weeks of keeping everything spotless for showings.

And working with a smaller budget is totally doable. Clearing off counters and arranging furniture so rooms feel open are inexpensive options that can still make a big difference on how well your house shows when it hits the market.

Not every house needs the same level of staging. Want to know which updates would help yours sell sooner – and for more? Send a message, and we’ll walk through it together.

10/25/2026

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

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.

10/20/2026

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

In many places right now, inventory is growing and homes are taking a bit longer to sell. And that’s information that should shape the strategy you use going in.

Whether you're buying or selling, let's look at how long homes are taking to sell in your neighborhood, so your offer, or your price, fits today's market.

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.

10/18/2026

Are you 1 in 4 million?

If you don't own a home yet, rent is probably the biggest monthly expense you have. And if you're not getting credit for paying it - now you can.

There’s a change rolling out now that lets renters opt in to counting their on-time rental payments toward their credit history. And that could help as many as 4 million more people qualify for a mortgage.

Maybe you’re one of them.

Even if you're not ready to buy a home today, there's no downside to taking simple steps to build your credit profile for the future.

It's time to take credit for bills you already pay. Ask me how.

10/15/2026

Home sales may be slower than last year. But that doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

At the current pace, almost 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. That's about 11,000 each day, 450 an hour, and nearly 8 every minute.

Why? Because even in this market, there are still buyers out there who have a reason to move.

People get new jobs, families grow, people retire, downsize, and move closer to the people they love. And those changes create buyers and sellers in every kind of market.

In fact, the latest report from NAR shows sales actually ticked up slightly in September, even though they're still below last year's pace.

So, don't let a headline convince you no one is buying. You don't need every buyer. You just need the right one – and a strategy that helps your house get their attention.

If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to make yours one of the homes that sells.

10/13/2026

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

10/13/2026

Price Reduction