Sabrina's Home Solutions

10/31/2026

Wishing you a spooktacular Halloween! 👻 🎃🍬

10/29/2026

10/28/2026

Just wrapped up three hours of jampacked continuing education this morning with Eric and Sarah Aasness, diving deep into Washington’s renovation loan financing market.

Renovation loans are hands-down one of the most underutilized tools in today's real estate market. They combine the home purchase price and construction costs into a single mortgage—closing before any hammer hits a nail. Whether it’s modernizing a kitchen, fixing a roof, adding an ADU, or tackling structural updates across single-family homes, condos, or multi-unit properties, these programs unlock massive potential for buyers and sellers alike.

Here are the key takeaways every agent, buyer, and investor needs to know:

1. The Down Payment Math is Different
Down payments are calculated off the total project cost—not just the purchase price. That means sales price + renovation budget + contingency reserve + permit and inspection fees combined.

FHA: Minimum 3.5% down (Up to $75k for limited repairs; standard FHA handles larger structural overhauls via a HUD consultant). FHA renovation loans can also help solve low appraisal issues with up to 110% variance on the improved value!

Conventional: 3% for qualifying first-time buyers, 10% for second homes, and 15% for investment properties.

VA: Potentially 0% down for non-structural repairs (capped around $35k). Pro-tip for Veterans: Always check service-connected disability status—you may qualify for a full VA funding fee waiver!

2. Bulletproof Your Process & Team

Engage Consultants Early: Get a renovation consultant on-site early to estimate repairs and determine the property's post-renovation value before submitting an offer.

Strict Contractor Vetting: Fixed-price contracts only (no cost-plus or DIY borrower work). Contractors must be licensed, insured, bonded, and financially stable before ordering the appraisal.

Contingency Reserves: Plan for 10% of the renovation bid if utilities are on, and 15% if utilities are off.

3. Manage Expectations & Contract Details

Keep the Purchase & Sale agreement clear: state only the sale price on the main contract, but specify FHA, Conventional, or VA Renovation financing in the terms.

Build in extra time for consultant reviews, contractor bids, and seller property access. Remind all parties: closing happens first, and construction must start within 30 days of closing.

Huge thank you to Eric and Sarah for a fantastic deep dive! Staying ahead of market trends, interest rate nuances, and creative loan structures is how we deliver real value to our clients.

Have questions about turning a fixer-upper into your dream home or unlocking hidden equity? Let’s connect! 👇

Call now to connect with business.

10/27/2026

🎉 Exciting news for the real estate world! 🏠✨

Four major industry leaders just announced Open Real Estate—a massive, national property data-sharing initiative designed to make home shopping and selling more transparent, accurate, and accessible for everyone!

As an agent, my priority is always making sure my clients have the best tools, full market visibility, and accurate information. This new initiative is a huge step forward for buyers, sellers, and the future of housing!

Here’s a quick breakdown of what this means for you:

💡 What is Open Real Estate?
It’s an industry-led initiative created to eliminate data fragmentation and listing gaps. The goal is simple: give buyers maximum options, help sellers make informed choices, and keep housing data accurate and reliable.

⚙️ How It Works
Works Alongside MLSs: It doesn't replace local MLSs! Your local board will still manage community-specific rules, while Open Real Estate handles a clean, streamlined national data layer.

Maximum Exposure for Sellers: Public listings will become broadly available within one business day, getting homes in front of as many buyers as possible.

Protecting Ownership & Fair Value: Listing data stays owned by the brokers who contribute it, with revenues shared equitably back to participating brokerages based on contribution—not company size.

Free to Join: It’s open to brokerages of all sizes with zero sign-up fees.

🗓️ What’s Next?
No immediate changes to daily operations for agents or consumers right now.

The team is currently building out the tech platform, recruiting brokerages and MLSs, and setting up governance.

Target launch is set for Q1 2027!

I’m so proud to be part of an industry that continually works together to protect homeownership and build a better experience for home buyers and sellers.

Want to check out the details or get your brokerage involved? Head over to openrealestate.com to learn more!

What are your thoughts on making real estate data more open and streamlined? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 👇👇

Sabrina Pearson | eXp Realty

Your trusted partner in homeownership. 🏡💙

10/22/2026

A Word to the Wise (or: "Ask Me How I Know..." 😅)

When hiring a contractor or service provider, save yourself the stress and run through this quick checklist before signing anything:

1️⃣ Get 3 Estimates: Always request detailed quotes from at least three different companies to compare pricing, scope of work, and timelines.

2️⃣ Verify License & Bonding: Check that the business is actively licensed, bonded, and insured with state regulatory boards to protect your investment.

3️⃣ Check Lead & Asbestos Certification (Pre-1978 Homes): If your home was built prior to 1978, make sure the contractor holds the required lead-safe and asbestos certifications before starting work to ensure safety and legal compliance.

4️⃣ Check References: Before finalizing your decision, call at least three previous clients who have worked with the specific company you plan to sign with to ask about their quality, communication, and overall experience.

Trust me, taking these extra steps upfront will save you a world of trouble later! 🏡🛠️

10/21/2026

I’m officially a member of the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce! 🤝✨ Beyond business, I’m deeply passionate about supporting local partners who lift up our community—like the Monroe Community Senior Center! 🤍🚐

My philosophy is simple: people helping people, and local businesses lifting up local businesses.

When I help families buy or sell homes in Sky Valley, I’m not just handing over keys—I’m connecting them to our community. From supporting programs like MCSC's senior ride assistance to referring new homeowners to local storefronts and services, I’m here to help keep our local economy strong. 💪❤️

Check out how these amazing local organizations support our community:

👵 Monroe Community Senior Center (programs, rides, & resources):

👉 https://mcsc.org/

🏢 Sky Valley Chamber Business Directory:

👉 https://www.skyvalleychamber.com/

Let’s support local!

10/14/2026

AI can search a database in seconds, but it can’t roll up its sleeves when real problems hit. 🛠️🏡

Let’s be real—tech and AI are great for looking up home prices or scrolling listings while you’re off the clock. But buying or selling a home isn't just about clicking buttons on a screen. It’s hard-earned money, and it’s your family’s future.

When you hire a Realtor, you’re not just paying someone to unlock a front door. You’re getting a partner who brings an entire crew of reliable local pros to your corner:

🔍 Inspectors (Home, Septic, Well) who know what to look for and won't let you buy a money pit.
🛠️ Contractors, Plumbers & Electricians who actually answer the phone and show up when work needs to get done.
⚖️ Lenders & Insurance Pros who keep the numbers fair and protect your hard-earned investment.

When an unexpected issue pops up during inspections or negotiations, a computer program can't go to bat for you, negotiate a better deal, or fix a bad situation.

Tools are great, but nothing beats real human experience, local connections, and someone who actually has your back. 🤝

10/11/2026

Getting older isn’t about caring less—it’s about caring better 🌱✨

As technology speeds up and our priorities shift, maturity often looks like letting go of the extra noise to make room for what actually brings peace, comfort, and purpose.

Here are a few things many of us stop obsessing over (and what we choose to focus on instead):

⏰ 1. The "Immediate Reply" Trap & Work-Life Balance

Instant Availability: Unless it’s an absolute emergency, constant urgency creates unnecessary stress. Setting healthy boundaries around instant replies frees up so much mental space.

Redefining Success: Climbing the ladder at all costs isn't the only goal anymore. More of us are choosing peace of mind, flexibility, and quality time with family over title status.

💬 2. Noise & Nostalgia
Celebrity Drama & Hype: Real life takes center stage. Energy is better spent on the people and community right in front of us.

Living in the Past: Clinging to old stories can keep us stuck. Real connection means appreciating who people are today, not years ago.

👟 3. Unrealistic Expectations & Trends
Keeping Up Appearances: Fast fashion, daily makeup routines, and pleasing everyone else matter way less over time. Dressing comfortably and feeling natural comes first!

📱 4. Shiny Object Syndrome
Constant Upgrades: New tech and fancy cars lose their thrill unless they truly make life easier or save time.

Redefining Stability: Owning a home isn't the only sign of financial security. Living within your means, investing wisely, and having flexibility offer far better peace of mind.

💡 The Big Takeaway:
Stop draining your energy on things you can't control. True maturity isn't about giving up—it’s about staying informed while putting your focus where it actually matters.

10/10/2026

🏈 OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW! 💙💚

Heading out to watch the Seahawks take on the 49ers? Stop by and tour this gorgeous home first!

📅 Sunday, Oct 11th | ⏰ 10 AM - 12 PM
📍 32329 133rd Place SE, Sultan, WA
🏡 3 Bed | 1.75 Bath | Modern Open-Concept Living

Grab a look at your potential dream home before kickoff! Go Hawks! 🏈🔥

📱 Sabrina Pearson | REALTOR® at eXp Realty | 425-236-3000