One Home Team Realty

10/30/2026

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

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.

We LOVE Our Clients!

10/29/2026

Don't Let the Fear of a Buyer Backing Out Scare You Away from Selling

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.

We LOVE Our Clients!

10/28/2026

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

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.

We LOVE Our Clients!

10/27/2026

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.

We LOVE Our Clients!

10/26/2026

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.

We LOVE Our Clients!

10/23/2026

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

Today's market has more options than many people realize. Finding the right one could be as simple as getting more information about tools like ARMs. A trusted lender can run the numbers with you, walk you through the what-ifs, and help you explore the possibilities.

Is an ARM a good option for you? Talk to a loan officer to find out.

We LOVE Our Clients!

When mortgage rates climb, buying a home can start to feel like trying to hit a moving target. Every jump in rates makes monthly payments bigger, and that pushes a lot of buyers to look for another way in.

10/23/2026

🏡 NEW PRICE! SAME BEAUTIFUL HOME! $45,000 PRICE REDUCTION! 🎉
🔥 Originally $735,000 — NOW OFFERED AT $690,000! 🔥
If you've been searching for that perfect combination of comfort, style, and space in Huntersville, NC, this beautiful home deserves a second look!
📍 8719 Shadetree Street | Cobblestone Manor | Huntersville, NC
This stunning home offers over 3,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, with features today's buyers will love!
✨ A Few Highlights:
🏡 3 Spacious Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms
❤️ Primary Suite on the MAIN LEVEL
🍽️ Gourmet Kitchen with Oversized Island
🔥 Inviting Family Room with Gas Fireplace
🛋️ Upstairs Loft/Bonus Room
🚗 3-Car Attached Garage
🌳 Beautifully Landscaped Backyard
☕ Extended Covered Patio for Relaxing & Entertaining
With its open floor plan, beautiful finishes, generous storage, and inviting outdoor living space, this home offers so much to love!
🎥 TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO TOUR! See for yourself what makes this home special.
💰 A $45,000 PRICE REDUCTION means a NEW OPPORTUNITY to make this beautiful home yours!
📲 Don't wait! Contact me today to schedule your private showing.
Wayne Bennett | One Home Team Realty
📞 704-293-3931
🔗 https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cO6bIdnyoQ4
Your Next Chapter Could Begin Right Here! 🏡❤️

10/23/2026

🏡✨ **JUST LISTED IN HICKORY, NC!** ✨🏡

**Beautiful Home. Modern Features. Incredible Value!**

Looking for a home that combines style, comfort, and convenience? This beautiful 2-story home in the **Falls at Hickory** community may be exactly what you've been searching for!

📍 **1371 37th Avenue Lane, Hickory, NC 28601**

💰 **Offered at $289,000!**

❤️ **Here's What You'll Love:**

🏡 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms

📐 1,749 Sq. Ft. of Living Space

🍽️ Modern Kitchen with Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances & Center Island

✨ Open Floor Plan Perfect for Everyday Living & Entertaining

🛏️ Spacious Upstairs Primary Suite with Walk-In Closet

🛋️ Comfortable Family Room with Fireplace

🚗 Attached Garage

🌿 Rear Patio for Outdoor Relaxation

Built in 2026, this home offers the modern features and functional layout today's buyers are looking for!

Whether you're purchasing your first home, looking for more space, or simply ready for a change, this one deserves a look!

📲 **Don't just scroll past your next home!** Contact me today to schedule your private showing.

**Wayne Bennett**
**One Home Team Realty**
📞 704-293-3931

🏡 *Helping You Find Your Way Home!*

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.

We LOVE Our Clients!

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

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

National headlines can’t tell you what your home is worth or how much room you have to negotiate. Local data can. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s look at how prices are moving in your area, so you can set your price or make your offer with confidence.

We LOVE Our Clients!

Whether you own a house already or you’re looking to buy one, you probably care about home prices.