Ken Jones

10/28/2026

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Your house isn't selling as quickly as you hoped. So, should you just rent it out instead? It's a question more homeowners are asking. And the numbers show just how common this backup plan is becoming.

According to Parcl, about 9% of homes currently listed for rent were originally listed for sale.

That's a lot of homeowners becoming landlords when selling didn't go according to plan.

But before you trade your "For Sale" sign for a "For Rent" sign, there's something worth considering.

Being a landlord isn't always the easy passive income opportunity it sounds like.
Landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more than regular homeowners insurance. Property management can eat up around 10% of your rental income.

And that's before unexpected repairs, vacancies, or late-night maintenance calls.
Suddenly, renting might not look quite as simple.

Now, that doesn't mean renting is a bad idea. For some homeowners, it's absolutely the right move.

But if selling is what you really want, don't give up on that plan just yet.
Sometimes, the difference between a house that sits and one that sells comes down to the changing the strategy.

Thinking about renting your house because selling feels harder than expected? Send a message. Let's compare the numbers and figure out which option actually makes the most sense for you.

10/26/2026

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.

10/23/2026

What if your first home isn't a house at all?

If you've been struggling to find a traditional single-family home that fits your budget, don't overlook condos.

According to Zillow, the typical starter condo costs under $200k nationally. Part of the reason they can be more affordable than a single-family home is because they’re normally smaller.

Sure, you may trade some square footage or a backyard for shared walls and an HOA fee. But you could also get a lower purchase price, great amenities, and less maintenance to handle yourself.

And if that means getting your own set of keys sooner, it could be an option worth exploring.

Your first home doesn't have to check every box you originally imagined. It just needs to be the right fit for your life and your budget right now.

Let's look at what's available in our area and see if a condo could be your way into homeownership.

10/22/2026

Just Listed!!!

$679,000

20941 E. Thompson Ave.

Discover exceptional living in Liberty Lake’s desirable River District! This stunning Greenstone-built Arlington B blends modern elegance, comfort, and incredible possibilities. Sun-filled windows illuminate the spacious open-concept design, featuring a beautiful kitchen with island seating, inviting gas fireplace, and seamless entertaining space. Enjoy effortless main-floor living with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, convenient laundry, and a relaxing primary suite with walk-in shower and generous closet. Smart home technology, solar panels, and a tankless water heater add modern convenience and efficiency. The expansive insulated unfinished basement, complete with egress windows, offers endless possibilities for additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or your dream entertainment space. Step outside to your beautifully landscaped, fully fenced backyard featuring a spacious partially covered patio, gas hookup, and hot tub-ready electrical. A 3-car garage completes this remarkable home. Experience the perfect combination of move-in-ready luxury, room to grow, and the River District lifestyle!

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.

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

10/19/2026

Want a More Affordable Home? Don’t Overlook Condos.

The first home you buy doesn't have to be a single-family house. If affordability has been holding you back, let's expand your search and see whether a condo could fit the price point you're looking for.

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re co...

10/16/2026

Same time of year. 2 very different stories. And mortgage rates are a big reason why.

Last fall, mortgage rates came down and the number of homes for sale barely budged. This fall, rates have climbed above 7%. Some buyers have pulled back, homes are taking longer to sell, and instead of coming off the market, more listings are sticking around.

Since August, the number of homes for sale has grown by about 25,000. So, what does that mean for you?

Buying? You’ve got more homes to choose from and potentially more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.
Selling? Buyers have more options, so you’ve got to give them a reason to choose your house. That means getting the price right from day one and making sure your house stands out from the competition.

Want to know what this shift looks like where you live? Drop a comment or send me a DM, and let’s look at the local numbers together.

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

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.

10/12/2026

There's been some talk about whether mortgage rates could climb to 9%. Here's some perspective.

Getting there would take a rare mix of things, all lasting a full year: a booming economy with no slowdown in jobs, the Fed raising rates more than expected, and the conflict in Iran continuing to keep oil prices high.

That's an unlikely combination. So, don’t let it make you worry.

Have questions about mortgage rates? Drop them in the comments. That's what a trusted agent is for – keeping you informed so a headline never makes your decisions for you.