Valley Girl Homes

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.

10/12/2026

Why Most People Are Still Glad They Bought a Home

Don’t let today’s uncertainty make you lose sight of what homeownership can do over time. Most homeowners say they’d make the same choice again. And decades of home-price growth help explain why.
If you’re wondering whether buying makes sense for you right now, let’s look at the numbers together – and what owning a home could mean for you in the years ahead.

With everything going on, it’s understandable if you’re wondering if you’d regret buying right now.

10/11/2026

The Fed is raising the Fed Funds Rate to cool inflation, and that can keep upward pressure on mortgage rates for a while. But you can still make a move that works for you.

It just takes the right strategy.

Buyers need to know their real budget at today's rates. Sellers need a price and plan that fits what buyers can afford right now.

Relief on rates could take some time. If you're thinking about a move, let's put together a game plan built for today's rates, so you'll know your next step.

10/10/2026

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.

10/09/2026

Over half of homes (60%) are selling below their original asking price right now. And that stat’s held steady for about a year and a half.

With affordability still so tight, having room to negotiate on price will take some of the biggest financial pressures off your move.

Where you've got the most pull comes down to the neighborhood. Let's chat, and we'll pinpoint where you can push hardest.

10/08/2026

Feeling like buying your first place is still years away? Here’s how to shortcut it.

While data shows saving up and reaching the break even point where owning costs about the same as renting usually takes around 15 years, there are ways to get there faster.

If you set your sights on a starter home, it’s actually closer to seven years. That cuts the time in half. You’re looking at 4.6 years to save and 2.6 to break even.

But keep in mind, those numbers assume you put 20% down. Most first-time buyers put down far less, so that saving timeframe can shrink even more.

DM me, and I'll share a few ways to reach your first home sooner – like talking to a lender about down payment assistance programs.

Since you’ve probably already been saving for a while, you may be closer than you realize.

10/07/2026

Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates?

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its hikes can keep them higher for a while. The goal is to bring inflation, and eventually rates, down over time. With more hikes likely this year, waiting may not pay off. So, let's map out a plan that works at today's rates.

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.

10/06/2026

Buyers Have More Room To Negotiate Right Now

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.

10/05/2026

Hoping for (or Dreading) a Housing Crash? The Experts Just Weighed In.

Whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the verdict is the same – prices are still expected to rise, not fall. Let's talk about what that means for your market and your plans.

Half the buyers out there are scared home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they will.

10/04/2026

The number of homes for sale just reached its highest point since 2019.

And that gives you the most choice you’ve had in 7 years.

With affordability still so tight, having that many options opens up your odds of finding a home you love that still works for your budget.

Want to see what’s on the market in our area? DM me the price point you’re looking at to get started.