Kisha Barnes, Realtor - Realty One Group Performance

11/03/2026

Did the latest climb in mortgage rates take a bite out of your home budget and have you rethinking your move?

If you’re aiming for a $2,000 monthly payment, that rise in rates cut about $22,000 from what you can spend. That’s a lot.

But what if you could close the gap?While headlines focus on lost buying power, they’re not calling enough attention to how seller concessions can offset that blow.

More than 40% of homes for sale have had a price cut, and the typical cut on a median-priced home is around $18,000. That alone could win back most of what rates took.

And you could get back even more by asking for repair credits or closing cost help, too.

How much a seller will negotiate depends on the house and the area. Send a DM to find out how much of that $22,000 you could get back around here.

11/02/2026

The Home Insurance Move That Could Save You $440 a Year

When was the last time you shopped around for home insurance? Because that one move could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

With home insurance taking up a bigger chunk of monthly housing costs, that's an opportunity worth looking into.

And the numbers are pretty eye-opening.

According to Intercontinental Exchange, homeowners who switched insurance companies saved an average of $440 a year. Their premiums dropped 6.6%, while homeowners who stayed with their existing provider saw costs climb 10.4%.

That's a big difference just for shopping around.

And here's more good news: Home insurance costs are still rising, but the pace of those increases is finally slowing down.

So, what does this mean if you're buying a home?

Don't assume the first insurance quote you get is the best one. Comparing providers could help you keep your monthly payment more manageable.

And if you're open to new construction, there's another potential advantage. Newly built homes typically cost 10–15% less to insure than older ones, according to John Burns Research and Consulting.

Want help finding ways to make your next move more affordable? Send me a message. Let's talk.

10/31/2026

In case you haven’t heard, 27% of homes sold in September were bought with cash, according to NAR. That’s more than 1 in 4.

When you hear a number like that, it’s easy to wonder how that’s even possible nowadays – especially with so many people struggling with affordability.

You might picture wealthy investors with deep pockets…but not all cash buyers are who you'd think.

Some are just regular homeowners who’ve built up enough equity over the years to sell their house and buy their next one in cash.

So sure, affordability is tight. But that doesn't mean buying a home today is only possible for the wealthy or big investors.

If you own a home and you’ve lived there for a while, you may be in a better position to move than you think.

Want to know how much equity you have? Let’s find out what it could do for your next move.

10/30/2026

The headlines about home sales falling through may sound scary. But here's something sellers should know. Most sales go through just fine. Only roughly 10-15% hit a snag.

And the #1 reason those buyers back out is something you can actually head off before it ever becomes a problem.

By getting a pre-listing inspection, you can avoid surprises and keep your sale moving forward, because you’ll already know what the buyer’s inspection will find and can fix it before you ever list or go in ready to negotiate.

Don't let fear of the what-ifs hold you back. With the right prep and a smart strategy, selling is still possible. I help people do it every day.

Let's talk about how to set your house up for success.

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.

10/28/2026

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.

10/27/2026

Here's something most buyers overlook…

When the housing market slows down, homeowners and builders don't always have the same priorities.

A homeowner may be willing to wait for a better offer. But builders with completed homes sitting unsold often have more reason to keep sales moving.

In October, over 60% of builders offered some type of incentive. And almost half (43%) cut prices.

That could mean more negotiating opportunities for you.

The trick is knowing where to look. Let's find the builders with more move-in-ready homes available right now and see what they're willing to offer to get their inventory sold.

10/26/2026

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

What if you could save $150–$300 a month on your mortgage payment just by choosing a different type of loan?

For some homebuyers, that could be a game changer. And it's one reason adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are getting more attention.

According to Bankrate, ARM rates recently came in more than a full percentage point lower than traditional fixed-rate mortgages. That's potentially hundreds of dollars in monthly savings on a median-priced home.

And buyers are taking notice. About 1 in 10 mortgage applicants are now choosing an ARM, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

So, what's the catch?

Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, an ARM gives you a lower introductory rate for a set number of years. After that, your rate can adjust up or down based on market conditions.

That means you could save money upfront, but you'd also need to be comfortable with the possibility of higher payments later.

And here's something worth knowing: Today's ARMs have more borrower protections than the risky loans that made headlines during the 2008 housing crisis.

The bigger takeaway? A traditional 30-year fixed mortgage isn't your only option.
If today's rates are making your homebuying budget feel tight, there may be financing options you haven't explored yet.

Curious whether an ARM could help make your next home more affordable? Connect with a trusted lender who can run the numbers.

10/24/2026

Today, a growing number of homeowners who set out to sell end up as landlords instead. About 9% of homes for rent were up for sale first. In the industry, we call it “accidental landlords.”

And if you’re watching the market and trying to decide between selling or renting, here’s what you need to know…

While renting out your house can be a great fit for some people, being a landlord is a job of its own. Suddenly, you’re fielding weekend calls about a leaky dishwasher and you’ve got a plumber on speed dial. And you’re still on the hook for the mortgage any month the house sits empty.

That doesn’t mean renting is a bad option, it just means you have to know what you’re getting into. And if you’d rather sell, let’s talk. Because with the right price and a strong marketing plan it is still doable today.

10/23/2026

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.