WHAT CREDIT SCORE DO YOU NEED FOR A MORTGAGE?

Like it or not, your credit score plays a huge role in determining your interest rate and loan terms—and a good score can save you a LOT of money over the life of your loan.

Wondering what credit score you need to qualify for a mortgage? The answer depends on the type of loan, but here’s a general breakdown:

 580–619:This is typically the lowest score you would need to qualify for an FHA loan unless you have over 10% for a downpayment.

 620–699:This range opens the door to more conventional loans. You’ll likely qualify for better interest rates, but improving your score further could save you even more.

 740+:Scores in this range typically qualify for the best rates and loan options, which can mean lower monthly payments and big savings over the life of your loan.

It’s also important to remember that errors on your credit report can lower your score, so be sure to review y! ...

WANT TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR MORE? INSERT: A PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION

Did you know that issues that arise during the home inspection are one of the top reasons sales fall through after going under contract? The good news? You can avoid this stress by having a pre-listing home inspection — a simple step that can save you a lot of stress!

When it comes to selling your home, knowledge is power.

Here’s why this simple step can help you avoid surprises, build buyer trust, and sell for more:

BENEFIT #1: Catch Issues Early

No one wants last-minute surprises during negotiations. A pre-listing inspection helps sellers identify potential problems and make repairs in advance that may otherwise deter buyers (and get multiple quotes to find the best price for repairs).

BENEFIT #2: BOOST BUYER CONFIDENCE

Buyers love transparency. Showing them you’ve taken the time to get an inspection upfront can build trust and set your home apart from the competition.

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THIS IS WHY YOUR ZESTIMATE IS WRONG

REAL TALK: Your Zestimate is a good starting point, but there’s often a pretty big gap between that number and what your home could *actually* sell for in today’s market.


Unique Neighborhood Factors


Estimates rely on algorithms, but they can’t account for the unique features or challenges of your specific neighborhood, street, or even your side of the block.


Updates & Repairs


Zillow doesn’t know if you just replaced your roof or invested $50,000 into a new outdoor space when compared to your neighbor’s home that just sold and lacked those updates.


Local Market Trends


Real estate markets shift quickly, and online estimates may not reflect the latest trends, buyer demand, or comparable sales in your specific area.

 

Online estimates can give you a rough idea of what your home may be worth, but your home deserves more than just a one-size-fits-all estimate — you deserve . ...

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN HOME SHOPPING

House hunting is very exciting, but before you fall in love with that perfect home, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid buyer’s remorse down the road. Here is my list of things to consider when shopping for your next home:


School District


Whether or not you have kids (or plan to), the school district can play a big role in your home’s value and appeal when it’s time to sell. It’s worth doing some research on local schools— GreatSchools.org is a great resource!


Neighborhood


Take a walk around the block, chat with neighbors, and visit at different times of the day. Does it feel like a place you’d want to call home? Your surroundings should match your lifestyle and long-term goals.


A Home’s Potential


Focus on the big-picture features like location, layout, and lot size. These are the elements that truly shape a home’s potential and are much harder&mdas! ...

EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY WHEN BUYING

When it comes to buying a home, we all have certain expectations — especially with how it’s portrayed on TV. But let’s be real: the reality of home buying is often far more complex than a neatly wrapped 30-minute episode (spoiler alert: the market doesn’t work that way!).

Expectation: I’m going to find the perfect home

REALITY: There’s no such thing as the “perfect” home, not even if you build a new one. The perfect home might not exist, but the right home is out there—and it’s the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and needs. It’s normal to have a wish list, but flexibility is key in today’s market. Focus on the essentials: location, layout, and potential.

Expectation: I’m going to find a home quickly

REALITY: While inventory has increased, demand is still high, and it might take longer than you expect to find “the one.&rdqu! ...