Cross Street Team LLC associated with Silvercreek Realty Group

08/15/2026

This Sunday Aug 16th 11-1:30pm an open house in Nampa at the perfect home for entertaining inside and out. 2 Living areas with an open concept and the outside has gorgeous landscaping with a full length of the home covered patio with 2 ceiling fans, shades, outdoor TV and firepit! You have to see this home to believe how beautiful it is and how well maintained. We already have a home inspection done and the seller is offering 2K in concessions you can use for rate buydown or closing costs!

08/11/2026

Should you rent or buy in 2026?

The honest answer: it depends on your situation. Renting continues to offer lower monthly costs and flexibility in many markets, especially for those without substantial savings or uncertain time horizons. Modest home price appreciation means waiting probably won’t lead to dramatically lower purchase prices.

But ownership builds equity and stabilizes long-term housing costs. If buying is your goal, 2026 might be best viewed as a preparation period—strengthening credit, building savings, and monitoring your target market can materially improve your future buying power.

There’s no universal right answer. Align your housing decision with your personal circumstances, not predictions.

DM me if you need a plan for the future to prepare or if you are ready now!

08/11/2026

Here’s a question most buyers don’t ask until it’s too late: What happens when the HVAC fails during a heat wave or the roof needs replacing? 🔥

Home maintenance now averages around $8,800 annually, with first-year homeowners often facing even higher costs. But here’s where buyers get caught off guard—major repairs aren’t possibilities, they’re certainties with varying timelines:

– HVAC replacement: $5,000-$10,000
– Roof replacement: $8,000-$15,000
– Water heater: $1,200-$2,500
– Foundation repairs: $4,000-$12,000

The traditional 1% rule is outdated. On a $350,000 home, that’s only $3,500 annually—barely enough to cover one major system failure. Experts now recommend planning for 2-3% of your home’s value annually.

Without liquid reserves, a single emergency can derail your finances entirely. That 15-year-old water heater or aging roof isn’t a deal-breaker—it’s a budget roadmap. Buyers who understand these timelines plan strategically instead of scrambling when systems fail.

💡 Create a dedicated House Repair Fund separate from emergency savings. Treat it like a non-negotiable monthly bill so your wealth-building asset doesn’t become a source of financial strain.
DM me if any question or if you need trusted professionals!

08/06/2026

Looking for a 4 bedroom, 2.5 Bath in Nampa that is great for entertaining? This is it. A covered patio full length of the house with shades, 2 ceiling fans, outdoor TV and firepit will entertain you and your friends in style. The landscaping is beautiful absolutely a bonus! see the pictures in the link. https://ksvc.paragon.ice.com/s/goto/L6opJHg1ORe

08/06/2026

Your mortgage payment is only part of the story. 🏡

Most homebuyers focus exclusively on their monthly mortgage payment when calculating affordability. But here’s the reality: that payment typically represents only 70-80% of what homeownership actually costs each month.

The average cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., excluding the mortgage, is estimated at around $21,400 in 2025—roughly $1,800 per month. When you factor in these costs, a $2,500 monthly mortgage can grow to over $4,000 in total housing costs.

💡 Key takeaways:

– Nearly 45% of homeowners report post-purchase regrets, most commonly due to higher-than-expected maintenance and hidden costs
– Insurance and property taxes continue rising annually—sometimes jumping $200-300/month in a single year
– Home maintenance now averages around $8,800 annually, with first-year owners often facing higher costs
– The solution? Budget for mortgage PLUS approximately $1,800 monthly in carrying costs

True affordability isn’t what a lender approves—it’s what lets you sleep well at night when the water heater fails or insurance premiums spike.
I was a lender for 29 yrs before becoming an agent this has helped me to help my clients understand the whole picture. DM me with any questions.

08/04/2026

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably heard the term “months of supply” thrown around. But what does it actually mean?

Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all available homes at the current sales pace. It’s one of the clearest indicators of whether we’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market.

Here’s the breakdown:
– Less than 5 months = Seller’s market (low inventory, more competition among buyers)
– 5-6 months = Balanced market
– More than 6 months = Buyer’s market (more inventory, buyers have negotiating power)

Right now, inventory levels are rising in many markets across the country. According to recent NAR data, we’re seeing a shift from the extreme seller’s market of the past few years. This means pricing strategy, home preparation, and timing matter more than ever.

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to list, understanding these metrics can help you make a more informed decision about your specific situation and local market conditions.
DM me if you have questions.

08/02/2026

It’s easy to get emotionally attached to a home fast — especially when it photographs well and checks your first few boxes.

Before you fall in love, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Does this home actually fit my daily life?
Think about commuting, storage, layout, parking, and how you’ll use the space.
2. Can I comfortably afford more than just the purchase price?
Look beyond the mortgage and think about utilities, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and moving costs.
3. Am I excited about the home — or just reacting to the pressure of the market?

A competitive market can push buyers to move emotionally instead of strategically.

The right home should make sense on paper and in real life.

A little pause up front can save a lot of regret later.

08/01/2026

OPEN HOUSE TODAY SATURDAY 11-2pm. Price Drop! Know of someone looking for a home with 4 bedrooms? This family has pride of ownership it is beautiful! The wonderfully maintained landscaping and the covered patio with an outdoor TV and shades is a definite plus. Definitely a beautiful home for entertaining! Bonus... close to great schools, freeway access and Marketplace! See Link to view the home!

Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 2018 two-story home in one of Nampa's desirable neighborhoods! Pride of ownership shines throughout this move-in ready home featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a thoughtful floor plan designed for comfortable living. The open-concept main lev...

07/31/2026

Want to know the original house hack? Buy a duplex, triplex, or small multi-family. Live in one unit. Rent out the others. It’s been working for decades — and it still does in 2026.

FHA loans allow you to buy properties with up to 4 units with as little as 3.5% down, as long as you live in one unit. Veterans can use a VA loan with zero down. And Freddie Mac’s Home Possible program allows qualified buyers to put down just 3%.

The financing options are more accessible than most buyers realize. For those willing to share a property line with their tenants, the income potential is typically higher than an ADU, and the strategy is time-tested. If you’re serious about house hacking, don’t overlook the classic approach.

07/30/2026

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I bought my first place:

📋 Inspection contingencies are your safety net. They give you the chance to back out or negotiate if major issues come up during the home inspection. Never skip this step.

💰 Closing costs add up fast. Beyond your down payment, expect to pay 2–5% of the purchase price in fees like appraisals, title insurance, and lender charges. Budget for these early.

🏦 Rate shopping can save you thousands. Don’t settle for the first mortgage offer. Compare rates from at least three lenders—even a small difference can mean big savings over time.

🏘️ Research the neighborhood, not just the house. Visit at different times of day, check school ratings, and explore local amenities. You’re buying into a community, not just a property.

Every home-buying journey is unique, but being informed makes all the difference. If you’re getting ready to buy, I’m here to help you navigate every step with confidence. DM me for help....

Let us know in the comments—what surprised you most about buying your first home?