Dawn Lacey, Realtor - LPT Realty

08/18/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 80% of Markets

Still waiting for home prices to come down? That's becoming less likely. Home prices are now rising in 80% of housing markets. That’s up from 71% last quarter. In other words, more markets are seeing prices go up — not down. Before you put your plans on hold, let's look at what's happening in our market. Waiting may not save you as much as you think.

08/17/2026

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can't find in a standard one. That's what gets attention. And offers. So, let’s chat about what it could get you in our market right now.

That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house.

08/16/2026

The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next Home

So, no. You don't need to put 20% down to buy your next home. But you may want to. If your equity puts it within reach, going bigger can lower your costs and make moving more doable than you think – even with today’s rates.
A trusted lender can run the numbers on your financing. And when you want to know what your current house could add to your next down payment, let's talk.

If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment.

08/15/2026

Picture it. A getaway that’s all yours, where you’ll build memories with your loved ones year after year. And maybe even retire someday?

A vacation home of your own might be more within reach than you think. Nearly 40% of vacation-home sellers have lowered their asking price recently.

That place you’re imagining? DM, and let’s talk about what’s available there.

08/13/2026

Repeat buyers, you’ve got a big leg up on your next move.

It’s your equity, the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. Sell, and that equity turns into cash you can roll right into your next down payment.

That’s how a lot of repeat buyers put down 20% or more. But why do they, especially when they don’t necessarily have to?

Because putting more down saves you money in the long run. A bigger down payment means a smaller loan, so your monthly payment is lower and you’re paying less interest over time.

You can also skip private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which is an additional monthly fee required for loans with less than 20% down.

Talk to a trusted lender to figure out what down payment makes the most sense for your budget. And when you’re ready to kick start your move, let’s talk.

08/12/2026

Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are What They Are Right Now

That’s the trade-off with a narrowing spread. Rates may not be where you want them, but they're better than they could've been. If you want help figuring out what that means for your monthly payment, reach out to a local lender

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while.

08/11/2026

Big Investors Are Backing Off and That’s Your Opening

Big investors are stepping back, and they're adding homes to the market as they go. If you've been waiting for a better shot at buying, this could be it. Let’s connect so you can see what's popping up in our area. You may have more options than you think.

For years, a lot of would-be homebuyers have worried about the same thing. How do you compete with big investors who can swoop in, pay cash, and snap up the houses you want?

08/10/2026

Think big investors are snapping up all the homes? The data says otherwise.

The largest institutional investors are now selling more homes than they're buying – and the gap is growing every quarter.

That means those homes are going back on the market for regular buyers. And since big investors tend to own lower-priced homes, a lot of them are right in the range first-time buyers want.

Less competition. More options for you.

DM me and I'll show you what's hitting the market in our area.

08/09/2026

Here’s Where To Start if You’re Selling and Buying at the Same Time

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to buying and selling at once. But for a lot of homeowners, leading with the sale makes moving easier on their mind and their wallet.

Let’s connect, so you can navigate selling and buying with more confidence, more financial power, and less stress.

If you're a homeowner getting ready to move, one question usually comes first: should you buy your next home before you sell, or sell your current house before you start looking?