Listed with Lakisha

06/16/2026

Divorcing or separating and want to keep the house?

Both spouses on the mortgage?

Then you’ll likely need to refinance to remove your spouse from the loan.

That creates two challenges.

➡️ You have to qualify for the loan on your own.

➡️ You could be trading a low rate for a higher one, which can completely change whether staying in the home is financially realistic.

Luckily, the issue is making its way to state law.

Maryland, Virginia, and California have all passed laws requiring lenders to allow one spouse to assume the existing mortgage in a divorce or legal separation. Same rate. Same terms. No refinance needed.

Not in one of those states? Some lenders already offer this option voluntarily.

Most people never think to ask.

So before you assume refinancing is your only option, talk to your lender.

That one conversation could save you from walking away from your home.

05/15/2026

What does representing yourself in court have to do with buying a house?

05/14/2026

Some people want quiet streets, walking trails and neighborhood amenities.

Some people want to be in the thick of things. Ten minutes from Downtown Durham for dinner and a show.

Timberleaf is the sweet spot for the people who want it all!

✅ Location. Access. Amenities.

05/04/2026

04/27/2026

Leaving a listing appointment with a full heart.

Probate clients often come with more questions, more decisions, and more weight on their shoulders.

This is the part of real estate I value most: bringing the right information, steady guidance, and calm to a complicated or chaotic situation.

When I can help lift even part of that burden, I know I’m doing meaningful work.

03/28/2026

One of the biggest dangers with inherited property is letting it sit.

An empty house can lead to deferred maintenance, higher costs, insurance issues, vandalism, and a whole lot of avoidable stress.

You do not always need to make a fast decision, but you do need a plan.

Doing nothing for too long can be the most expensive choice of all.

At ProbatePropertySOS.com, I help families come up with a plan.

03/24/2026

In 2026, I decided to go green.

Green is more than a brand color.

Green represents growth, stability, renewal, and opportunity. For my real estate clients, that means making smart decisions that protect their investment, support their goals, and create a strong foundation for what comes next.

For my probate and inherited property clients, green also reflects stewardship, preservation, and the careful handling of assets that carry both financial and personal weight.

If you want to go green,
call me 984-208-7240

02/18/2026

Just Listed!!

Listed at $489,900, MLS #10146747, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,316 square feet, built in 2022, 0.18, Former model home in Timberleaf offering thoughtfully upgraded living space. This ENERGY STAR® certified home combines open design with upgrades that matter. Main level features 9-ft ceilings and luxury vi...

12/09/2025

📣 Planning to Sell in January? Start Smart this December!

If a move is on your mind for the new year, you don’t have to put your holiday joy on pause to make progress. 🎄

Simply use the season’s rhythm to your advantage:

✅ As décor comes out, set aside anything you don’t love anymore
✅ When the décor goes away, donate or pack up items you won’t need in the next house
✅ Keep surfaces as open as possible so rooms feel spacious and calm
✅ Snap a few cozy photos while your home is at its most inviting

By the time the tree comes down, you’ll already be ahead with less to pack and more space ready for buyers to fall in love with.

So go enjoy every party, every cookie, every twinkling light.

And when you’re ready to talk about selling, I’ll help you take the next step with confidence. ✨

Lakisha Chichester, REALTOR®
📞 984-208-7240
🏡 Real Estate SOS
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