Lila Keim - Century 21 Miller Elite

06/04/2026

https://lila-keim.bestagents.us/blog/northeast-floridas-most-affordable-neighborhoods-for-homebuyers

Lila Keim, Century 21 Miller Elite

The Northeast Florida real estate market offers exceptional opportunities for homebuyers seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing family, or investor, this region presents diverse neighborhoods where your budget can stretch significantly f...

06/04/2026

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become the gold standard for house hacking in 2026 — and there's a reason why. 🏠

As of March 2026, Fannie Mae allows lenders to count projected ADU rental income toward your mortgage qualification — up to 30% of your total qualifying income. That means the income potential of an ADU can help you qualify for a home you otherwise couldn't afford.

ADUs include:
🔹 Detached backyard cottages
🔹 Converted garages
🔹 Basement suites with separate entrances

They're increasingly legal, financially supported, and proven in the rental market. If affordability is your biggest barrier to homeownership, an ADU-eligible property might be the solution.

Read the full article: https://lilakeim.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/02/2026

House hacking isn't about living for free — it's about making homeownership possible when it otherwise wouldn't be. In 2026, the strategy is less about eliminating a mortgage payment and more about engineering one you can actually afford. 🏡

Here's what's working:

✅ ADUs (accessory dwelling units) — Fannie Mae now lets buyers count projected ADU rental income toward mortgage qualification, up to 30% of total qualifying income

✅ Multi-generational homes — 14% of all home purchases in the last year were multi-generational, with Gen X leading at 19%

✅ Small multi-family properties — FHA loans allow up to 4 units with just 3.5% down if you live in one

✅ Realistic expectations — If rental income cuts your $3,800 payment down to $2,200, that's a win

The math has to work. The zoning has to be legal. And the lifestyle has to fit. But for the right buyer, house hacking can turn a closed door into an open one.

Read the full article: https://lilakeim.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

05/30/2026

So, this recommendation has put me on cloud nine today.

See more: https://www.realsatisfied.com/Lila-Keim

05/28/2026

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.

Call/text/email us at (904) 753-3944 or [email protected] if you have questions.

05/26/2026

Not every pre-listing fix needs to be big or expensive. But there are a few small repairs sellers shouldn’t ignore because buyers notice them immediately.

Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Leaky faucets or running toilets
Small issues like these can make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained.

2. Loose handles, hinges, or cabinet hardware
They’re inexpensive to fix, but they affect how cared-for a home feels.

3. Scuffed paint and wall damage
Patches, touch-ups, and fresh paint in key areas can make the whole home feel cleaner and more current.

4. Burned-out light bulbs or outdated fixtures
Lighting has a huge impact on first impressions, especially in photos and showings.

5. Doors that stick, squeak, or don’t close properly
These are small annoyances that can make a home feel older or neglected.

None of these repairs will transform a home on their own. But together, they can reduce buyer hesitation and help your home feel better maintained from the start.

If you’re getting ready to sell, the best pre-listing strategy usually starts with the simple things first.

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, my heart is filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we enjoy the freedoms, homes, families, friendships, and communities we hold so dear today.

As I walked through my yard this morning, my beautiful Rose of Sharon bush was blooming in full color — strong, graceful, and full of life. It reminded me that even after seasons of hardship and sacrifice, beauty, hope, and new beginnings continue to grow. In many ways, it felt like a quiet tribute to the courage and legacy of our fallen heroes.

Today, I honor our veterans, active military families, first responders, and all those who carry the spirit of service and sacrifice. I also want to thank my wonderful customers, family, friends, and community for the trust, kindness, and relationships that make this journey so meaningful.

May we never forget the true meaning of Memorial Day — a day to remember, honor, and give thanks.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Memorial Day filled with love, gratitude, family, and reflection.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Lila Keim, Century 21 Miller Elite
Northeast Florida Realtor
Serving Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Yulee, Jacksonville, and surrounding communities

05/22/2026

Callahan Fl ice cream lounge and our multi berry crepe, yummy!

05/21/2026

Buyers have moved on. Here's what's working against sellers right now:

❌ All-gray and stark white interiors
❌ Shiplap for the sake of shiplap
❌ Matching every fixture and cabinet pull to one metal finish
❌ Open shelving as a kitchen default
❌ The undifferentiated open floor plan
❌ Single-use bonus rooms — man caves, dedicated wine rooms, home theaters that can't flex

None of these will tank a sale on their own. But they can create hesitation — and hesitation shows up in longer days on market and more negotiated offers.

The good news? Most of these are fixable without a contractor. Drop a comment or send me a message and let's talk through what's actually worth addressing before you list.

05/19/2026

One of the quieter shifts in how buyers evaluate homes is the move toward wellness design — the idea that a home's layout and materials should actively support how you feel in it, not just how it looks.

Mentions of "wellness" in listings are up 33% year over year, and "spa-inspired bathrooms" climbed 22%. But the concept goes far beyond the primary bath. Biophilic design — bringing in natural light, organic materials, living plants, and visual connections to the outdoors — has become a core consideration. So has circadian lighting that shifts with the time of day, and dedicated quiet spaces designed for rest and focus.

These aren't luxury add-ons anymore. They're showing up in mainstream listings because people are prioritizing how their home makes them feel on a Tuesday afternoon, not just how it presents at a party.

Read the full article: https://lilakeim.com/2026-home-design-trends-whats-in-whats-out-and-what-buyers-are-responding-to/