Debra Orr, Associate Broker

10/13/2026

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

10/12/2026

Why Most People Are Still Glad They Bought a Home

Don’t let today’s uncertainty make you lose sight of what homeownership can do over time. Most homeowners say they’d make the same choice again. And decades of home-price growth help explain why.
If you’re wondering whether buying makes sense for you right now, let’s look at the numbers together – and what owning a home could mean for you in the years ahead.

With everything going on, it’s understandable if you’re wondering if you’d regret buying right now.

10/11/2026

Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner

Your first home may not be as far off as it feels. When the numbers make sense for you, buying a starter home and putting down less than 20% can get you there years sooner.

Want to see which starter homes in our area could fit your budget? Let's connect.

For a lot of first-time buyers, owning a home can feel perpetually a few years out of reach.

10/10/2026

The Fed is raising the Fed Funds Rate to cool inflation, and that can keep upward pressure on mortgage rates for a while. But you can still make a move that works for you.

It just takes the right strategy.

Buyers need to know their real budget at today's rates. Sellers need a price and plan that fits what buyers can afford right now.

Relief on rates could take some time. If you're thinking about a move, let's put together a game plan built for today's rates, so you'll know your next step.

10/09/2026

There's been some talk about whether mortgage rates could climb to 9%. Here's some perspective.

Getting there would take a rare mix of things, all lasting a full year: a booming economy with no slowdown in jobs, the Fed raising rates more than expected, and the conflict in Iran continuing to keep oil prices high.

That's an unlikely combination. So, don’t let it make you worry.

Have questions about mortgage rates? Drop them in the comments. That's what a trusted agent is for – keeping you informed so a headline never makes your decisions for you.

10/08/2026

Over half of homes (60%) are selling below their original asking price right now. And that stat’s held steady for about a year and a half.

With affordability still so tight, having room to negotiate on price will take some of the biggest financial pressures off your move.

Where you've got the most pull comes down to the neighborhood. Let's chat, and we'll pinpoint where you can push hardest.

10/07/2026

Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates?

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its hikes can keep them higher for a while. The goal is to bring inflation, and eventually rates, down over time. With more hikes likely this year, waiting may not pay off. So, let's map out a plan that works at today's rates.

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.

10/06/2026

Buyers Have More Room To Negotiate Right Now

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.

10/05/2026

Does one size ever really fit all? One mortgage rate doesn't either.

You may be seeing today’s higher rates and worrying about whether it’s still worth it to buy. Here’s what you need to realize…

Mortgage rates differ just like the people who apply for loans. So, the rate you see online isn’t necessarily the one you’d get when you buy.

Your real mortgage rate is specific to your individual situation. It can be higher or lower than what you've seen or heard.

So, don’t assume the rate in the headlines is your rate. Before you decide you can't buy a home or that you should wait, find out what your real rate is. You'll know what your options are and get a map to what's possible.

And a quick conversation with a loan officer is the perfect place to start.

10/04/2026

Some of you are scared home prices are about to crash. Others are hoping they will. But will it happen?

Fannie Mae just asked over 100 housing experts where prices are headed through 2030. And the consensus is prices are expected to rise, not crash.

Even the most pessimistic experts still forecast prices will go up 6.6%.

So, whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the forecast is clear. While some markets may see small short-term declines, home prices are going to keep going up nationally.

Have questions about what this means for your move, or what’s happening locally? Let's chat.