Lori Carbone Realtor

05/16/2026

Foreclosures are up, but don't panic.

Yes, filings have risen over the past year. But zoom out and look at the full picture.

We're still below historical norms – and nowhere near levels seen around 2008.
This isn't a crash. It's the market returning to normal after foreclosures were artificially low during the pandemic.

And here's something else worth knowing. These are filings. Not all of them will actually turn into completed foreclosures.

If you've been hearing a lot about this lately and want to make sense of what it means, drop a comment or send me a DM. Happy to talk it through.

05/15/2026

When’s the last time you checked how much equity you’ve built? Because the number might surprise you.

In just the past 6 years, the average homeowner has gained over $128,000 – just from price growth and making their payments.

That’s money that could help fund your next move or a major life goal.

And if you’ve lived there longer than 6 years, your number could be even higher.

Want to find out? I’m offering a free equity assessment for homeowners in our market right now. Just send me a DM to get started.

05/14/2026

A lot of homeowners think they can list high now and negotiate later, but that’s a mistake that costs them. And it’s the reason only 4 out of every 10 sellers are getting their asking price or more.

If you want to be in that group, it starts with getting the price right from day one.

Let’s connect so we can make sure you are.

Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most.

05/13/2026

Thinking about selling your house soon? Don't skip staging.

With more houses on the market now, anything you can do to help yours stand out counts. And while staging costs vary, whatever you spend could pay you back big time.

For example, if you invest the typical $4k for mid-level staging on a $400k home, that can turn into roughly $18k in added value when you sell.

That gives you the potential to net about $14k more at closing – about a 350% return on your investment.

But staging doesn’t have to mean hiring a full crew. There’s an option for almost every budget, from professional staging to virtual staging to simple DIY updates.

DM me if you're getting ready to sell and let's talk about what level of staging makes sense for your house and your budget.

05/12/2026

When's the last time you checked how much equity you have in your home? Because most homeowners are sitting on more than they think. In just the past 6 years, the typical homeowner has gained over $128k in equity. Your number could be even higher. Want to find out? Let’s talk.

05/11/2026

With more homes for sale right now, making a strong first impression matters. Staging can help your house sell faster and for more – and there's an option for almost every budget.

If you’re getting ready to list, let’s talk about what level of staging makes sense for your house and make a plan for attracting the right buyers.

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market.

05/10/2026

“Should I just wait?” It’s one of the most common questions right now. Maybe you’re even asking yourself the same thing.

While the right time to make a move will ultimately depend on your situation, here’s what I can tell you.

People are still buying and selling, even with everything going on – that means you can too.

Pending sales are up from last month, and a lot more buyers are applying for mortgages than this time last year.

So, if moving still matters to you, you don’t have to wait.

You just need a plan that works for today. Want to figure out what that looks like for you? Let’s talk.

05/09/2026

Why do some homes sell fast. While others sit?

It’s not just the market.

Right now, the typical home is still going under contract in about 19 days – and some in as little as a week.

So, homes are still selling. Just not all of them. Some are even selling quickly.

The difference? Buyers are more selective than they’ve been in years. They’re paying attention to price, condition, and how a home shows online before they ever step inside.

That means the homes that feel move-in ready and priced right are still getting strong interest, even now. But the homes that aren’t? They sit.

If you’re thinking about selling, the question isn’t just “will it sell?” It’s “how will it stack up?”

Want to make sure yours stands out? DM me and I’ll walk you through what I’d do if I were you.

05/08/2026

Today's market may be balancing out, but strong offers still matter – especially during the busy Spring season.

Curious how competitive things are (and what it’ll take to win) in our market? Let’s talk.

Looking to buy a home this season? Here's what you should know.

05/07/2026

Did you know nearly 1 in 3 home purchases today involves co-buyers?

That's right, more and more first-time buyers are teaming up with friends, siblings, or unmarried partners to make homeownership happen.

And honestly? It makes a lot of sense given how tough affordability can still be for first-time buyers.

Combining incomes means a bigger down payment, better loan qualification, and lower monthly costs for everyone involved.

If you've been feeling priced out, co-buying might be the move you haven't considered yet. Drop your questions in the comments. I'd love to help you explore your options.