Russell McCray

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.

10/09/2026

Renovate or Relocate? What To Know Before You Decide To Age in Place

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.

10/09/2026

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

10/08/2026

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.

10/07/2026

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

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.

10/05/2026

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for Home Sellers

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers more cost-conscious. Builders know that, and many are responding with reduced rate, closing-cost help, price reductions, and other incentives.
If you're thinking about selling, let's look at what buyers are getting from other homes in our area – including new construction – and make sure your house is positioned to compete.

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too.

08/29/2026

PRICE REDUCED: - 2730 Veltre Terrace, Atlanta, GA 30311

Newly Priced at $850,000 | $20,000 Flooring Allowance + 1/0 Interest Rate Buydown Through Our Preferred Lender: River Rock Group of Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. VELTRE ESTATES CROWN JEWEL | 6,257 SQ FT | $135/SQ FT | SW ATLANTA'S BEST VALUE IN LUXURY More home. More value. Completely yours at $135 per square foot. This is the moment serious buyers have been waiting for. 2730 Veltre Terrace SW delivers 6,257 fully finished square feet across three complete levels at $135 per square foot, backed by a seller incentive package built to make this the most exciting purchase decision of your year. The $20,000 flooring allowance is not a concession. It is an invitation. Wide-plank white oak hardwood on the main level? Done. Custom tile in the foyer? Absolutely. Love the Italian porcelain and want to redirect the allowance upstairs? That works too. The $20,000 is yours to deploy however your vision demands. Add a lender-paid 1/0 rate buydown through River Rock Group of Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. and this home is not just a great find; it is a great decision. The Main Level: Where Luxury Lives Daily The two-story foyer opens into formal living and dining rooms before arriving at the chef's kitchen anchored by a dramatic 7' x 5' island, Jenn-Air commercial-grade appliances, and Italian porcelain flooring that flows throughout the entire main level. The open-concept family room with fireplace keeps every gathering going long after the meal is done. The main-level primary suite delivers double vanities, a Bluetooth soaking tub, an oversized stone shower, and an expansive custom closet. A private resort on your own main floor. The Upper Level: Space for Every Chapter Four additional bedrooms with bath access and an open loft home office, creative studio, reading retreat, or homework haven. Designed for the household that has outgrown one-size-fits-all. The Terrace Level: SW Atlanta's Best Private Entertainment Suite A dedicated theater room. A game room. A private bedroom and full bath. A 6' x 11' bonus room purpose-built for a custom bar. No listing in Veltre Estates — at any price offers this complete, turn-key entertainment package. The Backyard: Private, Wooded, and Secluded Mature trees create a dense, private canopy behind the property, no rear neighbors, no sight lines, no street noise. Low maintenance by design. The kind of genuine seclusion most SW Atlanta homes simply cannot offer, ten minutes from Downtown Atlanta. Historic Cascade Heights, moments from Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, minutes from Southside Beltline access, curated dining, and Hartsfield-Jackson. One West End and I-20/I-285 improvements are actively underway. This community is evolving as boldly as the home itself. The space does it. The features do it. The price does it. The opportunity does it.

Want to learn more?
Text: 1099413 to 35620

Know someone with real estate needs? I’d be happy to help:
https://app.videobuzz.io/lead/listing/38f2adc2-2527-4613-8c83-4f4b5fdab483/4167eae4-aeb8-47b4-a775-0e504ecf29e8/05f6825a-f1d4-4599-8ee6-57cdb6c9661b

Listing Agent License Number: 368894

08/13/2026

STOP WAITING FOR THE “PERFECT” MORTGAGE RATE. 🏡

Trying to time the market can keep serious buyers stuck. Rates, prices, and inflation are beyond your control—and waiting for everything to align may cost you opportunities.

First-time buyers, move-up buyers, sellers, and investors should focus on their own numbers.

Can you afford the payment, maintain a safety cushion, and handle repairs?

If the math works, it may be the right time for YOU. Talk with a trusted lender, then DM me to discuss your next move.

🌐 russellmccrayhomes.com
📞 404-558-2475
ERA Sunrise Realty: 678-781-7400
IG:
FB: russellmccrayhomes
LinkedIn: Russell McCray

08/12/2026

Mortgage rates aren’t random—and understanding 2 numbers can change how you buy. 📊🏡

The 10-year Treasury yield and the mortgage spread influence where rates land. When that spread widened in 2023, rates surged. Now, with the spread closer to normal, today’s upper-6% rates are far better than they could be.

For first-time buyers, sellers, and investors, don’t let headlines drive your decision. Focus on your buying power, monthly payment, and long-term goals.

📩 Wondering if buying now makes sense? DM me and let’s break it down.

🌐 russellmccrayhomes.com
📸 IG: | FB: russellmccrayhomes
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russellmccray
📞 404-558-2475 | ERA Sunrise Realty: 678-781-7400
🌐 erasunriserealty.com