Chris Ess Real Estate Group

08/10/2026

Big news over the weekend from the City of Canton!

Canton City Council Approves Property Tax Cut for City Residents

At their first meeting in August, Canton City Council unanimously adopted a property tax cut by holding the tax rate steady at 5.25 mils.

"Maintaining the lowest millage rate in Canton’s history is a testament to years of thoughtful planning, disciplined financial management, and a willingness to make responsible decisions that position our city for long-term success," said Mayor Bill Grant.

After adopting the millage rate, the Council decided to delay approving the City's Fiscal Year 2027 budget totaling $98.3 million. The FY 2027 budget is based on maintaining the City’s current property tax rate of 5.250 mills; however, the Cherokee County Fire District Tax Rate was approved by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 4 with an increase from 2.888 mills to 3.023.

"At a time when the cost of living continues to challenge families and employers, we recognize that every dollar matters," Grant said. "That understanding guides every budget decision we make. We believe government should live within its means, spend wisely, and always respect the trust taxpayers place in us."

Read full article at: https://conta.cc/4xlLjKI

07/24/2026

Lenders use your DTI to help determine how much home you may be able to afford. A lower DTI generally means you have more room in your budget, but having some debt doesn't automatically prevent you from buying a home.

Bottom line:
Don't assume you won't qualify. Your DTI is just one piece of the puzzle, and you may be closer to buying a home than you think.

07/23/2026

Pricing, presentation, and positioning can completely change how buyers respond.

I break down the top 3 mistakes sellers make in a blog post on my website: ChrisEssREG.com/blog

07/22/2026

Before you make a decision about buying or selling, make sure you talk with a local expert like me about what home prices are doing in your area. National headlines don't always match up with what's going on in Cherokee County and beyond!

Learn More at ChrisEssREG.com

07/21/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to pay off your student loans before you can qualify for a mortgage. In reality, lenders look at your overall financial picture... not just one debt.

In fact, 1 in 3 first-time homebuyers has student loan debt. You don't have to have everything paid off to start exploring your options.

If you've been ruling yourself out without talking to a lender, it might be time to take another look. Contact me if you'd like to talk about what buying a home could look like for you!

07/17/2026

Knowing what to expect can help you budget and avoid any nasty surprises. In this blog post, we break down the most common moving costs for buyers and sellers so you can plan ahead and move with confidence.

Read the full blog post here: chrisessreg.com/blog

07/15/2026

Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, they're easy to overlook.

Maybe your home feels a little too small... or a little too big. You're dreaming about a different layout, a shorter commute, or you keep finding yourself scrolling through new listings. Those little thoughts might be telling you it's time for a change.

Here are a few signs it could be time to make a move:
• Your home no longer fits your lifestyle.
• You're ready for different features or more space.
• Your daily commute is wearing you down.
• The market is creating new opportunities.
• You can't stop thinking about your next home.

You don't have to make a move tomorrow. But it's always a good idea to know your options. If you've been wondering what your next step could look like, let's talk.

07/14/2026

The best deals happen when you ask the right questions, understand the numbers, and look at every piece of the contract. Price matters, but so do timelines, contingencies, repairs, closing costs, and financing.

When all the pieces come together, that's when a deal works for everyone involved.

Ready to sell? I can help!
ChrisEssREG.com

07/10/2026

I've been fortunate to work with some incredible clients, and I'm grateful for every opportunity.

If we've worked together and you have a minute, I'd love to hear about your experience. Your review helps my business grow and helps others who are looking for a trusted local Realtor.

Leave a review or read what others have shared here:
👉 https://www.chrisessreg.com/testimonials

Thank you for your support!

07/09/2026

Real estate negotiations are about finding the combination of terms that gets the deal to the finish line, not about who offers the most money. Sometimes offering a closing cost credit or adjusting one term can make more sense than reducing your price.

If you're planning to sell, make sure you're looking at the whole offer, not just the top number. Need help with your situation? Send me a message.