Wanda Lowe-Merritt, Realtor, REAL Estate Broker

08/24/2026

When most buyers think about purchasing a home, they immediately start looking at resale properties. But new construction deserves a closer look. Many new homes offer energy-efficient features, builder warranties, modern designs, and the opportunity to personalize finishes to fit your lifestyle.Builders may also offer incentives such as closing cost assistance, upgrades, or mortgage rate buydowns that can improve affordability and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.One important thing to know: the builder's sales representative works for the builder. Having your own agent can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the process, but in most cases, you need to bring your agent with you before your first visit to the model home. Let's talk before you start shopping so you can explore all your options.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/24/Have-you-considered-new-construction

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

08/21/2026

Finding reliable home service providers can be challenging but the right ones make all the difference. Look for licensed, insured professionals with strong reviews and referrals you trust.The lowest price isn't always the best choice; quality, communication, and reliability matter just as much.This is something I help my clients with all the time. Over the years, I've built a network of trusted professionals, from contractors to plumbers to electricians, who show up and do the job right.If you ever need a recommendation, I'm happy to connect you with someone you can count on.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/21/Finding-Reliable-Home-Service-Providers

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

08/20/2026

If your property tax assessment seems higher than your home's market value, it may be worth a closer look. Assessments aren't always perfectly aligned with current conditions, and even small discrepancies can impact what you pay each year.The key is comparing your assessment to recent sales and understanding how your property is being evaluated. If there's a gap, you may have grounds to appeal.I can help you review your home's value and provide supporting information to guide your decision.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/20/Is-your-property-tax-assessment-too-high

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

08/19/2026

Many buyers assume they have to purchase a home completely on their own, but co-ownership can be a smart alternative in today's market. Whether it's friends buying together or a family member helping with the investment, there are creative ways to make homeownership more achievable. If you'd like to explore your options, let's talk about what might work for your situation.

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

Co-owning a home can help buyers overcome affordability challenges by sharing costs, combining resources, and creating new pathways to homeownership.

08/18/2026

Not every renovation pays off when it is time to sell. Some improvements are wonderful if you plan to enjoy them for years, but they may not add enough resale value to recover the cost. Highly personal design choices, luxury upgrades, removing functional space, or over-improving for the neighborhood can all limit your return. Before spending a large amount of money, it is smart to look at what buyers in your area actually value. If you are thinking about renovating and want to know which projects may help resale and which ones may not, contact me. I can help you look at your home through a buyer's eyes.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/18/Renovations-That-Don-t-Pay-Off

08/17/2026

In the words of Robert Allen "Don't wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait." Homeownership enjoys the benefit of leverage because the home is appreciating on its value not just the amount of cash you have invested. Homeowners also benefit from amortization of the mortgage which reduces the principal they owe with each payment they make.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/17/Real-estate-is-the-best-long-term-investment

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

08/14/2026

Before you put your current home on the market, consider whether selling is your only option.If you've built substantial equity, a cash-out refinance may allow you to use part of that equity toward the purchase of your next home while keeping your current property as a rental. Instead of giving up an asset that has appreciated over time, you may be able to continue benefiting from future appreciation while generating rental income.This strategy isn't right for everyone, but for some homeowners it can be a powerful way to build long-term wealth.If you're wondering whether keeping your current home makes financial sense, contact me. I'll be happy to connect you with a trusted mortgage professional who can help you evaluate your options before you decide to sell.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/14/Don-t-Sell-Your-Current-Home

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

08/13/2026

According to Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, there can be a significant penalty for overpricing a home. Data shows that listings staying on the market 31-60 days often require price reductions of roughly 5%, with reductions growing larger the longer a home sits unsold.Today's buyers have access to more information than ever and quickly recognize when a home feels overpriced compared to competing properties. Once a listing lingers, buyers may assume there's a problem, even if there isn't.The goal is not to "test the market." It's to position your home strategically from day one to attract the strongest interest and best possible outcome.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/13/There-is-a-penalty-for-pricing-a-home-incorrectly

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

08/12/2026

In today's market, it's not always about lowering the price; it's about making the numbers work for the buyer. I'm helping sellers use smart strategies like rate buydowns and closing cost credits to attract more buyers and get stronger offers. If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to position your home for success.

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(404) 788-6695 [email protected]

Time Home Buyers -Up Buyers Sales to Sell to Buy

Strategic seller incentives like rate buydowns and closing cost assistance can make a home more affordable and appealing to buyers, helping it sell faster in today's higher-rate market.

08/11/2026

Your property tax bill is not always fixed from year to year. It can change because of reassessments, local tax rates, improvements to the property, or changes in available exemptions. Many homeowners do not realize they may qualify for exemptions such as homestead, senior, veteran, disability, or other local programs, and some may also have the right to appeal if they believe their assessed value is too high. The key is to review your notice carefully and pay attention to deadlines. If you receive a property tax assessment and want help understanding how your value compares to recent sales, contact me. I can help you look at the real estate side of the numbers.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/WandaLoweMerritt/2026/08/11/Your-Property-Taxes-Can-Change