Misty Braden, Realtor

05/21/2025

Before buying a home in an HOA community, it’s a good idea to review the rules and fees so you know exactly what’s included, how that fits into your overall budget, and what restrictions may apply.

Would you rather pay an HOA fee for added perks, or skip it and have full control over your property? Let’s talk about what’s best for you.

When buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs. But you may not be thinking about homeowners association (HOA) fees.

05/20/2025

Your equity could be the thing that makes homeownership possible for your children when they might not be able to do it on their own. So, here’s the question.

If helping your kids buy a home was more feasible than you thought, would you want to explore that option?

If you want to learn more or find out the best way to make it happen, talk to your lender and a financial advisor you trust.

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time.

05/19/2025

Did you know? Nearly half of 18–26-year-old homebuyers today are getting down payment money from their parents.

And one thing that may be making that possible? Their parent’s home equity.
Right now, the average homeowner has over $300K in equity. And some parents are using some of that to help their children buy a home.

If you’re interested in learning more, talk to your lender and a trusted financial advisor.

05/19/2025

Not all home upgrades will add the value you’d expect. And the smartest projects aren’t always the flashiest. So, make sure you understand what’s catching the eye of buyers in your area.

The best way to get those insights? Talk with a local agent who knows what buyers are looking for.

An expert agent will know which features are going to draw in buyers, boost your home's value, and which you may want to hold off on.

What update is on your to-do list? Comment below or send me a DM and I’ll let you know if that's worth it in our local market.

05/18/2025

Are you wondering what to expect from the housing market in the second half of the year? Here’s what the experts say.

Forecasts show rates should come down slightly, inventory will continue to improve, and price growth will slow down.

If you have questions about what’s ahead or what it means for your move, DM me or drop a comment below.

05/17/2025

Are you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you.

Mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly. There will be more homes available for sale. And as inventory rises, home price growth will moderate.

Want to know what this could mean for your plans? Let's connect and talk through it together.

Are you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you.

05/16/2025

The latest 2025 forecasts show mortgage rates are projected to come down slightly and price growth will moderate. Want to know what this could mean for your plans? Let’s talk through it together.

05/16/2025

Keeping that low mortgage rate is smart – until it starts holding you back.

If a move is likely on the horizon for you, even if it’s a few years down the line, it’s worth thinking through the numbers now, so you can plan ahead.

What other price point do you want to see these numbers for? Let’s have that conversation, so I can show you how the math adds up. That way, you can make an informed decision about your timeline.

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go.

05/15/2025

If you’ve thought about moving but you’re holding off because you don’t want to give up your 3% mortgage rate, this 5-year price forecast might help you rethink your timing.

Even in this shifting market, experts project home prices will keep rising. That means the longer you wait, the more your next home will cost. So, a $400K house today will be nearly $80K more in just 5 years.

So, the real question isn’t: “why would I move?” – it’s: “when should I?”

DM me and let’s talk about your timeline, so you have all the facts to make your best decision – whether that’s moving now, or later.

05/15/2025

Do you have student loan debt and think you can’t buy a home until it’s paid off – or at least a lot lower? Think again.

32% of first-time buyers were able to buy a home last year, even with student debt. And the median amount of those student loans was $30,000.

So, having student loans doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wait to buy a home.

If you want to see what’s possible, connect with a lender.

05/14/2025

Having student loans doesn’t mean buying a home is off the table. Before you count yourself out, talk to a lender to get a clearer picture of what you can afford and how close you are to taking the first step toward homeownership.

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home.

05/14/2025

Now that inventory has grown, buyers are finally getting some breathing room – and potentially, some extras, too.

The percentage of sellers offering concessions is back to typical pre-pandemic levels, and that can mean real savings. From help with closing costs to mortgage rate buy-downs, these perks can make it easier to move forward.

Let’s connect to see what offers might be on the table for you. You could end up getting more than you expected.

If a seller offered to help sweeten the deal, what’s one thing you’d hope they’d include?