Sandy Sicsko and Joe Borromeo - Compass

06/12/2026

Find which home improvements and remodeling projects provide the best return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.

06/11/2026

Mortgage Term of the Day:
An interest-only loan allows you to pay only the interest on your mortgage for a set period (usually 5–10 years).

💡 What does that mean?
🔹 Lower monthly payments—at first
🔹 No reduction in the loan principal during the interest-only period
🔹 Payments increase after the interest-only term ends

Best for: Short-term ownership, investment properties, or buyers who expect higher income in the future.
📌 But be careful—once that interest-only period ends, payments can jump!

06/09/2026

🏠💡 Leaving Town? Don’t Leave Your Home Vulnerable!

Whether you're gone for the workday or off on an island escape, leaving your home empty can be nerve-wracking — and for good reason. A vacant-looking home can be a target for break-ins. 😬

But don’t worry — you don’t have to cancel your vacation! With a few smart tricks, you can make it look like someone’s always home. 👀✨ From smart lighting to simple routines, we’ve rounded up the top tips to help keep your home safe while you're away.

Find the REALTOR® who's right for you. Gain expert home buying advice,selling tips, and investment strategy from real estate professionals.

06/09/2026

Summer Guides for Buying or Selling a Home

Moving this Summer, and not sure where to start? The new Summer Guides for buying or selling a home have your answers. For your free digital copy, let’s connect.



Be in the know with Sandy and Joe! Your Real Estate Team!

06/08/2026

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.



Be in the know with Sandy and Joe! Your Real Estate Team!

06/06/2026

Mortgage Term of the Day:
An initial escrow deposit is the amount you pay at closing to set up your escrow account.

This account holds funds for:
📅 Property taxes
🛡️ Homeowner’s insurance
🏠 Sometimes mortgage insurance

Lenders require this upfront to ensure there’s enough money in the account when those bills come due.

💡 Think of it as a cushion to keep your mortgage-related payments running smoothly!

06/06/2026

One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: “What’s going to happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?”

And it makes sense why everyone is asking.

Affordability is tight. Rates feel high. Prices do too.

And people want to know if the second half of the year is going to be better.

Here's the honest answer. A lot of it depends on what happens with inflation – and the lingering uncertainty overseas. But even in today’s market, there’s opportunity, if you know where to look.

Want a breakdown of what’s impacting the market, where experts think things could go from here, and what you can actually do about it?

Send a DM or drop a comment below and I can send you over an article that breaks it all down.



Be in the know with Sandy and Joe! Your Real Estate Team!

06/05/2026

We’ve rounded up our favorite budget ideas to inspire your next DIY home improvement project.

06/05/2026

The Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Why Forecasts Changed in 2026

The housing market hasn’t rebounded as quickly as experts originally hoped. But that doesn’t mean it’s stalled.

Higher inflation and lingering economic uncertainty caused economists to revise their forecasts for this year. But importantly, when those two things settle down, many experts believe the market will regain its momentum.

So don’t see this revision in forecasts as a sign of trouble. See it as a temporary reaction to overall conditions and uncertainty.

If you want to know what’s happening in our local market, and what it could mean for your plans for the rest of this year, let’s connect.



Be in the know with Sandy and Joe! Your Real Estate Team!

If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.

06/05/2026

Because even though you want rates to come down, experts say this latest inflation data could actually set the stage for rates to stay “higher for longer.”

So, what can you do about it? Should you just wait?

My advice is simple. Focus on what you can control.

Even in a market like this, there are things you can do to get the best mortgage rate possible. Because sometimes you need to move no matter what’s happening – and that’s okay.

You just need the right strategy.

Let's talk about what this means for your situation and your timing. Drop a comment below or send over a message.

Because you don’t have to figure it out alone. And there are still ways to move forward.



Be in the know with Sandy and Joe! Your Real Estate Team!