First Choice Realty Solutions • Real Broker, LLC

10/28/2026

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

More than 1 in 4 homes are being bought with cash right now. But here's something that might surprise you about who's buying them.

It's not just wealthy investors swooping in with deep pockets.

A lot of these cash buyers are everyday homeowners who've built up serious equity over the years. And that equity is giving them more buying power than they may have ever imagined.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $310,000 in equity.

Think about what that could mean for your next move.

You might have enough equity to buy your next home outright. No mortgage payment. No worrying about today's interest rates.

And even if you can't pay all cash, that equity could help you borrow significantly less.

But what if you're buying with a mortgage?

Here's some good news: Nearly 3 out of 4 homebuyers are still using financing. You're actually in the majority.

So don't let the headlines about cash buyers make you second-guess what's possible for you. Whether you're buying your first home or using equity to make your next move, there may be more opportunities than you think.

Wondering how you stack up in today's market? Send me a message. Let's talk about your options.

Go to FirstChoiceRealtySolutions.com to see ALL active & coming soon listings or to use the complimentary home equity tool!

10/27/2026

Staging Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

If you’re selling soon, staging can help you draw in buyers and get the most for your house. Mid-level staging can bring a 350% return on what you spend. On a $400k house, the typical $4k cost can add about $18k in value. That could mean about $14k more in your pocket at closing. Working with a smaller budget? Even just decluttering and rearranging furniture can make a big difference. Let’s walk through your house together and pinpoint the updates that’ll help it sell sooner – and for more.

Go to FirstChoiceRealtySolutions.com for properties & value tool!

10/27/2026

Have you eaten at this Mexican restaurant yet? It's one of the highest rated in Minneapolis!

First Choice Realty Solutions • REAL Broker LLC
612-999-2444 • [email protected]

Mexican in Minneapolis, MN

10/27/2026

🍂🏡 Is your home ready for the colder months?

From cleaning gutters to checking your heating system, a little fall maintenance now can help keep your home cozy and protected all season long. 🍁

✅ Clean your gutters and downspouts
✅ Disconnect outdoor garden hoses
✅ Protect exposed pipes
✅ Check your furnace filter
✅ Inspect your attic for proper insulation
✅ Winterize your Inground Sprinkler Lines

A little preparation now can help prevent costly repairs later!

What’s on your home maintenance checklist this fall?

📩 Have a real estate question? Ann and Scott at First Choice Realty Solutions are happy to help!

📞 (612) 685-8811 | (612) 328-8348

10/26/2026

Today, a growing number of homeowners who set out to sell end up as landlords instead. About 9% of homes for rent were up for sale first. In the industry, we call it “accidental landlords.”

And if you’re watching the market and trying to decide between selling or renting, here’s what you need to know…

While renting out your house can be a great fit for some people, being a landlord is a job of its own. Suddenly, you’re fielding weekend calls about a leaky dishwasher and you’ve got a plumber on speed dial. And you’re still on the hook for the mortgage any month the house sits empty.

That doesn’t mean renting is a bad option, it just means you have to know what you’re getting into. And if you’d rather sell, let’s talk. Because with the right price and a strong marketing plan it is still doable today.

Click FirstChoiceRealtySolutions.com for properties & equity tool!

10/26/2026

Whether you're dreaming of buying your first home, ready to sell, or planning your next move, we're here to help!

📩 Let’s chat about your goals and make a plan that works for you.

📞 (612) 685-8811 | (612) 328-8348

10/26/2026

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.

Go to FirstChoiceRealtySolutions.com to see ALL active & coming soon listings or to use the complimentary home equity tool!

10/25/2026

You’ve made the memories, now let’s find the next family to love this space as much as you did.

First Choice Realty Solutions • REAL Broker LLC
612-999-2444 • [email protected]

10/24/2026

Are home prices going up or down? It depends on where you look.

Over the past year, prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. In Seattle, they dipped about 1.6%. That’s a nearly 9-point gap between two major cities.

Look at little closer, though. Home prices are rising in 13 of the 19 major cities on this chart. And where prices are down, the dips are small (less than 2%).

So, this isn’t a crash. It’s just a market normalizing after overheating during the pandemic. And that’s hitting some areas differently than others.

Here’s what it really means. Your local market matters.

If you’re selling where prices are still rising, you may not need to cut your price. And if you’re buying where prices are softer, you may have more room to negotiate.

National headlines can’t tell you which side your neighborhood is on. Local data can. Let’s look at how prices are moving in your area, so you can set your price or make your offer with confidence.

Click FirstChoiceRealtySolutions.com for properties & equity tool!