Erla Reyes, Realtor

09/03/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

09/02/2026

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

09/01/2026

Sellers Outnumber Buyers Right Now

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

08/30/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

Pocas cosas son tan desagradables como la idea de que la venta de su casa se desplome en el último momento, justo antes del cierre. Todo ese esperar, todo ese progreso, por la ventana.

08/29/2026

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

Usted está revisando los listados en su móvil y todo parece bien hasta que ve el precio (o el pago mensual estimado). Entonces cierra la aplicación.

08/28/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

08/27/2026

2026 Forecasts for Rates and Prices

Still waiting for mortgage rates and home prices to come down? Here’s what the forecasts shows. Expect more of the same. Rates likely won’t change much – and prices will likely rise. Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's finding out what's still possible right now. Let’s talk it over.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

08/23/2026

One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

If it's been a while since you've gotten a professional look at your home's value, let's change that.

Reach out for a free, personalized Home Equity Assessment that estimates what your house could sell for, how much equity you've likely built, and what that could mean for your next move.

You may have six figures of equity without even realizing it. And that’s enough to change everything about your next move.

-UpHomebuyer

Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

¿Cuándo fue la última vez que alguien le dijo cuánto vale su casa? No estamos hablando de lo que ha calculado alguna herramienta de valoración en línea. Ni por cuánto se vendió la casa de su vecino. Sino cuánto vale realmente su casa en este momento.

08/22/2026

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?

Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbor's place sold for. What your house is actually worth today.

If you're like most people, it's been years. And that number is worth a second look, especially now because it also tells you how much equity you have.

Data shows homeowners have an average of about $311k of equity today. That’s six figures. Once you sell, you can use that to put more money down or even buy your next house in cash.

So, today’s rates and prices may not be holding you back as much as you think.

If you're even thinking about what's next, let's talk. I’d be happy to do a free equity assessment and show you exactly what you're working with.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

-UpHomebuyer

Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

08/21/2026

One of the biggest stories in the housing market these past few years has been how much the supply of homes for sale has grown. It’s the #1 bright spot for buyers in this market.

But you may have heard that growth has been slowing down.

It’s true it went from +31% a year ago to just +2% now. But that’s no reason to worry about your move.

Because nationally, inventory has been up year-over-year for 33 straight months. And the latest data shows the slowdown may have already hit its floor.

Plus, since rates aren't expected to come down much anytime soon, inventory growth may be about to pick back up.

The bottom line? Inventory is still better than it was last year – and that gives you options. And even more choices may be coming soon.

Wondering what this means for your plans? Send me a DM and let's talk through what’s available right here, right now.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873