Steven Bledsoe - Albrick

08/26/2026

🍂🌼 Want Your Yard Looking Great This Fall? Now Is the Time to Plant!

Fall is getting closer, but that doesn’t mean your landscaping has to lose its color. In fact, late August is a great time to start planning and planting for a beautiful fall yard. 🏡

Good Housekeeping recently put together a list of 37 of the best fall flowers, many of which can keep blooming well into autumn — some even until the first frost.

A few worth considering:

🌸 Chrysanthemums (Mums) — The classic fall favorite
🌻 Black-Eyed Susans — Bright, drought-resistant & great for pollinators
🌺 Coneflowers — Hardy, colorful & attract butterflies
💜 Salvia — Adds beautiful pops of color
🌿 Sedum — Heat and drought resistant
🌷 Petunias — Can continue blooming all the way until frost
🌼 Alyssum — Great for flower beds, containers or along walkways

Why does this matter for homeowners?

Your landscaping is one of the first things people notice about your home. A few inexpensive seasonal plants around the front porch, mailbox, walkway or flower beds can make a BIG difference in your home's curb appeal.

And if you're thinking about selling this fall? 👀

First impressions matter. Fresh landscaping is one of the simplest ways to make your home feel more inviting before a buyer ever walks through the front door.

Good Housekeeping recommends planning ahead because many fall flowers are best planted around mid-to-late August, although the right timing and varieties depend on your local growing zone.

👇 What’s your go-to fall flower — mums, sunflowers, or something else?

Check out the full list of 37 fall flowers in the article below.

🏡 Steven Bledsoe | ALBRICK Real Estate
📍 Serving buyers & sellers throughout North Carolina & South Carolina
📲 704-703-9672

Start planting them right now!

08/06/2026

🏡✨ Another Dream Turned Into Reality! ✨🏡

Today was one of those closings that reminds me exactly why I love what I do. 🙌🏼

When Tina first reached out to me, she had been through some tough experiences with other Realtors. She had been given false hope, felt let down, and had honestly started to believe homeownership just wasn’t going to happen for her.

I remember telling her one simple thing:

“If you’ll hang in there with me, trust the process, and do your part, I’ll do everything I can to make your goal happen by the end of next summer.”

And that’s exactly what she did.

For almost a year, we worked on everything. We focused on improving her credit, creating a game plan, overcoming obstacles, staying patient through setbacks, and taking each step one at a time. Tina trusted the process, followed through on every recommendation, and never gave up. 💪

Today, she officially became a homeowner in a beautiful brand-new construction home surrounded by the people who matter most, her family. 🏡❤️

This closing is one that will stick with me for a long time.

Not because we closed another transaction, but because we helped restore hope. Seeing someone go from believing it would never happen to holding the keys to their own home is what makes every late night, every obstacle, and every challenge worth it.

To top it all off, Tina surprised me with an incredibly thoughtful closing gift. That meant more to me than she probably realizes. Thank you, Tina, for trusting me through this journey. It was truly an honor to help you achieve such a huge milestone.

A huge shoutout to my incredible lending partner, Alex Stull of First Federal Bank, NMLS 1440649. Alex went above and beyond throughout this process, helping guide Tina every step of the way, finding solutions to pay off other obligations, improving her financial position, and making it possible for her to purchase a brand-new construction home. I couldn’t ask for a better lending partner. 👏

Congratulations again, Tina! You earned every bit of this moment, and I couldn’t be happier for you and your beautiful family. I can’t wait to see all the memories you’ll make in your new home. 🎉

If you’ve been told “no,” have been discouraged by the process, or think homeownership isn’t possible, don’t give up. Sometimes all it takes is the right team, the right plan, and someone who refuses to quit on you.

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling, I’d be happy to help you accomplish your real estate goals too!

📲 Steven Bledsoe, REALTOR®
🏡 ALBRICK Real Estate
📞 704-703-9672
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://albrick.com/steven-bledsoe/

08/06/2026

For the 14th year in a row, Americans ranked real estate as the best long-term investment. *

That result reflects how many people view homeownership as a long-term goal, even as market conditions change.

For many, buying a home is about more than finances—it's about having a place to call your own and putting down roots in a community.

If you're thinking about buying a home, let's connect. I'd be happy to answer your questions, discuss the home financing process, and help you understand the options that may fit your individual situation.

What would you choose as the best long-term investment? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902


*Based on annual Gallup survey results (Survey results reflect consumer opinions and are not a guarantee of future performance or appreciation).

07/31/2026

🏡 📊 July 2026 Housing Market Update: Buyers Are Finally Seeing More Opportunities!

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to buy a home, July brought some encouraging news.

According to Zillow's latest market report:

✅ More homes are hitting the market.
✅ Buyers have more choices than they've had in quite some time.
✅ Lower-priced homes continue to sell the fastest.
✅ Monthly mortgage payments are slightly lower than they were this time last year thanks to improved interest rates.

So, what does this mean?

🔑 For Buyers: More inventory means more options, less competition on many homes, and better opportunities to negotiate.

🏠 For Sellers: Homes are still selling, but buyers have choices. Proper pricing, great marketing, and strong presentation are becoming more important than ever.

The biggest thing to remember is that real estate is local. National headlines are great for trends, but what matters most is what's happening right here in the Charlotte, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and surrounding markets.

If you're curious what your home is worth today, or you're thinking about buying in the next 6–12 months, I'd be happy to put together a FREE personalized market analysis and show you exactly what's happening in your area.

💬 Comment "JULY" or send me a message, and I'll get one started for you!

📈 Question of the Day: Do you think home prices in our area will be higher, lower, or about the same one year from now? Let me know below!

Despite stubborn rates and weak consumer confidence, entry-level homes saw the most action in June.

07/30/2026

🏡 Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? Read this before you start.

A beautiful new kitchen can absolutely increase your home's value and make it more enjoyable to live in... but here's something many homeowners don't realize:

💡 A kitchen remodel could also increase your homeowners insurance premium.

Why?

When you upgrade your kitchen with custom cabinets, quartz countertops, high-end appliances, or other premium finishes, you're increasing the cost to rebuild your home if something were to happen. Since your insurance company may now have to cover a more expensive kitchen, your policy may need to be updated, which can mean a higher premium.

Before you start swinging the sledgehammer, here's what I recommend:

✅ Call your insurance agent before the renovation begins.
✅ Ask if your current coverage is enough during and after the project.
✅ Keep receipts and photos of your upgrades.
✅ Make sure your contractor is properly licensed and insured.
✅ Review your policy once the project is complete so you're not underinsured.

The good news? A remodeled kitchen is still one of the most desirable features for buyers and can add meaningful value to your home when done well. The key is planning for all the costs, not just the renovation itself.

🏠 Homeownership is about more than buying a home, it's about making smart decisions that protect one of your biggest investments.

Question for homeowners: If you could remodel one room in your house for free, what would it be? 👇

A kitchen remodel is universally considered a good investment for homeowners, but it does come with some risks to your insurance.

07/27/2026

First-time homebuyers are making up a larger share of today's housing market.

Recent market data shows first-time buyers accounted for 35% of home purchases in May—their highest share since 2020. As more homes become available, some buyers are finding opportunities they may not have considered before.

If you are thinking about purchasing your first home, I'd be happy to be a resource to discuss mortgage options and the home financing process.

Let's connect.

Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #408902
Advertisement for credit. Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting approval. Rates and terms may change and vary by credit profile and loan features. Not all applicants qualify.



Source: NAR, NAR Revises 2026 Outlook, First-Time Buyers Surge to 35% of Market, June 2026

07/27/2026

🎉🏡 JUST CLOSED! 🏡🎉

A huge congratulations to my buyer on closing on this Charlotte investment property! 🔑

⚡ This one was a FAST mover! We were able to get this transaction from under contract to the closing table in just 18 days! 🚀🙌

Like many real estate transactions, this one came with its share of unexpected challenges during the Due Diligence period. 🔎🏠 We worked through inspections, gathered additional information, and made sure every concern was thoroughly investigated so my client could make a confident investment decision.

🤝 In the end, I was able to negotiate favorable terms for my investor client, adding value while ensuring they felt comfortable moving forward with the purchase.

💯 That's what representation is all about, not just opening doors, but protecting your clients, solving problems, negotiating on their behalf, and advocating for them every step of the way. 🛡️

🎉 Congratulations again, Kevin! Thank you for trusting me throughout this process. It was a pleasure helping you secure another investment, and I'm excited to see what you do with this property! 📈🏠

📲 If you're thinking about buying your first home, your next home, or your next investment property, I'd love the opportunity to help you navigate the process and negotiate the best deal possible.

📞 Steven Bledsoe
🏡 REALTOR® | ALBRICK
📱 704-703-9672

07/17/2026

🏡 Big changes are happening in North Carolina real estate that could impact buyers, sellers, homeowners, investors, and developers.

One of the biggest parts of my job isn't just opening doors or negotiating contracts, it's staying on top of legislative changes that can affect your property rights, home values, and future real estate decisions.

Here are a few highlights from the recently signed North Carolina State Budget and other legislation:

✅ $25 million invested in workforce housing to help increase the supply of affordable homes across the state.

✅ Zoning and permitting reforms designed to reduce delays and make the development process more efficient.

✅ Parking requirement reforms that remove unnecessary regulations and could make future residential and commercial projects easier to build.

✅ Stormwater regulation updates that help protect commercial redevelopment projects from new retroactive requirements.

✅ Home-Based Business Fairness Act allowing many low-impact home businesses to operate without needing permits from municipalities (HOA rules and deed restrictions still apply).

✅ New incentives for commercial development aimed at encouraging future economic growth.

📢 Another important update for real estate professionals and consumers:

The NC Real Estate Commission has officially rejected the proposed dual agency rule changes that were being considered. While a different proposal may be discussed later this summer, no changes are taking effect at this time.

Why does this matter?

Real estate laws and regulations often influence:
🏠 Housing availability
📈 Property values
💰 Development costs
📝 Real estate transactions
🏢 Investment opportunities

I believe informed clients make better decisions. That's why I stay up to date on these changes so you don't have to.

If you ever have questions about how new legislation could affect your home, investment property, or future buying or selling plans, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help.

📍 Proudly serving buyers, sellers, and investors throughout North Carolina & South Carolina.

07/08/2026

1,000 Homes Sold...and We’re Just Getting Started! 🎉

This milestone represents more than a number, it represents 1,000 families served, countless relationships built, and a team of dedicated agents who make it all possible.

At ALBRICK, every closing is a collaboration. Our agents, staff, partners, and clients have all played a part in helping us reach this incredible achievement.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted ALBRICK throughout the years. Here’s to the next 1,000 homes and continuing to serve our communities with excellence.

1,000+ Homes Sold 🏡

$300M+ in Sales Volume 💰

Serving North Carolina, South Carolina & Beyond 📍

#1000

07/02/2026

🏡 The biggest mistake I see new homeowners make...

It's not buying the wrong house.

It's thinking the mortgage is the only monthly housing expense.

Here's a simple rule that can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress:

💰 Set aside 1-2% of your home's value each year for maintenance and repairs.

For example:
• $250,000 home = $2,500-$5,000/year
• $400,000 home = $4,000-$8,000/year

You probably won't spend it every year, but when the HVAC decides to quit in the middle of July or the water heater gives out on a Sunday morning, you'll be glad you planned ahead.

Homeownership isn't about avoiding repairs... it's about being prepared for them.

A few other tips I give every buyer:
✅ Change your HVAC filter regularly.
✅ Know where your main water shutoff is.
✅ Keep a small emergency repair fund.
✅ Don't ignore little issues, they almost always become expensive ones.

I'd rather help my clients prevent a $5,000 surprise than help them recover from one.

💬 Homeowners: What's the most unexpected repair or expense you've had since buying your home?

👇 Drop it in the comments. You might save another homeowner from making the same mistake!

The mortgage payment is only the beginning. Here are other essential, and often overlooked expenses to budget for.