Cheryld T. Hanson

12/15/2025

🎥 Beautiful Palm Bay Home For Sale

4 bedroom
3 bathroom
3420 SqFt home
2039 Snapdragon Drive NW
Largest home in the subdivision with over $100K in upgrades! This one checks a lot of boxes!
$410,000

Message me for details or to schedule a private showing.

09/23/2025

✨🏡 𝗧𝟭𝟮 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂! 🏡✨

Think you know the housing market? 🤔 Some common myths may be holding buyers and sellers back. Let’s set the record straight:

1. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: You need a big down payment.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Many buyers purchase with as little as 𝟯% 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻—and VA or USDA loans can mean 0%! Grants and first-time buyer programs make it even easier.

2. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: Online home value estimates are always right.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Algorithms cannot see your upgrades, landscaping, or amazing view. A local agent provides the most accurate pricing.

3. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: All renovations increase value.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Personal style is not always an investment. Smaller updates (like doors, windows, or a new roof) often bring the best returns.

4. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: Renting is always smarter than buying.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Rent rises over time. Mortgage payments (on a fixed rate) stay the same—and you build equity and wealth.

5. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: The lowest interest rate = the best loan.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Look at the full APR, closing costs, and terms. Sometimes a “low rate” hides extra fees.

6. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: You need perfect credit.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Many buyers qualify with scores in the 500s depending on loan type. Higher scores do unlock better rates, but “perfect” is not required.

7. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: Student loans kill your chances.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Lenders count them like any other debt. With the right plan, you can still qualify.

8. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: Bidding wars are over.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Hot homes still get multiple offers—especially when staged, priced right, and well-marketed.

9. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: New homes always cost more.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: In many markets, new builds are priced the same—or even less—than resale homes.

10. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: Affordability is only a coastal problem.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁 (𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹): Even here in Brevard County, prices have outpaced incomes in places like Merritt Island, Viera, and Palm Bay.

11. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: Preapproval and prequalification are the same.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Prequalification is just an estimate. Preapproval involves verified finances and makes your offer stronger.

12. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡:: Another 2008 housing crash is coming.
👉 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Today’s market has stronger lending standards, higher equity, and very few distressed sales.

✨ 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: Headlines and hearsay can mislead. The best way to cut through the noise is to check the facts and talk with a trusted local pro.

09/19/2025

📢 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐔𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Ten private insurers just got the green light to take over 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟐𝟓𝟒,𝟖𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 starting mid-December. This is part of Florida’s depopulation program aimed at reducing Citizens, the state’s insurer of last resort.

👉 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬:

Citizens had 771,167 policies as of last week (down from 1.4M in 2023).

Largest approvals:
• Manatee Insurance Exchange – up to 50,000 policies
• American Integrity Insurance – up to 30,265 policies
• Five others approved for up to 25,000 each

Goal: shrink Citizens to reduce financial risk if major hurricanes hit.

Catch: If a private company offers you coverage within 20% of Citizens’ rate, you may have to switch – even if the new policy costs more.

⚠️ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬:

You might get an offer from a private insurer soon.

Premiums could rise, but private carriers may offer broader coverage options.

This is all happening right after hurricane season ends (Nov. 30).

📌 Tip: If you receive a take-out offer, review it carefully. Compare coverage, deductibles, and rates before deciding your next step.

09/18/2025

𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑫𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅! 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒀𝒐𝒖?
Big news yesterday: The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25%! That may sound small, but even a slight drop can open doors in the real estate market.
💡 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒖𝒚𝒆𝒓𝒔
*Lower rates = lower monthly payments
*Increased buying power
*Refinancing opportunities if you bought at a higher rate
💡 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔
*More buyers can qualify, creating stronger demand
*Homes may sell faster with more competition
*Potential for stronger offers as affordability improves
🏡 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆: Whether you are thinking about buying or selling, yesterday’s rate cut could work in your favor. Even small shifts in interest rates can mean big changes in affordability and demand.

09/12/2025

📉 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐰 🏡

Good news for buyers and homeowners — 30-year mortgage rates have dropped to 6.35% (down from 6.5% last week), the lowest in nearly a year. Meanwhile, 15-year rates slid to 5.5%.

👉 This drop comes as Treasury yields fall ahead of an expected Federal Reserve rate cut. While the Fed does not set mortgage rates, its moves influence the bond market — and in turn, home loan pricing.

⚡ Mortgage applications just hit a 3-year high, with nearly half of them for refinancing. Homeowners are taking advantage of lower rates to reduce monthly payments, while buyers are seeing a window of opportunity.

💡 Keep in mind: rates may bounce back after the Fed decision, so this window might not last long.

Thinking about buying or refinancing? Now could be the time to explore your options.

09/11/2025

✅ 𝟔 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 (in 5 Years or Less!)

Buying a home may feel out of reach with today’s prices, but with a clear plan, it is possible. Here are six smart steps to get started:

🔹 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Add up assets (cash, investments, property) and subtract liabilities (loans, credit cards).
This snapshot shows where you stand.

🔹 𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭
Focus on credit cards and personal loans first.
Try either the avalanche (highest interest first) or snowball (smallest balance first) method.

🔹 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞
Pay bills on time, lower balances, and watch your credit utilization.
Consider a secured credit card that reports to all 3 bureaus.

🔹 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (and More)
Aim for 20% to avoid mortgage insurance, plus reserves for emergencies.
Use high-yield savings accounts and automate deposits.

🔹 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲
Research mortgages, first-time buyer programs, closing costs, and property taxes.
Connect with a trusted realtor who knows your local market.

🔹 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫
Revisit your debt, credit, and savings regularly.
Adjust your plan but stay committed to your goal.

🏡 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: You do not need to be debt-free or wealthy. You just need a plan.

09/09/2025

📉 Mortgage Market Awaits the Fed’s Next Move 🏡

Mortgage rates are holding steady as September begins, but all eyes are on the Federal Reserve’s Sept. 17 meeting.

If the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates could stay the same or dip slightly.

If the Fed keeps rates unchanged, we may see rates bounce higher.

👉 Right now, the 30-year fixed is averaging around 6.7%, making affordability a challenge for buyers and leaving very few refinance opportunities.

💡 What this means for you:

Buyers: Waiting for the Fed? A small drop could help, but inventory and prices still matter more.

Homeowners: Unless your current rate is over 7.25%, refinancing might not make sense just yet.

Forecasts from Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association suggest a gradual decline in rates into 2026.

📊 The housing market remains in a holding pattern—are you planning to make a move this fall, or waiting to see what the Fed decides?

09/08/2025

💡 Smart Ways to Save When Buying a Home on the Space Coast

Buying a home is more than just the down payment. Between taxes, insurance, and closing costs, it can add up quickly — but there are smart ways to cut costs:

✅ Compare lenders for better mortgage rates
✅ Look into FHA, VA, or USDA loan programs
✅ Explore local down payment assistance programs
✅ Negotiate with sellers for closing costs or HOA fees
✅ Refinance later if rates drop

Your dream home on the Space Coast may be closer than you think — it just takes the right strategy. 🏡✨

09/02/2025

🏡 Thinking about buying a home?
Do not let your dream turn into regret. A recent survey found that 22% of homeowners regret their purchase — but you can avoid the same mistakes.

Here are some smart steps to keep in mind before you buy:
✅ Check out the neighborhood at different times of day
✅ Always get a home inspection (yes, even on new builds)
✅ Budget for ALL the costs: taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance
✅ Be realistic about upgrades and repairs — they cost more than you think
✅ Know the rules (HOA, zoning, city regulations)
✅ Make sure everyone in your household is on board

The bottom line: Do your homework, budget wisely, and know when to walk away. The right preparation will help you love your home for years to come!

Buyers can feel confident by carefully considering location, budgeting for costs, getting inspections and understanding HOA rules before making an offer.

09/01/2025

📉 Mortgage Rates Hit 10-Month Low!

Great news for buyers — the average 30-year mortgage rate has slipped to 6.56%, its lowest point since last October! 🏡

✅ 30-Year Fixed: 6.56% (down from 6.58% last week)
✅ 15-Year Fixed: 5.69% (holding steady)

Although rates are still higher than the pandemic lows, this downward trend is creating new opportunities for homebuyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.

If you have been thinking about making a move, now may be the time to explore your options. 📲

08/27/2025

📢 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮

Good news for Florida homeowners: 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 has just been approved as the 𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿 to enter Florida since the 2022–2023 insurance reforms.

✅ Backed by the same leadership team as 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, Viceroy is stepping in to provide 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵-𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 for homeowners and dwelling fire policies.
✅ Unlike some new companies, 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 but plans to 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, focusing on the 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.
✅ The goal? 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 + 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 for homeowners.

This continued growth in insurers is a 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 after years of challenges.

🏡 As always, 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 to make sure they are getting the best protection and value.