Tony Schwartz Associate Broker

10/26/2026

A beautifully renovated kitchen or bathroom still needs to manage heat, moisture, and air effectively. Ventilation is one of those features that may not attract attention in photos but can make a meaningful difference in everyday use.

In bathrooms, effective exhaust can help manage humidity and moisture. In kitchens, ventilation should be appropriate for the cooking equipment and configuration of the space. Laundry rooms and other enclosed areas may have their own requirements as well.

When touring an extensively updated home, look beyond finishes and consider whether these functional details were addressed during the renovation.

Is an updated primary bathroom on your must-have list? Comment below or send me a DM to start your home search.

10/26/2026

TSchwartz/eXp Realty-Real Estate Updates

Here's something most buyers overlook…

When the housing market slows down, homeowners and builders don't always have the same priorities.

A homeowner may be willing to wait for a better offer. But builders with completed homes sitting unsold often have more reason to keep sales moving.

In October, over 60% of builders offered some type of incentive. And almost half (43%) cut prices.

That could mean more negotiating opportunities for you.

The trick is knowing where to look. Let's find the builders with more move-in-ready homes available right now and see what they're willing to offer to get their inventory sold.

10/25/2026

When buyers think about making an offer, price naturally receives a great deal of attention. But the strength of an offer can also depend on timing, contingencies, financing, closing preferences, and what matters most to the seller.

That makes it important to understand the property and situation before deciding how to structure an offer. A home that has just entered the market may call for a different approach than one that has been available for several weeks.

Buyers should also understand which terms provide important protections and avoid giving them up simply to make an offer appear more competitive.

Ready to Make an Offer? Send Me a DM and Let’s Talk.

10/24/2026

Outdoor spaces are increasingly being designed with the same attention given to interior rooms. Covered seating, integrated lighting, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and thoughtfully selected landscaping can make a patio or backyard feel like a true extension of the home.

When evaluating one of these spaces, consider how it connects to the interior. Large doors, covered transitions, lighting, and convenient access to the kitchen can influence how often the area is actually used.

Also consider maintenance. More elaborate landscaping, cooking equipment, water features, and hardscaping can add appeal while bringing additional responsibilities.

A well-designed outdoor area should look inviting and support the way you plan to use it. What feature would make you spend more time outside?

10/24/2026

Our Fall Client guides are out! Click on the link below and choose the guide(s) that you would like to review. All guides are available in the upper right corner. Great information for Sellers, Buyer and First Time Buyers as well!

It's difficult to know when is the best time to sell, or how to get the most money for your house, but you don't need to go through the process alone. You may be wondering if prices are projected to rise or fall…or how much competition you may be facing in your market. The free eGuide below will a...

10/24/2026

Our Fall Client guides are out! Click on the link below and choose the guide(s) that you would like to review. All guides are available in the upper right corner. Great information for Sellers, Buyer and First Time Buyers as well:

It's difficult to know when is the best time to sell, or how to get the most money for your house, but you don't need to go through the process alone. You may be wondering if prices are projected to rise or fall…or how much competition you may be facing in your market. The free eGuide below will a...

10/24/2026

TSchwartz/eXp Realty-Real Estate Updates

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why.

In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month.

For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe.

And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first.

A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs.

10/23/2026

Some of the most important exterior features are designed to go unnoticed. Proper grading and drainage help move water away from the home and can play an important role in protecting landscaping, hardscaping, and the structure itself.

After rainfall, notice whether water collects close to the house, along walkways, or in low areas of the yard. Downspouts, drains, retaining areas, and landscaping should work together rather than directing water toward the property.

Homes with more elaborate outdoor spaces may also have additional drainage considerations around patios, pools, retaining walls, or extensive hardscaping.

Is outdoor living on your home search wish list? Comment below or send me a DM to start exploring your options.

10/23/2026

TSchwartz/eXp Realty-Real Estate Updates

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

Today's market has more options than many people realize. Finding the right one could be as simple as getting more information about tools like ARMs. A trusted lender can run the numbers with you, walk you through the what-ifs, and help you explore the possibilities.

Is an ARM a good option for you? Talk to a loan officer to find out.

When mortgage rates climb, buying a home can start to feel like trying to hit a moving target. Every jump in rates makes monthly payments bigger, and that pushes a lot of buyers to look for another way in.

10/22/2026

Whether you own a house already or you’re looking to buy one, you probably care about home prices.