Priscilla Melo w/ The Moore Team at ExP Realty

07/26/2026

Good News for Homebuyers:
USDA Just Made Homeownership Possible for More Families.

Every year I talk with buyers who believe they need a large down payment to purchase a home.

Others assume they earn too much to qualify for USDA financing.

Sometimes they’re right.

But many times… they’re not.

The USDA has officially increased the household income limits for its 100% financing home loan program, giving more families the opportunity to qualify without a down payment.

New Income Limits:

• 1 to 4 person household: $122,800

• 5 or more person household: $162,100

This may seem like a small update, but for families who were previously just over the limit, it could be the difference between waiting another year and buying a home now.

USDA loans continue to be one of the most underutilized mortgage programs available because many buyers don’t realize:

• They require no down payment.
• Many suburban areas qualify—not just farms or remote locations.
• Monthly payments can be very affordable.
• The income calculation isn’t always as straightforward as people think.

Before you assume you don’t qualify, let us run the numbers.

It only takes a few minutes to determine whether your income qualifies and whether the home you’re considering is located in an eligible USDA area.

If you’d like our prefered lender to check your eligibility, send me a message or comment below.

You may be closer to homeownership than you think.!!!!

06/19/2026

Most homebuyers make the same mistake when negotiating.

They focus entirely on getting the seller to lower the purchase price.

At first glance, that sounds like the smartest move. After all, who doesn’t want to save $10,000?

But here’s what most buyers never realize:

A $10,000 price reduction on a typical 30-year mortgage may only lower the monthly payment by around $60.

That’s it.

Now compare that to using that same $10,000 as a seller-paid 2-1 rate buydown.

Instead of saving about $60 per month, many buyers could save $400 to $500 per month during the first year of homeownership.

That’s real money that stays in your pocket when you’re buying furniture, moving, making repairs, or simply adjusting to a new mortgage payment.

A 2-1 buydown temporarily reduces your payments in the first 2 years based on as if your rate was lower:

• 2% lower during Year 1
• 1% lower during Year 2
• Returns to the full note rate in Year 3

The seller pays for it at closing, not you. (Seller concessions)

Even better, if rates drop and you refinance before the buydown period ends, any unused funds are typically applied toward your payoff or refinance.

In today’s market, many sellers are motivated and willing to negotiate.

The question isn’t whether you should negotiate.

The question is whether you’re negotiating for the thing that creates the biggest financial benefit.

Sometimes the smartest offer isn’t asking for a lower price.

Sometimes it’s asking for a lower payment.

05/14/2026

There’s a LOT of confusion out there when it comes to Manufactured Homes, Modular Homes, MH Advantage, and traditional Stick Built homes.

Many buyers, sellers, and even agents use the terms interchangeably, but from a financing, appraisal, and resale standpoint, they are NOT the same.

Here’s a simple breakdown that can save buyers major headaches during the mortgage process:

-Stick Built Homes

This is the traditional home most people think of.

Built completely on site
Built to local building code
Permanent foundation
Titled as real estate

These typically allow the highest financing flexibility and are considered the standard for appraisal comparisons.

Current conventional financing can go up to 97% loan to value depending on the program.

-Modular Homes

A modular home is NOT the same as a manufactured home.

These homes are:
Factory built in sections
Transported to the property
Assembled on site permanently

The key difference:
Modular homes are built to LOCAL building code, just like stick built homes.

Because of that, financing and appraisals are generally treated very similarly to stick built properties.

Most buyers are shocked to learn many beautiful newer modular homes appraise and finance almost identically to traditional site built homes.

-Manufactured Homes Standard

These are built entirely in a factory and transported to the property.

They are built to HUD code, not local building code.

To qualify for traditional mortgage financing, they typically must:
Be permanently affixed to land
Be titled as real property
Meet HUD guidelines

Financing is still very possible, but there can be:
Lower max financing limits
Additional appraisal requirements
Specific comparable sale requirements
Additional pricing adjustments on conventional loans

A lot of lenders either avoid manufactured housing altogether or have very limited options.

-MH Advantage / CHOICEHome Programs

This is where things are changing in a BIG way.

These are specialized manufactured homes designed to look and function more like site built homes.

They often include:
Drywall throughout
Higher roof pitch
Attached garages or carports
Permanent foundations
Upgraded exterior appearance

Because of those features, Fannie Mae’s MH Advantage and Freddie Mac’s CHOICEHome programs can offer:
Higher financing flexibility
Lower down payment options
Better pricing adjustments compared to standard manufactured homes

These programs are helping bridge the gap between traditional manufactured housing and site built housing.

Why this matters:

The type of home directly affects:
Loan approval
Down payment requirements
Interest rates
Appraisal process
Resale marketability
Insurance requirements

And unfortunately, many buyers don’t discover the differences until AFTER they go under contract.

This is why upfront review matters.

Not every lender understands manufactured or modular financing correctly, especially when it comes to:
VA
FHA
Conventional
USDA
MH Advantage
Land/home combinations

If you’re looking at a manufactured or modular property, getting clarity upfront can save a deal before problems start.

Comment below or shoot me a DM

Have a great Thursday!

03/17/2026

My face hurts from smiling about this recommendation. :)

See more: https://www.realsatisfied.com/Priscilla-Melo

03/15/2026

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying, selling, or investing in real estate, I’d love to help. Whether you’re searching for your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or just curious about the market, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Real estate can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be when you have someone in your corner. Reach out anytime—I’m always happy to answer questions and help you make the best move.

02/27/2026

02/27/2026

Thinking of buying a place but tangled up in the condo vs. townhouse debate?

Let's clear the fog.

✅Ownership

With condos, you own your unit but share the building.

Townhouses?
You own the land beneath too, giving you a slice of the earth resulting sometimes in giving you more “space”.

✅Amenities:

Condos boast luxe shared spaces—gyms, pools, sky lounges.

Typically, townhouses offer fewer amenities but hey, more privacy.

✅Privacy:

Speaking of, condos mean sharing
walls and possibly ceilings.

Townhouses share a wall or two but offer more secluded living.

✅ Homeowners Association (HOA):

Both have them, but condo HOAs cover more, like building maintenance.

Townhouse HOAs might leave more in your hands but with lower fees.

✅Rules and Regulations:

Condo living comes with a book of bylaws.

Townhouses offer a bit more freedom, but don't dream of painting your exterior neon pink.

Each has its charm and its challenges.

Tag or share with a friend who needs to see this…. 👏