The Shultz Team

09/03/2026

Thinking about buying a home? Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps you can take. To get started, most lenders will want four basic things: a current driver's license or state-issued ID, your Social Security number, proof of income and funds available for your down payment, and a list of your current debts.Having these items ready can help streamline the process and give you a clearer picture of what you can comfortably afford. It can also strengthen your position when it's time to make an offer.If you're preparing to buy, I'm happy to connect you with trusted lenders who can help you take the next step with confidence.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/PamBobShultz/2026/09/03/4-things-to-start-your-pre-approval

(574) 536-6960 [email protected]

09/01/2026

Days on market can tell you more than how long a home has been listed. It may provide clues about demand, pricing, condition, and seller motivation.A newly listed home could require quick action, while one that has been available for several weeks may create an opportunity to ask questions or negotiate.However, the displayed number does not always tell the complete story. A listing can be removed and relisted, causing the DOM counter to restart.Before making an offer, ask your agent to review the property's full listing history and cumulative days on market. Better information can help you evaluate the seller's position, structure a stronger offer, and make a more confident buying decision.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/PamBobShultz/2026/09/01/What-Buyers-Should-Know-About-Days-on-Market

08/30/2026

Sunday morning a bit dreary for ya? Don't let it keep you cooped up all day! Stop by for a tour from 1-3pm

54563 Hunters Ct. Elkhart 🏡

Colin Dorsam and Megan Shultz-Lester will be happy to answer all of your real estate and mortgage questions!

08/30/2026

Open house-palooza 🎉🥳

Who will you be stopping by to say "Hi" to?!

Open Houses tomorrow. Stop by and see these fabulous homes and say "hello". Bring your checkbook. 😉

08/27/2026

Your trusted agent can recommend a trusted mortgage lender which is crucial for most first-time buyers.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/PamBobShultz/2026/08/27/Smart-Actions-for-First-time-Homebuyers

(574) 536-6960 [email protected]

08/25/2026

If you have the ability to make a large principal payment and want to lower your monthly mortgage payment, recasting may be worth asking your lender about. A recast allows some homeowners to keep their existing loan and interest rate while the lender recalculates the payment based on the lower loan balance. This can be appealing if your current rate is lower than today's rates. However, recasting is typically only available on conventional, conforming loans, and FHA, VA, and USDA loans are generally not eligible. Refinancing is different because it replaces your current loan with a new one.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/PamBobShultz/2026/08/25/Mortgage-Recasting-to-Lower-Your-Payment

08/20/2026

If your property tax assessment seems higher than your home's market value, it may be worth a closer look. Assessments aren't always perfectly aligned with current conditions, and even small discrepancies can impact what you pay each year.The key is comparing your assessment to recent sales and understanding how your property is being evaluated. If there's a gap, you may have grounds to appeal.I can help you review your home's value and provide supporting information to guide your decision.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/PamBobShultz/2026/08/20/Is-your-property-tax-assessment-too-high

(574) 536-6960 [email protected]

08/19/2026

🏡🔑PARADE OF POSSIBILITIES🔑🏡

Why tour one open house when you can tour THREE?!

This Saturday, we’re rolling out the welcome mats for our Parade of Possibilities — three homes, all located near one another, each offering something completely different.

🌊 Waterfront to acreage
🏡 Move-in ready to room to make it your own

There really is a possibility for EVERYONE on this parade route!

📍 30186 CR 108, Elkhart — $279,900 Jarred Moen eXp Realty
📍 30046 Westlake Dr, Elkhart — $331,900 Brianna Macias Realty Group Resources
📍 29983 CR 108, Elkhart — $415,000 Megan Shultz Century 21 Circle

🎉 BUT HERE’S WHERE IT GETS FUN…
At each stop, tour the home, tell us what you think, and collect your secret keyword. 🔑

Collect all THREE keywords and you’ll be entered to win our Parade of Possibilities Grand Prize — a gift card bundle perfect for your next parade through Downtown Elkhart! 🍽️🛍️🥂

No pressure. No boring open-house vibes. Just four completely different homes, a little friendly house hunting, and the chance to win something fun along the way.

🗓️ SATURDAY AUGUST 22ND | 2–4 PM

Grab your favorite house-hunting buddy, pick your first stop, and JOIN THE PARADE! 🏡🚗💨

Which one will be YOUR favorite? 👀

08/18/2026

Not every renovation pays off when it is time to sell. Some improvements are wonderful if you plan to enjoy them for years, but they may not add enough resale value to recover the cost. Highly personal design choices, luxury upgrades, removing functional space, or over-improving for the neighborhood can all limit your return. Before spending a large amount of money, it is smart to look at what buyers in your area actually value. If you are thinking about renovating and want to know which projects may help resale and which ones may not, contact me. I can help you look at your home through a buyer's eyes.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/PamBobShultz/2026/08/18/Renovations-That-Don-t-Pay-Off

08/13/2026

According to Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, there can be a significant penalty for overpricing a home. Data shows that listings staying on the market 31-60 days often require price reductions of roughly 5%, with reductions growing larger the longer a home sits unsold.Today's buyers have access to more information than ever and quickly recognize when a home feels overpriced compared to competing properties. Once a listing lingers, buyers may assume there's a problem, even if there isn't.The goal is not to "test the market." It's to position your home strategically from day one to attract the strongest interest and best possible outcome.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/PamBobShultz/2026/08/13/There-is-a-penalty-for-pricing-a-home-incorrectly

(574) 536-6960 [email protected]