Summer House Realty Barb Kent Realtor

06/11/2026

Wondering if there’s anyone available to help an interesting client look at some land today and tomorrow? I’m Out of town til 6:26 Thanks

05/26/2026

MARKET NEWS:

There's No Doom and Gloom Housing Crash!

The headlines indicate that mortgage debt in the U.S. has reached an all-time high! Coffee shop wise guys say this indicates another housing crash. But there's a bigger picture. And that info changes everything. While mortgage debt is high, homeowners are actually in a very strong position.
Background:
According to the Federal Reserve, mortgage debt in the U.S. is currently around $14 trillion. Wow, that seems like a red flag. However, that number by itself doesn’t tell the whole story. Debt has grown, but home values and homeowner equity have grown even faster. In May 2026, home values sit at $48 trillion. Homeowner equity is at $34 trillion. And the mortgage debt everyone’s worried about? It’s just $14 trillion.
Debt is at a record high, sure. But the equity homeowners have built up is more than double that number, and it’s also near a record high. That’s not weak that's STRONG!

This Isn’t a repeat of 2008
You may remember the housing crash of 2008. Very sadly, many homeowners owed more than their homes were worth. Mortgages were given to people who couldn't afford the house. High mortgage payments continued, home prices dropped, millions of people were stuck as they couldn’t sell their homes for enough to pay off the mortgage. People lost money and went into foreclosure. Foreclosures ruin your credit and make it very difficult to purchase another home or get back on your feet. It was a horrific time for many.
Today, it's quite the opposite. Homeowners have a large equity cushion. Even if home prices soften, most people would still have value in their homes, dramatically reducing the risk of financial hardship.
Today's Homeowners Are in Great Shape
The strength of today’s market becomes even clearer when you look at individual homeowners. Almost 33 million homes in the U.S. are owned free and clear. Think of that: NO MORTGAGE (I wish.) and over 22 million homeowners own more than 50% equity.
If you total these, then two-thirds of homeowners have either paid off their homes or built significant equity. That’s really cool and makes for a very stable foundation.
Those with less than 50% equity—are often younger buyers who are still at the beginning of their mortgage journey. That’s normal and not a sign of trouble.
Bottom Line
The news tends to focus on doom and gloom numbers. But context matters. Right now mortgage debt is high but so are home values and homeowner equity. Our economy is pretty healthy. Most homeowners are in a strong financial position with a good cushion. The scenario leading up to the 2008 housing crisis (low equity and over-mortgaged homeowners) isn’t in place today.
Now you're smarter and when someone brings up that $14 trillion number, you’ll know what to say! (or have them call me!) It’s better than the headlines – but what's new? Be careful what you fill your mind with and seek a variety of sources!

thanks Barb 904-556-5700

04/09/2026

Need a recommendation for estate sale providers

01/13/2026

How to Save Money on Home Insurance
Barb Kent, Realtor, Summer House Realty, 904-556-5700

Home insurance protects your home, your biggest investment! But it doesn't mean you shouldn't regularly shop around. Let's look at how premiums are set and how you can possibly lower your costs while still keeping good strong coverage.
Here's Why Home Insurance Costs Vary
It's all based upon what they consider to be a risk. The higher the risk, the more you’ll pay. Here's why:
Location: Home premiums in areas with hurricanes (like Florida) or floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, or high crime, predictably cost more. If you live far from a fire station that'll also up your premium.
Home value: Top dollar, expensive homes cost more to repair or replace. If your home has lots of art work or one of a kind features, you'll pay more.
Deductible: If you increase your deductible, it'll lower your monthly premium but on the other hand, you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Claim history: If your home has a history of numerous claims filed, insurers see your home as high risk.
Home features: Security systems, water shut-off valves, and impact-resistant materials can lower costs. Pools, trampolines, or other high risks can raise your premiums.

Insurance costs have soared in recent years due to higher construction costs, weather risks, and other severe events. When claim payouts increase, premiums usually follow.
How to Lower Your Home Insurance
Compare quotes: SHOP AROUND. Different insurers charge very different prices for the same coverage.
Upgrade and maintain your home: If you replace an old roof, update plumbing or electrical systems, and keep up with basic maintenance you can lower your risk and may earn discounts.
Make your home disaster-resistant: Impact-resistant roofing, storm shutters, or hurricane-rated windows may lower premiums and help you keep coverage in high-risk areas.
Increase your deductible: If you have enough savings to cover a higher deductible, this can significantly reduce your premium.
Improve home security: Monitored alarm systems and security cameras usually reduce the risk of theft or damage.
Bundle policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you combine home insurance with auto or other policies.
Ask about discounts: Discounts include claim-free, new home, loyalty, military, and green home discounts. Always ask!
When to Review Your Policy
You should review your home insurance policy at least once a year and anytime your situation changes. Important times are:
When you move to a new home
Make major renovations or upgrades
Buy valuable items like jewelry or electronics
Adding new liability risks, such as a pool, trampoline, or a pet that's considered dangerous
Reviewing your policy makes sure you’re not overpaying. It also ensures that you have enough coverage when you need it. While updating your policy doesn't always decrease premiums, it can head off any expensive gaps in coverage later.

01/11/2026

AFFORDABILITY and BUDGETING
Barb Kent, Realtor, Summer House Realty, 904-556-5700
There's a lot in the news right now about affordability. Especially after the Christmas and holiday expenses. Governments can help by lowering interest rates, offering first-time buyer programs, or making loans easier—but they don't control your daily choices, like what you eat, how you shop, or big life decisions such as starting a family. The hard truth is that budgeting is mostly your responsibility and affordability is largely up to YOU - not the government's! Affordability matters because it affects everyday life. When things are affordable and you've saved some, you can focus on more than just surviving. You can save money, plan for the future, or even enjoy small things—like going out with friends. Lack of savings and having a “cushion” creates max stress for those “exciting” things in life like the fridge breaks, you need new tires or a “surprise” baby is on the way.
1. The usual guideline says housing should be approx. 30% of your gross income before tax (rent/mortgage + utilities + taxes + insurance.) This leaves approx. 70% for everything else: food, phones, hair/nails,clothes, doctors visits & meds, gas & car repairs, fun, savings, etc.
Say for example you make $30,000 a year (roughly $2,500/month gross), that's about $750/month or less for housing. Finding a rental for $750 is almost impossible unless you move to Jax or the far west of Nassau county. That leaves $1,750/month for the rest. Fact is in 2026, many spend 35–50%+ on housing.
2. The second rule is the 50/30/20 one, using your take-home pay after taxes:
50% on needs — housing, groceries, utilities, car/gas, minimum debts, health insurance.
30% on wants — eating out, hobbies, clothes, entertainment, salons.
20% on savings/debt — saving for a house, emergency fund, retirement, extra debt payoff.
This encourages saving while covering essentials. If housing pushes past 30–35%, you have to cut wants or boost income (side gig, raise). Cutting costs is as easy as packing yours and your kid's lunch, cooking dinner at home and making eating out a special occasion. There's always a need for house cleaners or yard work and if you go in that direction, you'll be paid well.
Either plan puts the ball in your court. It will focus you on the future of your life or your family's, make you less stressed and more hopeful about how your life unfolds.

12/03/2025

Paul Harris Foundation recipients (L) Denny Pendergass & (R) david Metzlof. Ray Gadd presented the awards! Congratulations!

11/03/2025

10/05/2025

Rosewood Estate Sales does it again! Remarkable unique items from all over the world! Come see us at 112 S. Lee St., Kingsland GA. Onerosewood.com