Tiffany McDonald- Broker, Focus on Homes Realty

10/09/2026

Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates?

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its hikes can keep them higher for a while. The goal is to bring inflation, and eventually rates, down over time. With more hikes likely this year, waiting may not pay off. So, let's map out a plan that works at today's rates.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.

10/08/2026

Renovate or Relocate? What To Know Before You Decide To Age in Place

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.

10/07/2026

Feeling like buying your first place is still years away? Here’s how to shortcut it.

While data shows saving up and reaching the break even point where owning costs about the same as renting usually takes around 15 years, there are ways to get there faster.

If you set your sights on a starter home, it’s actually closer to seven years. That cuts the time in half. You’re looking at 4.6 years to save and 2.6 to break even.

But keep in mind, those numbers assume you put 20% down. Most first-time buyers put down far less, so that saving timeframe can shrink even more.

DM me, and I'll share a few ways to reach your first home sooner – like talking to a lender about down payment assistance programs.

Since you’ve probably already been saving for a while, you may be closer than you realize.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/06/2026

Over half of homes (60%) are selling below their original asking price right now. And that stat’s held steady for about a year and a half.

With affordability still so tight, having room to negotiate on price will take some of the biggest financial pressures off your move.

Where you've got the most pull comes down to the neighborhood. Let's chat, and we'll pinpoint where you can push hardest.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/05/2026

The number of homes for sale just reached its highest point since 2019.

And that gives you the most choice you’ve had in 7 years.

With affordability still so tight, having that many options opens up your odds of finding a home you love that still works for your budget.

Want to see what’s on the market in our area? DM me the price point you’re looking at to get started.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/04/2026

The Mortgage Rate You See Online Isn’t Necessarily the One You’d Get.

Headlines and social media make today’s rates sound high. But you have to remember, the rate you’re seeing online and your actual rate could be different. The only way to know what your rate could be is to talk to a trusted lender.

With the right help, you can find out what your real rate is – and where it can take you.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

You may have seen the headlines saying mortgage rates have climbed to the highest point since January 2025. And if that's left you reluctant to buy a home, here's what you need to remember…

10/03/2026

Hoping for (or Dreading) a Housing Crash? The Experts Just Weighed In.

Whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the verdict is the same – prices are still expected to rise, not fall. Let's talk about what that means for your market and your plans.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

Half the buyers out there are scared home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they will.

10/02/2026

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers pay closer attention to one thing: the monthly payment.

And builders know it. Right now, 13.8% of new-construction listings are advertising reduced rates, giving some buyers a way to bring that monthly payment down.

So, if you're selling near new construction, that's something worth paying attention to. But it doesn't mean you automatically need to match what a builder is offering.

Depending on your house, your market, and the buyer, competing could mean negotiating on price, helping with closing costs, offering a rate buydown, or simply doing a better job highlighting what your house offers that a new build doesn't.

The point isn't to give more away. It's to know what you're competing against so you can choose the right strategy from the start.

If you're planning to sell, let's...

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/01/2026

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for Home Sellers

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers more cost-conscious. Builders know that, and many are responding with reduced rate, closing-cost help, price reductions, and other incentives.
If you're thinking about selling, let's look at what buyers are getting from other homes in our area – including new construction – and make sure your house is positioned to compete.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too.

09/30/2026

Some of you are scared home prices are about to crash. Others are hoping they will. But will it happen?

Fannie Mae just asked over 100 housing experts where prices are headed through 2030. And the consensus is prices are expected to rise, not crash.

Even the most pessimistic experts still forecast prices will go up 6.6%.

So, whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the forecast is clear. While some markets may see small short-term declines, home prices are going to keep going up nationally.

Have questions about what this means for your move, or what’s happening locally? Let's chat.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)