Clara Okechukwu Coldwell Banker American Homes

10/20/2026

Look at the updated Valley Stream Market Watch Report.

With real estate being local, it's important to work with a local expert that understands the changing market.

10/20/2026

Looking Beyond the Mortgage: Long-Term Costs of Owning a Home
A monthly mortgage payment is one of the first numbers buyers look at, but it isn't the only one that matters. Two homes with similar purchase prices can have very different ongoing costs once taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other expenses are added in.
Looking beyond the loan payment...

A mortgage payment is only part of the cost of homeownership. Look at taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and other expenses before you buy.

10/19/2026

Hoping mortgage rates will come down soon? The latest inflation report just made that outlook a little more complicated.

Inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, higher than economists expected. And while rising gas prices were a big driver, costs increased across several other categories too.

Why does that matter for housing? Because stubborn inflation makes it harder for the Fed to justify lowering their Federal Funds Rate. It could even increase the chances of another hike.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. But inflation and Fed expectations influence them, which means there's no guarantee mortgage rates will move lower anytime soon.

If you're planning to buy or sell, don't let a hoped-for rate drop be the only thing driving your timeline.

Let's look at what today's market means for your move and build a plan around the numbers you can actually work with.

10/18/2026

Home sales may be slower than last year. But that doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

At the current pace, almost 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. That's about 11,000 each day, 450 an hour, and nearly 8 every minute.

Why? Because even in this market, there are still buyers out there who have a reason to move.

People get new jobs, families grow, people retire, downsize, and move closer to the people they love. And those changes create buyers and sellers in every kind of market.

In fact, the latest report from NAR shows sales actually ticked up slightly in September, even though they're still below last year's pace.

So, don't let a headline convince you no one is buying. You don't need every buyer. You just need the right one – and a strategy that helps your house get their attention.

If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to make yours one of the homes that sells.

10/18/2026

Rent is usually your biggest monthly expense—it’s time your credit score reflected that! 🏠💳
A study by VantageScore shows that nearly 4 million U.S. renters could become eligible for a mortgage just by having their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus.
If you’re looking to build credit or buy a home soon, check if your landlord offers rent reporting, or sign up for a third-party reporting service to make every payment count! ✨
Drop a 🔑 in the comments if homeownership is on your vision board!

10/15/2026

Keeping Buyers Interested After the First Showing
A buyer walking out of a showing without making an offer isn't necessarily bad news. They may be comparing several homes, talking through their budget, waiting for another family member to see the property, or simply trying not to make a rushed decision.
For sellers, the period after that first visit...

A promising first showing doesn't always lead straight to an offer. Keep buyers engaged by making follow-up easy and addressing issues that may hold them back.

10/15/2026

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/15/2026

Look at the updated Elmont Market Watch Report.

With real estate being local, it's important to work with a local expert that understands the changing market.

10/13/2026

250 years of honor, courage, and commitment. Thank you to the brave men and women of the U.S. Navy for two and a half centuries of protecting our freedoms! ⚓🇺🇸

10/13/2026

Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Comfortable Year-Round
Home comfort usually isn't one big thing. It's the bedroom that always feels warmer than the rest of the house, the glare on the television every afternoon, or the room where everyone seems to reach for a blanket.
Before assuming you need a major upgrade, look at the smaller problems that come up repeatedly....

Everyday comfort often comes down to small details. Find practical ways to make your home feel better throughout the year without a major remodel.