Teresa Zilinsky -Onward Real Estate

06/23/2026

Have you noticed suspicious activity on your credit report? A fraud alert is easy to file, but be aware of how long it lasts.

Victims of identity theft or fraud may feel they don’t have many options to protect themselves. An e...

06/16/2026

Want a home with cleaner air? Try one of these air-filtering plants!

A good-looking houseplant adds pizzazz to your home. It can also be the next best thing to a live-in...

06/12/2026

Yes — I showed over 128 houses in two months, including 86 to one client (that’s a personal record!). The market was crowded: many existing listings, lots of new construction, and weekly checks for new listings. We kept looking but couldn’t find the right house in their price range. Some properties looked decent on the MLS photos, but most needed significant updates the asking price didn’t justify, so we moved on and searched different neighborhoods.

We eventually narrowed it to three homes that were priced a bit high. We made verbal (written-out) offers, including our price and contingencies (no house to sell), and asked whether the sellers would be willing to negotiate. Two refused to budge, but one invited a written offer. We submitted it and negotiated to a great, win–win outcome for both sides.

My second clients saw 28 houses before we settled on one and submitted an offer. The sellers repeatedly rejected our price and the listing agent called us nitpicky — maybe we were, but my buyers knew what they were willing to pay. They liked the house but it had drawbacks. I decided to show them a few more properties. We booked three viewings in the same area and found the perfect house a block away. They loved it! We made an offer in a multiple-offer situation — and they got it!

I’m still working with client #3.

It just takes time. I encourage clients to drive through neighborhoods to eliminate areas or exteriors they don’t like, but when nothing new is coming on the market you keep wondering if the right one is out there. It can be a process that requires adjusting expectations and exploring different areas — and that’s okay. A few years ago we’d watch for listings and by the time we booked an appointment there would already be 30 offers. No complaints — compared to that this is a good market. With patience and creative negotiating, we’ll get there.

I love finding great houses for my clients. There isn’t a perfect one, but finding a home that fits their needs is incredibly fulfilling. I pray these families find laughter and joy as these houses become homes. ❤️🏠

06/09/2026

Want to refinance your home loan? Start by improving your credit score.

If you can find a lower mortgage rate than the one you already have, then refinancing a mortgage can...

06/02/2026

A credit score takes time to build, so starting young is important. College students can start by paying their student loans on time.

Building good credit in college is one of the best financial moves students can make. Having good cr...

05/26/2026

Here are some financial priorities newlyweds can keep in mind.

Deciding where to live, if you’re going to have children, and who takes out the garbage are some of ...

05/19/2026

Retirees, consider saving money by moving to a smaller home or a less expensive location!

If you’re nearing retirement and haven’t saved much for it, you’re not alone. Forty-eight percent of...

05/12/2026

Heated flooring sounds like a dream come true, but are they realistic for your home?

While you might be considering adding heated flooring to your new home, there are a lot of questions...

05/05/2026

Confused about your HSA? Here are 5 ways to take advantage of your Health Savings Account.

Putting money in a Health Savings Account, or HSA, can help you and your family pay for health expen...

04/28/2026

Did you know you can gift savings?

Parents contributing to a 529 college savings plan may find it difficult, if not a little time-consu...