Elzie K Felton Realtor

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

https://www.homes.com/news/mortgage-rates-top-7-why-more-borrowers-are-turning-to-arms-and-buydowns/373650921/?utm_source=Homes&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HM_PDT_B2B_ALL_AgentWeeklyNewsFTP_DailyCallout_20260811&utm_id=8bcee287-b295-f111-a5e3-5cba2c6f8688&utm_content=article

As mortgage rates hover near their highest averages in some three years, lenders and borrowers are looking beyond the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.The

10/13/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYER EDUCATION SERIES — DAY 30
🚨 DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR HOME'S MAIN WATER SHUTOFF VALVE IS?
Imagine waking up at 2:00 a.m. to the sound of running water.
A pipe has burst, and water is spreading across your floor.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO FIRST?
💧 1. KNOW WHERE YOUR MAIN WATER VALVE IS LOCATED.
Depending on your home, it may be near the water meter, garage, or where the water supply enters the house.
🔧 2. KNOW HOW TO SHUT IT OFF.
Have a plumber show you how to operate the correct valve safely before an emergency occurs.
🚨 3. ACT QUICKLY WHEN A LEAK OCCURS.
If it's safe, shut off the water supply to help limit damage. Stay away from electrical hazards and call a qualified professional.
📱 4. HAVE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT READY.
Keep the number of a trusted plumber somewhere easily accessible.
🏠 5. DON'T IGNORE THE AFTERMATH.
Even after the water stops, moisture can remain behind walls, beneath flooring, and inside cabinets. Prompt drying and professional assessment may be necessary.

HERE'S MY ADVICE:
Don't wait until water is flooding your home to figure out what to do.
FIVE MINUTES OF PREPARATION TODAY COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS TOMORROW!
Homeownership isn't just about making the mortgage payment.
It's about knowing how to protect your home and the people who live inside it.

I turn confusion into clarity, stress into confidence, and houses into homes.
Helping you make informed decisions before you ever sign a contract.

🎓 THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?
There's more to homeownership than finding the right house.
Join me at my next First-Time Buyer Survival Workshop and learn how to prepare financially, navigate the buying process, avoid costly mistakes, and understand the responsibilities of homeownership.
🏡 Come with questions. Leave with a plan and the confidence to take your next step!

📩 Message me for information about my next workshop.
Elzie K. Felton | REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
📞 512-906-6659
🌐 ElzieFelton.com

10/12/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYER EDUCATION SERIES — DAY 29
🚨 YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE—BUT WILL IT WORK WHEN YOU NEED IT?

Here's a question every homeowner should ask:
When did you last test your smoke detectors?
A smoke detector hanging on the ceiling doesn't automatically mean your family is protected.

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW:
🔥 TEST YOUR ALARMS MONTHLY.
Press the test button to make sure they're functioning.
🔋 CHECK THE BATTERIES.
Replace removable batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never ignore a low-battery warning.
🏠 KNOW WHERE ALARMS BELONG.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.
⏰ KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE THEM.
Replace most smoke alarms 10 years after manufacture, or sooner if the manufacturer recommends it.
💨 DON'T FORGET CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. Properly installed CO alarms provide another important layer of protection, particularly in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
HERE'S MY ADVICE:
Take five minutes today to check your alarms.
And make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if one sounds.
YOUR HOME CAN BE REPLACED. YOUR FAMILY CANNOT. ❤️
Homeownership isn't just about protecting your investment. It's about protecting the lives inside it.

I turn confusion into clarity, stress into confidence, and houses into homes.
Helping you make informed decisions before you ever sign a contract.

🎓 THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?
There's more to buying a home than finding the right house and qualifying for a mortgage.
Join me at my next First-Time Buyer Survival Workshop, where you'll learn how to prepare financially, navigate the buying process, avoid costly mistakes, and understand the responsibilities of homeownership.

🏡 Come with questions. Leave with a plan and the confidence to take your next step!

📩 Message me for information about my next workshop.
Elzie K. Felton | REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
📞 512-906-6659
🌐 ElzieFelton.com

10/11/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYER EDUCATION SERIES — DAY 28
🚨 WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CHANGED YOUR HVAC FILTER?
You change the oil in your car to protect the engine.
But what are you doing to protect your home's HVAC system?
A dirty air filter may seem like a small problem, but it can lead to bigger expenses.

HERE'S WHAT A CLOGGED FILTER CAN DO:
🔹 INCREASE ENERGY COSTS — Restricted airflow can make your system work harder.
🔹 REDUCE AIRFLOW — Your home may not heat or cool as effectively.
🔹 STRAIN YOUR HVAC SYSTEM — Poor airflow can contribute to equipment problems.
🔹 AFFECT INDOOR AIR QUALITY — A dirty filter may be less effective at capturing airborne particles.

HERE'S MY ADVICE:
Check your HVAC filter monthly and replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Some filters last longer than others, depending on the system, filter type, and household conditions.
Always use the correct filter size and a filtration rating compatible with your system.
💡 HOMEOWNER CHALLENGE:
Before this weekend is over, check your HVAC filter.
A SIMPLE MAINTENANCE HABIT TODAY COULD HELP YOU AVOID AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR TOMORROW!
Remember, protecting your investment doesn't stop when you receive the keys.

I turn confusion into clarity, stress into confidence, and houses into homes.
Helping you make informed decisions before you ever sign a contract.

🎓 THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?
Buying a home is exciting, but understanding how to maintain it is just as important.
Join me at my next First-Time Buyer Survival Workshop, where we discuss the buying process, financial preparation, avoiding costly mistakes, and the responsibilities of homeownership.

🏡 Come with questions. Leave with a plan and the confidence to take your next step!
📩 Message me for information about my next workshop.
Elzie K. Felton | REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
📞 512-906-6659
🌐 ElzieFelton.com

10/10/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYER EDUCATION SERIES — DAY 27
🔥 COULD YOUR CLOTHES DRYER BE A FIRE HAZARD?
You clean the lint trap after every load.
But when was the last time you cleaned the dryer vent?
Many homeowners don't realize that lint can accumulate inside the dryer exhaust duct, restricting airflow and increasing the risk of fire.
HERE ARE FOUR WARNING SIGNS:
• Clothes take longer than usual to dry.
• Your dryer or laundry area becomes unusually hot.
• You notice a burning smell while the dryer is operating.
• There's excessive lint around the dryer or exterior vent.

HERE'S MY ADVICE:
Cleaning the lint screen is important, but it's not enough.
Inspect and clean your dryer exhaust system regularly, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Have a qualified professional clean it when necessary.
If you notice a burning smell, stop using the dryer until the problem is resolved.
A SIMPLE MAINTENANCE TASK COULD HELP PREVENT A DEVASTATING HOUSE FIRE.
Remember, protecting your investment also means protecting the people who live inside it.

I turn confusion into clarity, stress into confidence, and houses into homes.
Helping you make informed decisions before you ever sign a contract.

🎓 THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?
Homeownership comes with responsibilities that go far beyond making the mortgage payment.
Join me at my next First-Time Buyer Survival Workshop and learn how to prepare financially, understand the buying process, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your investment after closing.

🏡 Come with questions. Leave with a plan and the confidence to take your next step!
📩 Message me for information about my next workshop.
Elzie K. Felton | REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
📞 512-906-6659
🌐 ElzieFelton.com

10/09/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYER EDUCATION SERIES — DAY 26
🚨 IS YOUR HOME PROTECTED FROM A COSTLY WATER LEAK?

That small drip under your kitchen sink may not seem like a big deal.
But what happens when that drip continues for weeks or months?
SMALL LEAKS CAN LEAD TO BIG EXPENSES!
Water damage can affect your flooring, cabinets, drywall, and even create conditions for mold growth.

HERE ARE FIVE PLACES EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD CHECK:
💧 UNDER YOUR SINKS
Look for moisture, dripping pipes, or water stains.
🚽 AROUND YOUR TOILETS
Check for water around the base and listen for toilets that continue running.
🧺 BEHIND YOUR WASHING MACHINE
Inspect visible hoses and connections for leaks or deterioration.
🚿 AROUND SHOWERS AND BATHTUBS
Watch for damaged caulking, loose tiles, or unexplained moisture.
🏠 NEAR YOUR WATER HEATER
Check for pooling water, rust, or signs of corrosion.
HERE'S MY ADVICE:
Don't wait until water spreads across your floor.
Take 10 minutes this weekend to walk through your home and look for potential problems.
If you discover a leak, address it promptly and contact a qualified professional when needed.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE IS OFTEN LESS EXPENSIVE THAN MAJOR REPAIRS.
Remember, buying a home is an investment. Maintaining it helps protect that investment.

I turn confusion into clarity, stress into confidence, and houses into homes.
Helping you make informed decisions before you ever sign a contract.

🎓 THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?
Homeownership is more than qualifying for a mortgage and getting the keys!
Join me at my next First-Time Buyer Survival Workshop, where you'll learn how to prepare financially, navigate the buying process, avoid costly mistakes, and understand the responsibilities of homeownership.
🏡 Come with questions. Leave with a plan and the confidence to take your next step!
📩 Message me for information about my next workshop.
Elzie K. Felton | REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Lone Star
📞 512-906-6659
🌐 ElzieFelton.com

10/08/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYER EDUCATION SERIES — DAY 25
💧 YOUR WATER HEATER COULD BE COSTING YOU MONEY—WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CHECKED IT?
Most homeowners don't think about their water heater until they turn on the faucet and discover there's no hot water!
But your water heater could be showing warning signs long before it stops working.

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR:
🔹 WATER LEAKS: Moisture or pooling water around the tank could indicate a problem.
🔹 RUST OR CORROSION: Visible rust on the tank or connections deserves attention.
🔹 UNUSUAL NOISES: Popping or rumbling sounds may indicate sediment buildup or other concerns.
🔹 INCONSISTENT HOT WATER: Changes in water temperature or supply could signal a developing problem.
🔹 AGE OF THE UNIT: Older water heaters may require closer monitoring and replacement planning.

HERE'S MY ADVICE:
Don't wait until your water heater fails and causes damage to your home.
Have a qualified professional inspect and maintain it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
A LITTLE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TODAY COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS TOMORROW!
Remember, buying a home is an investment. Maintaining it helps protect that investment.

I turn confusion into clarity, stress into confidence, and houses into homes.
Helping you make informed decisions before you ever sign a contract.

🎓 THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?
There's more to homeownership than qualifying for a mortgage and receiving the keys!
Join me at my next First-Time Buyer Survival Workshop, where you'll learn how to prepare financially, understand the buying process, avoid costly mistakes, and become a more informed homeowner.
🏡 Come with questions. Leave with a plan and the confidence to take your next step!
📩 Message me for information about my next workshop.
Elzie K. Felton | REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
📞 512-906-6659
🌐 ElzieFelton.com

Call now to connect with business.

10/07/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYER EDUCATION SERIES — DAY 24

🚨 DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR HOME’S MAIN SHUTOFFS ARE?

Imagine waking up at 2:00 a.m. and discovering water pouring onto the floor.

Do you know how to shut it off?

Don't wait for an emergency to learn your home.

💧 MAIN WATER SHUTOFF

Know where it is and how to stop the water supply when necessary.

🚽 FIXTURE SHUTOFFS

Locate the valves for toilets, sinks, and other fixtures.

⚡ ELECTRICAL PANEL

Know where your breaker panel and main breaker are located. Label your circuits so you know what they control.

🔥 GAS SHUTOFF

Know where it is, but if you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area and contact your gas utility or emergency services. Don't attempt to troubleshoot it yourself.

🏡 HOMEOWNER TIP

Take a few minutes this week to locate these important areas in your home.

Better yet, show the other members of your household where they are too.

Knowing what to do before an emergency can help prevent a small problem from becoming a very expensive one.

Homeownership isn't just about buying the house.

It's about knowing how to protect it.

I turn confusion into clarity, stress into confidence, and houses into homes.

Helping you make informed decisions before you ever sign a contract.

🎓 THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?

There's a lot more to homeownership than getting the keys.

Join me at my next First-Time Buyer Survival Workshop and learn what to expect before, during and after buying your home.

🏡 Come with questions. Leave with a plan and the confidence to take your next step.

📩 Message me for information about the next workshop.

Elzie K. Felton | REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty

📞 512-906-6659

🌐 ElzieFelton.com