Roxanne Lisi, Real Estate Agent with Howard Hanna

06/08/2026

Hi! Have you seen the new Howard Hanna commercials about "Find It First"?

One of the biggest challenges buyers face today is finding homes before everyone else does. With Find It First, eligible listings can be viewed before they appear on many public real estate websites.

This is a new program, and the inventory of Find It First homes is expected to grow over time—making it an exciting tool for buyers looking for an edge in today's market.

Learn more: roxannelisi.howardhanna.com/finditfirst

Thinking about buying or just curious how it works? Reach out and I'd be happy to help!

— Roxanne Lisi, Howard Hanna

Find It First at Howard Hanna

06/05/2026

🏠 Mortgage Pre-Approval Matters

House hunting without a pre-approval is like shopping without knowing your budget. It wastes your time, and causes undo stress, you cannot buy that perfect home you just saw without a pre-approval. A pre-approval letter must accompany your offer.

A mortgage pre-approval can help you:

✅ Understand your buying power
✅ Strengthen your offer
✅ Move quickly when you find the right home

Thinking about buying in 2026? Start with a conversation, not just a random online questionnaire you completed on a website.

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

🏡 Home Buying Myth: You Need Perfect Credit to Buy a Home

Not true!

Many buyers qualify for a mortgage with credit scores lower than they expect. Some loan programs may allow scores as low as 580, and in certain situations even lower.

Every buyer's situation is unique, so don't count yourself out before Speaking with a LENDER.

The best first step? Find out where you stand and create a plan. ✨

06/04/2026

Now THAT is a smile worth celebrating! 😊

One of the most rewarding parts of real estate is moments like this.

My buyer started his home search with me back in February. He had a very specific area in mind and wasn't interested in settling for "close enough." The challenge? Homes in that neighborhood move FAST.

Instead of waiting and hoping, I got a little creative. I reached out to several Howard Hanna offices and agents to see if anyone had a property coming to market that might be a fit.

Sure enough, another Howard Hanna agent responded with exactly the opportunity we were looking for!

The result? My buyer found the home he wanted and was able to secure it before it ever hit the open market. 🎉

Seeing the excitement, relief, and happiness on a client's face when they get the keys to the home they've been dreaming about is why I love what I do.

Congratulations Casey you are now a HOMEOWNER! Thank you for trusting me to help you through the journey. Wishing you many years of wonderful memories in your new home. ❤️

Roxanne Lisi, 440-328-7072. Call or text to start your journey to homeownership with me!!!!

06/03/2026

🏡 Mortgage Lender vs. Mortgage Broker
Mortgage Lender

A lender is the company that actually provides the money for your loan.

Pros:
✅ Direct communication with the decision-maker
✅ Often faster processing and underwriting
✅ May offer special programs or incentives
✅ Fewer parties involved in the transaction

Cons:
❌ Can only offer their own loan products
❌ You may need to shop multiple lenders yourself to compare rates and programs

Mortgage Broker

A broker acts as a middleman, shopping your loan application to multiple lenders.

Pros:
✅ Access to multiple lenders through one contact
✅ May find programs you didn't know existed
✅ Can be helpful for unique financial situations

Cons:
❌ Another layer in the process
❌ Not all lenders work with brokers
❌ Communication can sometimes take longer because information passes through the broker

My Advice to Buyers

Don't assume the first person you talk to has the best option for you.

Whether you work with a lender, broker, bank, or credit union, ask questions, compare rates and fees, and make sure you understand your loan options.

The goal isn't just getting approved—it's finding the mortgage that best fits your financial goals.

⏬⏬⏬ I can't stress this enough!!!! ⏬⏬⏬

A GOOD LENDER OR BROKER SHOULD EDUCATE YOU, NOT PRESSURE YOU.

06/02/2026

Know the difference Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval

Mortgage prequalification is a quick estimate based on basic financial information you provide, no documents are sent.

Mortgage preapproval is a more in-depth process that involves the lender running a credit check and cursory verification of your income, assets, and debts.

Pre-Approval is what you need to start your home journey. Make sure you have those words on your paper from the lender!!