Kathy Freutel, Realtor

06/07/2026

06/06/2026

La Quinta, CA

06/04/2026

06/02/2026

Closing EARLIER in the month usually means:
More prepaid interest
More cash due at closing

Closing LATER in the month can sometimes help:
Lower upfront cash needed
Give buyers a little more breathing room

Timing also depends on the seller! Some sellers want a quick close, while others may be flexible with a later closing date.

If the seller allows for a later close in the month, this can sometimes be a smart strategy for buyers to discuss with their realtor.

Little details like this can make a BIG difference during the buying process.

Comment HOME for my buyer/seller guide to Greater Palm Springs

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Most new homeowners miss at least 3 of these. Don't be most homeowners.

1. Change the locks immediately. You have no idea who has a copy of those keys. The seller's neighbor, their dog walker, their ex. A locksmith can rekey your locks from $50 - $150 or you can replace them yourself for $20 - $40 per lock. Do this before you move a single box inside.
2. File your homestead exemption. This is free money most new homeowners forget about. It could reduce your property's taxable value by $25,000 - $100,000, depending on your state.
3. Locate your water shut-off valve. When a pipe bursts at 2 am, you won't have time to Google this. Find it. Test it. Know exactly how to turn it off.
4. Replace the toilet seats. I'm serious! $15 - $30 per seat. You'll thank me later.
5. Change your HVAC filters. Who knows when the last owner did this. Dirty filters make your system work harder and cost you more. New filters run $15 - $40 and should be swapped every 90 days. Set a reminder.
6. Document everything. Take photos of every room, every wall, every appliance you unpack. This protects you for insurance claims and future disputes. Do it on move-in day.
7. Update your address within 10 days. Driver's license, voter registration, bank accounts, insurance policies. Some states will ticket you if your license isn't updated within 10 days of moving.
8. Store your closing documents somewhere safe. You'll need these for taxes. refinancing, and eventually selling. Upload them to cloud storage and keep physical copies in a fireproof safe.

The house is yours now. Protect your investment.

05/04/2026

https://www.workforce-resource.com/dpr/pmt/CRMLS/KATHY_FREUTEL