Brandi Hurd Realtor

08/11/2026

Which of these whimsical homes is your favorite?

Proof that dreams have addresses. 🏡✨

08/08/2026

Find out how to unplug during your next vacation.

Blog Home Blog 10 Relaxing Vacation Activities to Unplug and De-Stress In today’s fast-paced world, vacations have become more than […]

08/07/2026

Don’t miss these 10 unforgettable Oregon experiences.

From rafting in Bend to wine tasting in Willamette Valley, here are Oregon's top experiences.

08/06/2026

Try scuba diving at world-class reef sites. dives in.

Indonesia's Gili Islands may be small, but they pack in big experiences. Here are the top things to do.

08/04/2026

From spills to storage, Ziploc bags save days.

This hack will help keep you organized in-flight (without being unsanitary).

08/01/2026

Small towns offer big experiences for curious visitors.

During an Encinitas day trip, you can shop and dine on the 101, visit the scenic meditation gardens, hang at Moonlight or Swami's Beach, and more.

07/31/2026

Early wall cracks and stains can signal deeper exterior issues in a home.

Learn the key signs that your stucco needs remediation, from cracks and staining to moisture issues, so you can act early and prevent serious damage.

07/30/2026

Choosing the right tile starts with a level and supported subfloor.

HGTV's Mike Holmes recommends using tile on your kitchen floor rather than hardwood or LVP, as tile is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture.

07/28/2026

Affordable kits let you turn boring bifold doors into sleek modern barn doors.

Bifold doors are practical options for closet doors, but if you want to add some fun style to it, upgrade them with these cool barn door DIYs.

07/26/2026

Mortgage rates are always moving. And depending on when you pull the trigger, you could save thousands — or leave money on the table. 💰

Here's the thing most people get wrong: there's no "right" answer. It all depends on your timeline.

🔒 Locking your rate: You're paying for peace of mind. No more surprises. But if rates drop before closing, you're stuck paying more.

🌊 Floating your rate: You're betting that rates will drop before you close. It could save you big—or it could backfire.

Here's how to actually think about it:

If you're closing in 15 days? Lock it. Sleep. 😴 The rate certainty is worth more than a potential 0.25% savings.

If you're closing in 60+ days? Floating becomes more interesting. You've got time for the market to move in your favor. But can you actually handle the stress of watching rates every day?

Real talk: Most people think about this backward. They focus on predicting the market instead of focusing on their own situation—job stability, down payment timeline, and how much uncertainty they can handle emotionally.

The smartest move? Know your closing date and your risk tolerance. Everything else is just noise.

Buying in the next 90 days? DM me, and we'll map out your rate strategy. 👇