Mariedel McEntire - Texas Realtor

05/04/2026

Online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high. That shows a lot of buyers aren’t sure what’s actually required, and they’re looking for answers.

Unfortunately, many still think they have to put 20% down.

But the data says something very different is happening.

The typical first-time buyer actually puts down about 10% – that’s half of what you probably expected. And some do as little as 3.5% or even 0% down (depending on their loan type).

So, that 20% myth is only holding you back and delaying your timeline more than necessary.

If you’re curious about what’s really required, it’s worth having a conversation with a trusted lender. A true expert can give you better information than an online search.

Then let's chat about what your budget can get you in today’s market.

05/03/2026

If you’re currently asking yourself: can I stay in this house long-term, or does it make more sense to move? Here’s what I'd tell you.

While aging in place can be a great option, over time it usually means making updates so your home continues to work for you.

Some of those changes are simple. Others can be more of an investment.

That’s why planning ahead matters if you think you want to go this route. It gives you the chance to spread out the work and the costs over time.

But it’s also okay if you don’t want to take that on.

If this has crossed your mind at all and you’re trying to decide what’s next, what projects to tackle, or what else is out there, let’s talk it through.

04/30/2026

Spring always gives sellers an edge.

But data shows there’s a short window when that advantage really peaks – and it’s usually the last two weeks of May.

While it can vary by market, that's when buyer demand is at its strongest and competition pushes prices higher.

In some cases, that timing alone can mean a seller makes tens of thousands of dollars more.

If you’re aiming to sell for top dollar, this is the moment to watch.

Want to see what it would take to get your house ready for it? Let’s talk.

04/27/2026

Think You Have To Put 20% Down? Most First-Time Homebuyers Don’t.

The simple truth is: most first-time buyers don’t put 20% down. And if you’ve been waiting to buy until you have that saved, you may be setting a timeline that’s longer than necessary.

To find out what you really need to save and if you qualify for any help, connect with a trusted lender who can walk you through your options. You may be able to buy sooner than you thought.

According to Google Trends, online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high.

04/26/2026

3 Things That Are Not Going To Happen in Today's Housing Market

Online posts are going to make things sound worse than they are. If you want a true, data-bound look at what’s really happening in today’s market, lean on a real estate agent.

Let’s connect so you have someone to separate fact from fiction today.

There’s a lot of uncertainty right now and that’s leading to some dramatic headlines.

04/23/2026

If you’re worried the number of homes for sale is rising out of control...

You think prices are about to crash...

Or you’re holding off because you think rates are about to drop dramatically...

Here’s what I want you to know.

While you may be hearing those things online, the data doesn’t back any of that up.

So, if you’re reading something or you see a post online that makes you second guess if you should move right now, don’t just take it at face value. DM me.

I’ll tell you what the data really says about the housing market today, so you can make a decision about your timeline that’s based on fact, not fear.

04/20/2026

The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This Spring

For a long time, first-time buyers have felt stuck, waiting for their turn to buy. But that’s starting to change. And for some buyers, this Spring might be the first time in a while where things feel more within reach again.

Want to see which neighborhoods could give you the best shot at buying right now? Let’s talk.

For a while, buying your first home hasn’t just felt hard. It may have felt out of reach.

04/19/2026

The net worth of a homeowner is 43x greater than that of a renter. Not 2x. Not 5x. Forty-three.

And even if renting feels like the easier move right now, that’s a number that sticks with you – because it shows what’s at stake over time.

Look, I know buying can feel out of reach. But when’s the last time you actually ran the numbers? Because you might be closer than you think.

Now that doesn’t mean you have to buy today. But you should at least know your options and what it would take to get there.

Want to stop renting and start building something for yourself? DM me and come up with a plan together. Your timeline. Your budget. Your future.

04/16/2026

Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About

Renting may feel more do-able today. But over time, it could cost you.
If you want to ditch renting and start building something for your future, it starts with a simple conversation. Let’s connect, talk about your specific goals, and explore your options – so you’re ready when the time is right for you.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking.

04/13/2026

Investors Own Just 0.4% of Single-Family Homes

You may have heard big investors are buying a lot of homes. But that’s not what the numbers show. Only 0.4% of the single-family homes in this country are owned by big investors. Want a quick breakdown of what’s really driving today’s market? Let’s talk.

04/12/2026

For some families who want to buy, the numbers just aren’t lining up right now.

Between ongoing affordability challenges and rising childcare costs, it can feel like you have to choose either buying a house or paying for daycare.

But a growing number of people are finding a smart solution where they can do both: buying a multi-generational home.

1 in 7 buyers purchase a home with their parents, grandparents, or other relatives. And here’s how that helps.

By combining incomes and sharing expenses, they can finally afford to buy. And it even makes childcare easier when loved ones all live under one roof.

Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.

Want to explore what this could look like for you? Let’s connect.

04/09/2026

Thinking About an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Need To Know.

ARMs are getting more attention again because they can make buying a home more affordable in the short term. But they’re not right for everyone.

The key is understanding how they work, what the risks are, and whether they fit your plan. And that’s why you need to talk to a trusted lender and financial advisor before you make any decisions.

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If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is.