Kristi Bailey, Realtor at Southern Dwellings

09/30/2026

Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Not even close. 📉 FHA, VA, and even conventional loans often allow as little as 3–5% down. Let’s bust that myth!

Get in touch with us and we will go over all of your options - a home is closer than you think!

Kristi Bailey, ABR, AHWD, C2EX, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, SRS, SRES
Southern Dwellings Real Estate
135 W Main St #100
Kingsport, TN 37660

09/30/2026

Some of you are scared home prices are about to crash. Others are hoping they will. But will it happen?

Fannie Mae just asked over 100 housing experts where prices are headed through 2030. And the consensus is prices are expected to rise, not crash.

Even the most pessimistic experts still forecast prices will go up 6.6%.

So, whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the forecast is clear. While some markets may see small short-term declines, home prices are going to keep going up nationally.

Have questions about what this means for your move, or what’s happening locally? Let's chat.

Moving Mountains for You! Want to learn more? DM me today!

09/28/2026

Does one size ever really fit all? One mortgage rate doesn't either.

You may be seeing today’s higher rates and worrying about whether it’s still worth it to buy. Here’s what you need to realize…

Mortgage rates differ just like the people who apply for loans. So, the rate you see online isn’t necessarily the one you’d get when you buy.

Your real mortgage rate is specific to your individual situation. It can be higher or lower than what you've seen or heard.

So, don’t assume the rate in the headlines is your rate. Before you decide you can't buy a home or that you should wait, find out what your real rate is. You'll know what your options are and get a map to what's possible.

And a quick conversation with a loan officer is the perfect place to start.

Moving Mountains for You! Want to learn more? DM me today!

09/28/2026

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes." - Unknown

Kristi Bailey, ABR, AHWD, C2EX, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, SRS, SRES
Southern Dwellings Real Estate
135 W Main St #100
Kingsport, TN 37660

09/26/2026

Rates fluctuate, but a prime location is permanent. Marry the neighborhood you love, and let the market cycles handle the rest.

Kristi Bailey, ABR, AHWD, C2EX, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, SRS, SRES
Southern Dwellings Real Estate
135 W Main St #100
Kingsport, TN 37660

09/25/2026

Mortgage rates have been climbing again, and if you're hoping to buy, that can feel discouraging.

Here’s what you have to remember.

You can't control where rates go. But you can control a few things that shape the rate you actually get: your credit score, the type and term of loan you choose, and whether you buy a newly built home, where builders are often buying down rates to bring buyers in.

Focus there, and you put yourself in a stronger spot without waiting on the market.

Want to talk it through? A trusted lender can help with the numbers, and we can find the home to match. Let's connect.

Moving Mountains for You! Want to learn more? DM me today!

09/24/2026

Mortgage calculators can be a great help when thinking about buying a home, but simple versions do have their limitations. Let's take a look at the situations where mortgage calculators can be a huge help and the times when it might be wise to consult a human for additional advice.

Kristi Bailey, ABR, AHWD, C2EX, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, SRS, SRES
Southern Dwellings Real Estate
135 W Main St #100
Kingsport, TN 37660

Considering buying a home or refinancing a mortgage? As with anything else, there are tons of mortgage calculator options. And as usual, only a handful are relevant or even useful. We jumped into the deep end of those results...

09/23/2026

3 Things You Can Actually Control About Your Mortgage Rate Right Now

You can't control where mortgage rates go, but you can control your credit, your loan, and the kind of home you buy. Working with a trusted lender can help you lock in the best rate you qualify for. And when you’re ready to make a move that fits your budget, let’s connect.

Moving Mountains for You! Want to learn more? DM me today!

If you're trying to buy a home, affordability is probably what keeps you up at night.

09/22/2026

A great home isn't just beautiful - it's a place to recharge, relax, and feel your best.

Kristi Bailey, ABR, AHWD, C2EX, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, SRS, SRES
Southern Dwellings Real Estate
135 W Main St #100
Kingsport, TN 37660

09/21/2026

Selling This Fall? You Haven't Missed Your Window

Listing this fall doesn't mean your house will sit on the market until spring. Buyers are out there right now, ready to make a move before the new year – and your window is still open.

Let's connect and make yours one of the homes that sells this season.

Moving Mountains for You! Want to learn more? DM me today!

Summer's winding down, and if you've been thinking about selling, you might be wondering if you missed your chance.