Catherine Lord Realtor

10/02/2026

If selling in 2027 is even a possibility for you, now is the time to begin looking at condition. Waiting until photography is scheduled creates pressure, limits your choices, and can turn ordinary maintenance into an expensive emergency.
https://realtytimes.com/real-industry-news-articles/selling-in-2027-stop-these-ten-money-drains-now

09/25/2026

Summer’s winding down, and if you’ve been thinking about selling, you might be wondering if you missed your chance. Not so fast. About one in three of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year.
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/09/14/selling-this-fall-you-havent-missed-your-window/

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

09/19/2026

A surge in data center development capable of powering the AI boom is unfolding across the country. That’s raising a new question for home buyers and homeowners: What’s the impact of living near a data center?
https://www.nar.realtor/news/real-estate-news/is-there-a-data-center-effect-on-real-estate

The National Association of REALTORS®, which maintains no official policy position on data centers, is taking a closer look at the growth in its newly released report, “2026 Data Center Impact,” which measures data centers up against county-level performance in home values, employment, electric...

09/11/2026

Buying a home soon? Here is a printable walkthrough guide and the questions to ask your agent before you leave.
https://www.homes.com/learn/what-to-look-for-in-buying-a-house/

Finding a house to buy can be exciting, but many times something may be hiding that isn't immediately obvious. Here's what to look for.

09/04/2026

Improper bathroom fan use is fairly common, so you may not even know that you are using it incorrectly. This article talked to home reno and mold experts about how to use your bathroom fan properly.
https://www.thespruce.com/are-you-using-your-bathroom-fan-incorrectly-12066131

Bathroom fans are designed to vent odors and moisture outside the home, but many people use them incorrectly. Find out what mistakes you may be making.

08/29/2026

It's understandable if you’ve been putting off buying or selling a home until things settle down. But you may be waiting on something that’s already happened. While everything else has felt shaky, the housing market has become one of the steadiest things out there.
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/08/26/worried-about-a-housing-crash-the-numbers-tell-a-calmer-story/

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

08/21/2026

Buyers who stay in the market may find greater negotiating power and opportunities to offset the higher borrowing costs.
Sellers are increasingly showing willingness to negotiate, giving buyers more leverage than they had during the frenzied housing markets of recent years.
https://www.nar.realtor/news/real-estate-news/as-mortgage-rates-mostly-hold-steady-agents-say-waiting-could-cost-buyers

Mortgage rates remained mostly unchanged this week, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.65%, according to Freddie Mac. Elevated borrowing costs continue to weigh on housing demand, but buyers who remain active may find advantages in today’s slower market.

08/14/2026

Buyers naturally focus on the largest visible expenses — mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and the down payment.
The challenge is that maintenance doesn't behave like a mortgage payment. Instead, it arrives unpredictably.
https://www.homes.com/learn/maintenance-is-the-homeownership-expense-many-first-time-buyers-overlook/

Key takeawaysHomeowners should budget for more than occasional repair bills.Comparing a mortgage payment directly to rent can underestimate the true

08/07/2026

Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents may call to show your home anytime, day or evening. When you get the call that buyers are on their way, so is a handy checklist so you can be ready to show at any time.
https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice/tips-to-keep-your-home-show-ready-at-all-times

Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents may call to show your home anytime, day or evening. Keeping your home

08/02/2026

Homeowners insurance has always been part of owning a home. But over the past few years, it’s become a larger expense for many homeowners – something that’s especially frustrating when affordability already feels tight.
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/07/30/buying-a-home-heres-what-you-should-know-about-home-insurance-costs/

If buying a home is on your radar, you've probably been keeping an eye on mortgage rates and home prices. But don’t forget about homeowners insurance.