Mara Rust - Real Estate Agent your Neighborhood Expert

10/29/2026

Searching for a new home can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Reach out and let's get started on finding you the best home possible.

10/28/2026

Are home prices going up or down? It depends on where you look.

Over the past year, prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. In Seattle, they dipped about 1.6%. That’s a nearly 9-point gap between two major cities.

Look at little closer, though. Home prices are rising in 13 of the 19 major cities on this chart. And where prices are down, the dips are small (less than 2%).

So, this isn’t a crash. It’s just a market normalizing after overheating during the pandemic. And that’s hitting some areas differently than others.

Here’s what it really means. Your local market matters.

If you’re selling where prices are still rising, you may not need to cut your price. And if you’re buying where prices are softer, you may have more room to negotiate.

National headlines can’t tell you which side your neighborhood is on. Local data can. Let’s look at how prices are moving in your area, so you can set your price or make your offer with confidence.

10/28/2026

Is the changing weather causing you to feel, well, under the weather? Give this soothing tea a try.

10/27/2026

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

Home prices just dropped $14,000 in two months. So, is the housing market finally getting cheaper? Not so fast. Because there's a lot more to this story than the headlines are telling you.

According to HousingWire, the national median asking price fell from $449,000 to $435,000 since August.

But here's the twist: that's what sellers are asking for their homes. Not necessarily what buyers are paying. And when you look at actual sales prices, things get even more interesting.

Over the past year, home prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. Meanwhile, prices in Seattle dipped 1.6%.

Same housing market. Two very different stories.

And that's exactly why making your next move based on national headlines could be a mistake.

So, here's my question: Do you know what home prices are actually doing in your neighborhood?

Drop your town or city in the comments or send me a DM. I'll help you find out.

10/27/2026

A trip to one of these towns in autumn is an unforgettable experience any football fan would cherish forever.

These college football towns are unmatched in their tailgates, screaming fans, and after-parties.

10/26/2026

Here's something most buyers overlook…

When the housing market slows down, homeowners and builders don't always have the same priorities.

A homeowner may be willing to wait for a better offer. But builders with completed homes sitting unsold often have more reason to keep sales moving.

In October, over 60% of builders offered some type of incentive. And almost half (43%) cut prices.

That could mean more negotiating opportunities for you.

The trick is knowing where to look. Let's find the builders with more move-in-ready homes available right now and see what they're willing to offer to get their inventory sold.

10/26/2026

🎃👻 Home Staging: No Tricks, Just Treats! 🍭🏠

Getting your home ready for buyer tours doesn't have to be scary! 🙀 Here are some spooktacular home staging tips that will make a bewitching first impression so your home feels irresistible to potential buyers:

🔴 Clear out clutter and give your home a depersonalized touch with neutral decor.

🔴 Pick neutral colors for a blank canvas feel.

🔴 A well-maintained garden and a tidy entryway are essential.

🔴 Arrange your furniture to create inviting seating areas.

🔴 Lighting sets the mood, so open up your windows and install contemporary fixtures.

👻 🏡 Capture some spellbinding pics of your home and get ready for the real treat—offers rolling in! Send a message today for more expert selling and staging tips!

10/25/2026

Unlock the door to your dream home with the help of financing! 🏡💼 Securing a mortgage is a key step in the homebuying journey, but many buyers may struggle to get approved for the funding they need.

To boost your chances of hearing a “yes,” you need to strengthen your financial foundation: improve your credit score, document that you have a stable income, cut down debt, and save up a healthy amount of cash for up-front costs.

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Send a message today for a smooth journey from mortgage approval to house hunting!

10/24/2026

Curtains are the unsung heroes of home staging! 🪟✨

They can add warmth, color, and privacy. Ready to level up your space? Let's talk curtains!

10/23/2026

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why.

In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month.

For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe.

And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first.

A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs.