Karen Jacobson - Realtor

11/12/2025

I’ve been listening to the conversation about the pros and cons of the 50 year mortgage. Here are some of my thoughts.

What percentage of homeowners pay off a 30 year mortgage? The majority move or refinance before they pay off their home loans. That’s how lenders keep in business.

Is it better to pay a landlord $2000-$5000 a month and have no equity or to be able to qualify to buy a home with a 50 year mortgage and have the opportunity for gaining equity or improving the value over time?

Many of the negatives are based on the presumption of paying off the 30 or 50 year mortgage. Of the hundreds of friends I have known over the years and I am 62, I know two friends who have paid off their mortgages.

Although housing is an investment, it is so much more. Everyone has to live somewhere…Shelter is a necessity not simply a luxury or an investment. It is a place you make your home. It seems like having it as a choice can’t be bad especially for those who couldn’t buy otherwise. There are ways to pay extra toward the principal in order to decrease the term of the loan. But if you can’t do that you still own a share in real property that you make your home. My conclusion is to give buyers the choice of a 50 year mortgage and let them decide with their lender whether it is good for them.

10/23/2025

The Reason Homes Feel Like They Cost So Much (It’s Not What You Think)

It’s easy to believe investors caused today’s housing challenges. But the truth is, the market just needs more homes, and that’s finally starting to happen.

As more options hit the market, buying may feel a little more realistic again.

Let’s connect and talk about what’s happening in our local market.

Scroll through your feed and you’ll see plenty of finger-pointing about why homes cost so much. 

10/22/2025

Planning To Sell in 2026? Start the Prep Now

If your plan is to sell in 2026, it's time to get serious. Taking some time to prep means you’ll hit the market confident, ready, and ahead of other sellers who waited until January to get started.

Want to know which projects are getting the biggest return on their investment in our market? Let’s connect so you can head into next spring with a solid game plan.

You’ve got big plans for 2026. But what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. 

10/20/2025

Is the Housing Market Going To Crash? Here’s What Experts Say

If you’ve been waiting to buy or sell because you’re worried about a crash, it’s time to look at the data – not the headlines.

The question isn’t if home prices will rise, it’s by how much.

Let’s connect so you know what’s happening in our local market and what these forecasts mean for your next move.

If you’ve seen headlines or social posts calling for a housing crash, it’s easy to wonder if home values are about to take a hit. But here’s the simple truth.

10/16/2025

The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know

Affordability is improving in many markets. And that resets the math on your move.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, this is your cue to start looking again. Let’s run the local numbers together so you can get a rough estimate of how much more buying power you may have than you did just a few months ago.

If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. 

10/15/2025

2026 Housing Market Outlook

After a quieter couple of years, 2026 is expected to bring more movement – and more opportunity. With sales projected to rise, mortgage rates trending lower, and price growth slowing down, the stage is set for a healthier, more active market.

So, the big question: will you be one of the movers making 2026 your year?

Let’s connect if you want to get ready.

After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear.

10/13/2025

Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year

With builders cutting prices and maybe even helping you score a lower monthly payment, that’s not something to overlook.

If you want to see how active builders are in your target area and what they’re offering, here’s your power move: before you even begin looking, connect with your own agent.

That way, you have someone to help you compare incentives from multiple builders and negotiate on your behalf, making sure you get the best deal possible.

There’s a trend taking hold in real estate right now: more buyers are choosing newly built homes.

10/09/2025

Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your Move

Pricing your house for today’s market isn’t just about getting it sold. It’s about making sure your move doesn’t stall before it starts.

Let’s talk through what buyers are really paying right now in our local area, and how to price your home to match.

These days, you’re going to want to get your price right when you get ready to sell your house.

10/08/2025

Why Home Prices Aren’t Actually Flat

Headlines calling home prices flat may be grabbing attention, but they’re not giving you the full picture.

Has anyone taken the time to walk you through what we’re seeing right here, right now?

If you want the real story about what prices are doing in our market, let’s connect.

If you’ve been following real estate news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. And at first glance, that sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing. The reality isn’t quite that straightforward. 

10/06/2025

Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

Keeping up with all of these shifts can feel overwhelming. That’s why having an experienced agent or lender on your side matters. They’ll do the heavy lifting for you.

If you want real-time updates on mortgage rates, let's connect so you have someone to keep you in the loop and help you plan your next move.

You want mortgage rates to fall – and they've started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go?

10/02/2025

Why October Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in 2025

If you're serious about buying, getting prepped for this October window is a smart play.

Want help lining up your strategy? Let's have a quick conversation so you've got the information you need to be ready for this prime buying time.

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now’s the time to lean in. It’s officially the best time to buy this year.