The Antonov Group - EXP Realty

08/24/2026

What happens to your mortgage when you sell your home?

At closing, the remaining mortgage balance is paid directly to your lender from the sale proceeds. You sign the closing documents, the lender gets paid, and you receive the net proceeds that are left

The situation can be different if you owe more on your mortgage than the home is worth, but that is a different scenario that should be evaluated before listing

Kara Zahasky and The Antonov Group can help you understand the numbers before you make a decision, including what you may actually walk away with after selling

Send us a message and we can help you look at your numbers

08/18/2026

You may be able to sell your home and exclude up to $250,000 of the gain from federal income tax, or up to $500,000 if you’re married filing jointly

For many long-term homeowners, this can make a major difference when deciding whether it’s time to sell, downsize, or move on to the next chapter

Generally, you need to have owned and lived in the home as your main residence for at least 2 of the 5 years before the sale, along with other IRS requirements

Kara Zahasky and The Antonov Group help homeowners understand the financial considerations that come with selling a longtime home

If you’re thinking about selling, send us a message and let’s talk through your options

08/16/2026

Think you have to fix everything before selling your home? You don’t

An aging roof, an older HVAC system, an outdated kitchen, or a deck that needs work doesn’t automatically mean you need to spend thousands before listing

The key is having a strategy. Some repairs can improve your sale, while others may not give you enough return to justify the cost. Spending money simply because you think you have to can actually reduce what you walk away with

Kara Zahasky and The Antonov Group help homeowners figure out what is actually worth fixing before putting their home on the market

Don’t wait years because you think your house isn’t ready. Send us a message and let’s figure out what makes sense for your situation

08/15/2026

Retirement does not automatically mean you can’t qualify for a mortgage

Lenders generally cannot deny a mortgage simply because of your age. What matters is whether you can demonstrate the income and assets needed to qualify

Social Security, pensions, and certain retirement account distributions may count as qualifying income. Some lenders may also use an asset depletion calculation when you have substantial investment or retirement assets

If you’re thinking about downsizing, buying a smaller home, or making a move in retirement, understanding your financing options is an important part of the decision

Kara Zahasky and The Antonov Group can help you understand your options and connect you with the right professionals

Send us a message if you’re considering a move in retirement

08/13/2026

You do not need to pay off your mortgage before selling your home

This is a common misconception, especially for homeowners who have owned their property for many years. When your home sells, the title company gets a payoff statement from your lender showing exactly what is still owed

That amount is paid directly to your lender from the sale proceeds at closing. You don’t need to come up with the money beforehand or pay off the mortgage months in advance

Kara Zahasky and The Antonov Group help homeowners understand what actually happens during the selling process, including the financial details that can make the process feel much less overwhelming

Thinking about selling? Send us a message and let’s talk through your options

08/10/2026

Those old home improvement records could be worth more than you think

When you sell a home, certain major improvements may be included in your adjusted cost basis, which can reduce the amount of taxable gain you may have. A kitchen remodel, home addition, or new roof could potentially make a meaningful difference

If you’ve owned your home for decades, it may be worth digging through old records before you sell. Those receipts and renovation records could help you and your tax professional determine what should be included in your basis

Kara Zahasky and The Antonov Group help homeowners think through the financial side of selling, including what to consider before putting a longtime home on the market

Send us a message if you’re thinking about selling and want to know what to consider first

08/09/2026

Before selling your home, you don’t need to fix everything.

Some repairs can help you sell faster and for more, while major renovations may not make financial sense. And sometimes, selling your home as-is is the smartest option depending on the numbers and your situation.

Kara Zahasky offers homeowners a free walkthrough to go room by room, identify what is worth fixing, and explain what she would skip, with real numbers behind each decision.

No charge and no obligation. The Antonov Group is here to help you make a smart decision before you spend money on your home.

Send us a message or use the link in the description to schedule your walkthrough

07/30/2026

🎉 Come see The Antonov Group | Minnesota Real Estate Experts at Slavic Experience!

Stop by our booth to enter our **FREE prize drawing**, spin the prize wheel, play games and win giveaways—including a **$250 Kramarczuk’s gift card** and more.

📅 August 1–2
📍 The ROC in St. Louis Park

Bring the family—we’ll have a kids’ coloring station too. See you there!

No purchase necessary. Minnesota residents 18+ for the prize drawing.

07/29/2026

07/25/2026

Estate sales are often misunderstood, but they can make downsizing much easier.

Many homeowners think they have to sort, price, and sell everything themselves. In reality, a professional estate sale company handles almost the entire process. You choose what you want to keep, and they take care of the rest.

For many well-furnished homes in the Twin Cities, an estate sale can return thousands of dollars while saving weeks of stress and hard work.

Kara Zahasky and The Antonov Group help homeowners connect with trusted estate sale professionals, making the transition simpler and less overwhelming.

Send us a message to learn how an estate sale could help with your move