Lisa Ivey Realtor

04/16/2026

Getting a tax refund this year?

If homeownership is on your radar, adding that refund to what you’ve already saved could help you take that step a little sooner.

The average refund is higher this year, over $3,500, but your amount will vary. Either way, when you’re buying a home, every dollar helps.

That money could go toward your down payment, help cover closing costs, or even be used to lower your mortgage rate and monthly payment.

If you’ve been wondering how much home you could afford right now, let’s talk it through.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

04/15/2026

Getting a Tax Refund? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home

If buying a home is on your radar this year, don’t overlook your tax refund. It could be the extra push that helps you go from almost there to actually ready.

Want to see how far your savings could take you right now? Let’s talk and build a plan that fits your situation.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about.

04/14/2026

For some families who want to buy, the numbers just aren’t lining up right now.

Between ongoing affordability challenges and rising childcare costs, it can feel like you have to choose either buying a house or paying for daycare.

But a growing number of people are finding a smart solution where they can do both: buying a multi-generational home.

1 in 7 buyers purchase a home with their parents, grandparents, or other relatives. And here’s how that helps.

By combining incomes and sharing expenses, they can finally afford to buy. And it even makes childcare easier when loved ones all live under one roof.

Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.

Want to explore what this could look like for you? Let’s connect.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

04/13/2026

There’s a lot of talk in the news about affordability and mortgage rates right now, but here’s what almost no one is talking about.
Yes, mortgage rates have been inching up these past few weeks. But it’s still more affordable to buy compared to buyers who made a purchase last year.
Even now, the average monthly payment is about $300 lower than it was just a year ago.
So, while rates have shifted lately, the opportunity to buy hasn’t gone away.
If you want or need to move, let’s talk strategy.
DM me if you want to know what I’m doing to help my clients feel confident moving forward.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

04/10/2026

When Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach, Some Families Do This Instead

If you want more information on multi-generational homes, let’s have a quick conversation about what’s available in our area. Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

For a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now.

04/09/2026

Thinking About an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Need To Know.

ARMs are getting more attention again because they can make buying a home more affordable in the short term. But they’re not right for everyone.

The key is understanding how they work, what the risks are, and whether they fit your plan. And that’s why you need to talk to a trusted lender and financial advisor before you make any decisions.

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Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is.

04/08/2026

More buyers are starting to take a closer look at adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) right now — and it’s not hard to see why.

They typically come with a lower initial rate, which can help make a home purchase more affordable in today’s market.
But here’s the part that matters: that lower rate is temporary.

After the initial period, your rate (and your monthly payment) can adjust.

So, it’s not about whether an ARM is good or bad. It’s about whether it fits your long-term plan.

If you’re trying to figure out what you can comfortably afford, it’s worth having a conversation with a trusted lender or financial advisor to walk through your options and see what makes the most sense for you.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

04/07/2026

Investors Own Just 0.4% of Single-Family Homes

You may have heard big investors are buying a lot of homes. But that’s not what the numbers show. Only 0.4% of the single-family homes in this country are owned by big investors. Want a quick breakdown of what’s really driving today’s market? Let’s talk.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/

04/06/2026

Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet?

Because if you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved.

While you may be tempted to wait until you’re really serious about a house, that actually puts you behind the game.

The better bet is getting pre-approved before you fall in love with something.

It’ll give you clarity on what you can borrow, your ideal price point, and what your monthly payment could look like. That’s information you’re going to want up front, so you don’t fall for something outside of your range.

Plus, when a house you love hits the market, you’ll be ready to go – not scrambling to figure it out.

If you’re about to start looking or just casually browsing, let’s talk about where to start.



Lisa Ivey Realtor®
EXIT Realty Consultants
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE your own HOME
DRE # 02112520
209 534 5653
https://myexit.co/m/E186147
https://lisaivey.exithome.com/