Bryan Stephens, Realtor

09/02/2026

Are online mortgage lenders really a better deal than local sources? Here are some things to consider.

Mortgage lending is yet another industry that has undergone massive change by the internet. Online lenders advertise fast and easy transactions while traditional lenders offer more personal service. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to understand the difference between a mortga...

09/01/2026

Hometown Heroes is an organization designed to give back to those who help make our communities a better place to live by offering real savings from real estate professionals like me. These services to heroes are always FREE and never come with a catch. Contact me today to learn more!

08/31/2026

Pollens, dust, mold and smoke can make breathing miserable. Should you invest in a home air purification system? Here are the types, how they work and what they cost.

Home purification systems can improve quality of life for those with asthma and allergies. Let’s look at the benefits of these systems and the types available. Prevention first. Before investing in a purifier, prevention is always the first step. Change the filters regularly on your heating and ai...

08/29/2026

Staging your home for sale? Cleaning your carpets should be on the top of your To-Do list. Here’s a handy guide to best cleaning practices.

Clean your home’s wall-to-wall carpet before listing for sale. Here are a few tips on carpet and area rug cleaning to stage your home in style.

08/28/2026

Don’t let your credit score surprise you, especially if you’re in the market to buy a home. Here’s what you need to know about that all-important number.

When shopping for a mortgage, one number, in particular, plays a major role -- a good credit score. Here’s what you need to know about improving your credit score.

08/26/2026

When applying for a mortgage, you may be able to save money by paying “points” up front. What is this financing strategy, and does it make sense for you?

One strategy for lowering your mortgage interest rate is to pay mortgage points up front. What are these points and how can paying them save you money?

08/25/2026

Who are our hometown heroes that can save thousands when buying or selling a home through the Hometown Heroes program?

Military and Veterans
First Responders (Police, Fire, EMT)
Healthcare Professionals (Medical Support, Nurses, Doctors)
Non-Profits (Charities, Churches)
Educators (Teachers, ISD Employees, College)
Government Employees

Let me help you save thousands! Reach out today!

08/24/2026

Do you dream of a spa-like shower in your home? Check out these options.

If showering in your home is less than spa-like and more akin to torture, it’s time to take a look under the shower head. Here are a few tips. Inspect the system. It’s entirely possible the screen under the shower head may be clogged. If so, unscrew and clean with a vinegar and water solution. I...

08/22/2026

If you’re moving to another city, state, or country for a new job, a cost-of-living adjustment helps offset increased costs of goods and services. Here's what to consider when negotiating an agreement with your employer.

Moving to another city or country for your career can be a wonderful opportunity, but relocation can also put a strain on the budget. The good news is companies often offer an increased salary or other relocation benefits to help pay for increased expenses. A goods and services “differential” or...

08/21/2026

You need to renovate! Or…do you? Here are some thoughts on how to decide if it’s necessary – or worth the cost.

Consumers constantly hear the message that their houses somehow fall short...which begs the question: Do our houses really need that much work or are we simply victims of reno hype?