Marilyn Knotts, Realtor

06/05/2026

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06/04/2026

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become the gold standard for house hacking in 2026 — and there's a reason why. 🏠 ⁣
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As of March 2026, Fannie Mae allows lenders to count projected ADU rental income toward your mortgage qualification — up to 30% of your total qualifying income. That means the income potential of an ADU can help you qualify for a home you otherwise couldn't afford. ⁣
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ADUs include: ⁣
🔹 Detached backyard cottages ⁣
🔹 Converted garages ⁣
🔹 Basement suites with separate entrances ⁣
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They're increasingly legal, financially supported, and proven in the rental market. If affordability is your biggest barrier to homeownership, an ADU-eligible property might be the solution. ⁣
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Read the full article: https://marilynknotts.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/03/2026

Stuck deciding whether to buy now or wait? Waiting too long could cost you a sizeable nest egg. Buying your first home at 30 (instead of 40) could give you $119,000 more in net worth by age 50. Wondering if now’s your moment? Let’s chat.

06/02/2026

House hacking isn't about living for free — it's about making homeownership possible when it otherwise wouldn't be. In 2026, the strategy is less about eliminating a mortgage payment and more about engineering one you can actually afford. 🏡 ⁣
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Here's what's working: ⁣
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✅ ADUs (accessory dwelling units) — Fannie Mae now lets buyers count projected ADU rental income toward mortgage qualification, up to 30% of total qualifying income ⁣
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✅ Multi-generational homes — 14% of all home purchases in the last year were multi-generational, with Gen X leading at 19% ⁣
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✅ Small multi-family properties — FHA loans allow up to 4 units with just 3.5% down if you live in one ⁣
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✅ Realistic expectations — If rental income cuts your $3,800 payment down to $2,200, that's a win ⁣
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The math has to work. The zoning has to be legal. And the lifestyle has to fit. But for the right buyer, house hacking can turn a closed door into an open one. ⁣
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Read the full article: https://marilynknotts.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/01/2026

05/28/2026

If you're thinking about selling your home, you've probably heard the term "months of supply" thrown around. But what does it actually mean? ⁣
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Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all available homes at the current sales pace. It's one of the clearest indicators of whether we're in a buyer's or seller's market. ⁣
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Here's the breakdown: ⁣
- Less than 5 months = Seller's market (low inventory, more competition among buyers) ⁣
- 5-6 months = Balanced market ⁣
- More than 6 months = Buyer's market (more inventory, buyers have negotiating power) ⁣
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Right now, inventory levels are rising in many markets across the country. According to recent NAR data, we're seeing a shift from the extreme seller's market of the past few years. This means pricing strategy, home preparation, and timing matter more than ever. ⁣
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If you've been waiting for the "perfect time" to list, understanding these metrics can help you make a more informed decision about your specific situation and local market conditions. ⁣
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Call/text/email us at (815) 440-0559 or [email protected] if you have questions.

05/27/2026

Pricing your house high just to “see what happens” can cost you. Buyers today are quick to ignore overpriced homes. And the longer a house sits without any offers, the less it usually sells for. Want to know the right list price for your house to avoid this headache? Let’s chat.

05/26/2026

Not every pre-listing fix needs to be big or expensive. But there are a few small repairs sellers shouldn’t ignore because buyers notice them immediately. ⁣
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Here are some of the most common ones: ⁣
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1. Leaky faucets or running toilets ⁣
Small issues like these can make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained. ⁣
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2. Loose handles, hinges, or cabinet hardware ⁣
They’re inexpensive to fix, but they affect how cared-for a home feels. ⁣
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3. Scuffed paint and wall damage ⁣
Patches, touch-ups, and fresh paint in key areas can make the whole home feel cleaner and more current. ⁣
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4. Burned-out light bulbs or outdated fixtures ⁣
Lighting has a huge impact on first impressions, especially in photos and showings. ⁣
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5. Doors that stick, squeak, or don’t close properly ⁣
These are small annoyances that can make a home feel older or neglected. ⁣
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None of these repairs will transform a home on their own. But together, they can reduce buyer hesitation and help your home feel better maintained from the start. ⁣
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If you’re getting ready to sell, the best pre-listing strategy usually starts with the simple things first.

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Buyers have moved on. Here's what's working against sellers right now: ⁣
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❌ All-gray and stark white interiors ⁣
❌ Shiplap for the sake of shiplap ⁣
❌ Matching every fixture and cabinet pull to one metal finish ⁣
❌ Open shelving as a kitchen default ⁣
❌ The undifferentiated open floor plan ⁣
❌ Single-use bonus rooms — man caves, dedicated wine rooms, home theaters that can't flex ⁣
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None of these will tank a sale on their own. But they can create hesitation — and hesitation shows up in longer days on market and more negotiated offers. ⁣
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The good news? Most of these are fixable without a contractor. Drop a comment or send me a message and let's talk through what's actually worth addressing before you list.