April M. Keating, Broker Associate/REALTOR, LRE ABR SRES

09/06/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.



Call 239-384-4663 for more real estate information.

09/06/2026

A seller refresh does not need to become a renovation project. Sometimes one focused weekend is enough to make a home feel noticeably more polished.

Start where buyers start: the front entrance. Clean the walkway, trim anything overgrown, wash the door, replace a tired doormat, and make sure the exterior lighting works. Then move inside and look for the small things you have stopped noticing because you see them every day.

Loose handles, scuffed walls, crowded counters, and burned out bulbs may seem minor, but together they influence how cared for a home feels.

The goal is not to make the property look brand new. It is to remove distractions so buyers can focus on the home itself.

Planning to list this fall? Save this as your weekend prep list.

09/05/2026

Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now.

New homes may actually cost less than an existing home right now. And that’s opening up a window for you to get brand-new for less.

If you want a list of new home communities near you that are currently offering incentives or doing price cuts, let’s connect. That way you have someone in your corner helping you get the best deal possible.



Call 239-384-4663 for more real estate information.

Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards.

09/05/2026

Upcoming Open House

09/05/2026

New construction deserves more than a quick scroll past the listing. In many markets, completed homes can give buyers a different type of opportunity, especially when builders are motivated to move existing inventory.

The real comparison is not simply new versus resale. Look at the full picture.

• Included upgrades, warranties, and energy features
• Financing or closing incentives that may be available

Then compare those benefits with location, monthly costs, lot size, and the character of an established neighborhood.

A brand new home can be a great fit, but every builder and community is different. I recommend having your own representation and asking questions before visiting a sales center.

Would new construction make your home search list?

09/04/2026

Buyers are doing their homework before they ever walk through the front door. They have already seen the photos, compared nearby listings, studied the condition, and formed an opinion about whether the home feels worth seeing.

That makes the first days on the market especially important for sellers. A home that is positioned well from the beginning can create confidence. One that feels disconnected from the competition may leave buyers wondering what they are missing.

Presentation and pricing should tell the same story: this home is prepared, cared for, and ready to be considered seriously.

I always encourage sellers to look at their home through a buyer’s eyes before listing. The smallest disconnect can become the reason someone keeps scrolling.

Thinking about selling this fall? Send me a message and let’s talk preparation.

09/04/2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here's what doesn't change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Let’s have a quick conversation about what's happening in our market and see whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.



Call 239-384-4663 for more real estate information.

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

09/03/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.



Call 239-384-4663 for more real estate information.

09/03/2026

More choices can make a home search exciting, but they can also make it surprisingly easy to lose focus. After touring several homes, every kitchen starts blending together and the comparison game takes over.

Instead of asking whether one home is better than the last, bring the decision back to your own priorities.

Does the location support your routine? Does the layout work for the way you live? Are the compromises things you can comfortably accept?

The goal is not to find the house with the longest list of features. It is to recognize the home that fits your life best.

I tell buyers to create a simple top three before touring. When a home checks those boxes, it deserves a closer look.

Save this for your next showing day.

09/02/2026

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.



Call 239-384-4663 for more real estate information.