Temi Falana - Realtor at Benchmark Realty

08/21/2026

Many sellers and families enter subject-To or title transfer deals thinking they are solving a problem only to discover later that the Mortgage and full liability stayed with them.

Many families enter these arrangements thinking they’re helping a relative, getting out of a tough situation, or closing a creative deal. What they don’t realize is that the mortgage is still in their name and the lender can call the full loan due at any time.

07/10/2026

That line item on your closing disclosure labeled “title insurance”? Most buyers sign past it without a second thought. But in 2026, it might be the most important protection you buy.

Here’s why: Title fraud is rising, and scammers are forging deeds on vacant land and second homes, among others. Unfortunately, most buyers still don’t know that the lender’s policy protects the bank — NOT the buyer.

The owner’s policy is optional, but skipping it can cost you everything. This blog touches on what title insurance covers, what it doesn’t, and how to vet your title company before you ever sit at the closing table.
https://www.temifalana.com/blog/qc5kwlr0mwerq1zylzcju7q9mj2ya9

Title fraud has accelerated sharply in the last few years. Scammers monitor public records for vacant land, second homes, and properties owned by elderly residents, then forge deeds to sell or borrow against properties they don't own.

05/22/2026

If your mortgage payment suddenly jumped by $200–$400 this year, you’re not alone.
Escrow shortages are hitting homeowners hard in 2026. Rising property taxes, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and bigger lender cushions are combining to create some nasty surprises on monthly statements.
Here’s the simple truth: Your lender collects money every month for taxes and insurance. When those bills go up more than expected, they come back asking for the difference either all at once or spread across the next year.
This blog breaks down why this is happening more right now, how to spot a shortage before it surprises you, practical steps you can take if you’ve already received a notice and what new buyers should watch out for before closing
If your payment just increased and you’re feeling the squeeze, this one’s worth reading.
Full blog linked below 👇

Have you experienced an escrow shortage this year? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.

Once a year, the servicer runs an escrow analysis comparing what was collected to what was actually paid out. If the account is short because taxes or insurance premiums rose, you're billed for the difference.

05/15/2026

$75,000 salary sounds solid — but how much house can you actually afford?
Lenders may pre-approve you for $300K+, but your comfortable range is likely $225K–$250K in today’s DFW market.
This post shows the honest gap between lender approval and real-life affordability, plus smart ways to stretch your budget.
A $75K income can buy a home if you plan wisely.
DM me for more information.

Most lenders use a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio capped at around 43%, though conventional loans often allow up to 50% with strong compensating factors

05/07/2026

Most sellers think concessions mean losing money.
The smart ones know it’s actually how you make more. 💡
In a market where buyers are dealing with higher rates and tighter lending — the right concession at the right time can be the difference between a quick close and 90 days of price reductions.
In my latest article I break down:
📌 Which concessions actually move properties in DFW right now
📌 What to avoid — and why some concessions raise red flags
📌 How to calculate the real ROI of giving a little to gain a lot
📌 How to present concessions from a position of strength, not desperation
Giving strategically isn’t weakness. It’s leverage.
🔗 Full article at temifalana.com

https://www.temifalana.com/blog/seller-concessions-in-2026-when-giving-gets-you-more

04/30/2026

Grace carried us. Mercy preserved us. And we’re still here. 🙏🏾🔥
Grateful for Pastor Dammy Olu-Ayeni leading this prophetic prayer into May 2026. Lord, refresh his anointing and let fresh fire fall. 🔥
Join the global clarion call — drop a 🙌🏾 if you’re believing God for something great this May!
Hallelujah

04/30/2026

Most buyers research school districts, square footage, and commute times.
Very few check the flood zone. And that oversight can cost thousands.
In DFW especially where storms can turn quiet neighborhoods into temporary lakes — this is not a step to skip.
In my latest article I cover:
📌 How to read FEMA flood zone designations
📌 Where to research flood risk before making an offer
📌 The real insurance cost difference between zones
📌 How to use flood zone data as a negotiation tool
Knowledge before closing is protection after closing.
🔗 Full article at temifalana.com


https://www.temifalana.com/blog/flood-zones-how-to-check-before-you-buy-and-why-most-buyers-dont

Most homebuyers obsess over square footage and school districts, but skip the flood zone check that could save them thousands in insurance premiums and potential disaster costs. In flood-prone areas like parts of DFW—where flash flooding from sudden storms can turn quiet neighborhoods into tempora...

04/24/2026

Everyone’s talking about “market rebalancing” — but what does it actually mean for your next move?
It’s not a crash. It’s not a boom. It’s the market returning to normal — and if you understand it, you can use it to your advantage.
In my article I break down:
📌 What’s really shifting in DFW right now
📌 What sellers need to adjust immediately
📌 How buyers can capitalize on the transition
📌 Why location still matters more than headlines
The window of opportunity during a rebalancing market is real — but it doesn’t last forever.
🔗 Read the full breakdown at temifalana.com

https://www.temifalana.com/blog/what-market-rebalancing-actually-means-for-your-next-move

Experienced DFW Realtor® serving buyers, sellers & investors across Dallas-Fort Worth. Frisco resident. Full-time dedication. Strategic results. Call (945) 213-2393.

04/11/2026

Most homebuyers obsess over square footage and school districts, but skip the flood zone check that could save them thousands in insurance premiums and potential disaster costs. In flood-prone areas like parts of DFW—where flash flooding from sudden storms can turn quiet neighborhoods into temporary lakes—this oversight becomes an expensive mistake that haunts owners for years.

https://www.temifalana.com/blog/ai-scams-in-real-estate-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know-in-2026

As always, if you have questions about your specific situation, I’m happy to walk through the numbers with you.

If something feels off, it probably is. Protect yourself and be more vigilant than ever.

04/10/2026

Looking back, many of us wish someone had handed us a financial roadmap right after college.
This Saturday and every Saturday leading up to Graduation 2026 . We’ll have the honest money conversation most families never get to have.
📌 Why real estate investing builds long-term wealth
📌 Real stories from people who learned the hard way
📌 Practical advice you can act on immediately
No fluff. No sales pitch. Just straight talk.

Every Saturday | 9AM CST

Share this with someone who needs to hear it.