Temi Falana - Realtor at Benchmark Realty

10/17/2026

One of the smartest (and completely free) things you can do before starting your home-buying journey is to pull your own credit report.

Many people ask me: “How can I check my credit without paying for those monitoring sites?”

The answer is simple. Once a year, you can get free reports from all three major bureaus through the official site: AnnualCreditReport.com. No credit card required and no trial that turns into a bill.

This blog walks you through exactly how to do it, what to look for, and why checking early can save you time, stress, and money when you’re ready to apply for a mortgage. So, if you’re thinking about buying a home in the next few months, start here:

👉 https://www.temifalana.com/blog/how-to-pull-your-credit-report-for-free-before-you-start-buying-a-home

09/16/2026

Ready to pay off your mortgage faster and position yourself for the opportunities in the real estate market?

Join us for the 2nd Annual Greencore Realty October 1 Lunch & Learn. You’ll leave with strategies to pay off your primary mortgage without extreme cuts, free up cash flow so you can invest sooner, how to acquire investment properties with minimal cash out of pocket, and what’s working for investors right now.

Plus: Attend, and you’re entered to win a Free TV. Bring a guest, and get two raffle tickets. Agents welcome too.

October 1, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 PM | Nashville
RSVP for venue details: 615-635-2730 | 945-213-2393
DM for tickets

09/11/2026

LAND FOR SALE!

Conceptual rendering of a boutique multifamily development designed for this active-listed land opportunity.
Address: 450 Crawford Street (combined with 454 Crawford Street)
Lot Size: 8,354 sq ft (2 lots combined)
Status: Land only – conceptualized rendering shown

This centrally located Fort Worth site offers strong potential for a boutique multifamily project, with solid walkability and access to the surrounding neighborhood amenities.

If you are interested in learning more about this land opportunity,
text or call me - 945-213-2393

08/28/2026

Most people keep their kitchen sponge far longer than food safety experts recommend.
Sponges are one of the germiest items in the home because they stay damp and trap food. Experts recommend replacing them weekly.

How often do you actually change yours?

08/27/2026

𝗢𝗳𝗳-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝗧𝗫

Two commercial lots available for sale - 8 minutes from downtown Fort Worth.

Price - $𝟵𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿.

This is an off-market opportunity in a high-growth area with strong potential for development or investment.
Serious buyers and investors, feel free to message me for details, location information, and next steps.

08/26/2026

Affordability is still a challenge for many households, and economic pressures are affecting buyers and sellers alike; in my opinion, this shift creates opportunities for those who are prepared and well-advised.

So if you’re considering buying (or selling) in this environment, strategy is everything. Knowing how to navigate pricing, negotiations, and timing can make a significant difference.

If you are curious about what this looks like in your specific city or neighborhood, DM me; let’s talk.

Back-to-school season turns out to be prime homebuying season in Dallas-Fort Worth and the state’s three other major metros.

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