Nick Piraino, Real Estate Agent

09/21/2026

Mortgage rates have been climbing again, and if you're hoping to buy, that can feel discouraging.

Here’s what you have to remember.

You can't control where rates go. But you can control a few things that shape the rate you actually get: your credit score, the type and term of loan you choose, and whether you buy a newly built home, where builders are often buying down rates to bring buyers in.

Focus there, and you put yourself in a stronger spot without waiting on the market.

Want to talk it through? A trusted lender can help with the numbers, and we can find the home to match. Let's connect.

09/17/2026

The best time to buy a home this year is here.

Realtor.com says September 27–October 3 is expected to bring the best combination of buyer-friendly conditions in 2026.

We’re talking about more homes to choose from, better pricing, less competition, and more time to decide. And maybe that’s enough to offset some of the pressure today’s higher rates are putting on your budget.

Want to find out? Let’s have a quick conversation about what’s expected in our market and what’s available in your price point. Just DM me to get started.

And just so you know, the window doesn’t close after that one week. It’s open all October long.

09/14/2026

Listing this fall doesn't mean your house will sit on the market until spring. Buyers are out there right now, ready to make a move before the new year – and your window is still open.

Let's connect and make yours one of the homes that sells this season.

Summer's winding down, and if you've been thinking about selling, you might be wondering if you missed your chance.

09/10/2026

Data centers are showing up in more communities, and naturally, homeowners and buyers want to know what that could mean for nearby houses.

One of the biggest concerns that comes up is home values. But research from HousingWire found that areas with large data centers generally saw home values track similarly to comparable areas without them.

That doesn't mean proximity never matters. Noise, infrastructure, future development, and potential utility costs are all worth considering.

But a data center nearby isn't automatically bad news for your home's value.

Have one near you or one coming soon? Let’s look at what it could actually mean for your home and your neighborhood.

09/07/2026

First-time buyers, your remote job might give you a homebuying advantage you haven't thought about.

If you can work from anywhere, you can buy just about anywhere, too. And searching in a lower-cost area could mean more homes within your budget. It could also mean spending less on everyday things like gas and groceries after your move.

These states are some of the spots where your money may go the furthest, but they aren't your only options. Every state has pockets with better affordability.

A local agent can match your budget and lifestyle to a shortlist of areas, whether that's a new state or somewhere closer to where you already live. Let's connect and start building yours.

09/03/2026

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.

08/31/2026

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/27/2026

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

08/24/2026

Thinking about selling, but worried your deal could fall apart before closing? Here's some perspective.

Most home sales still make it to the finish. And when one doesn't, the top reason is almost always inspection or repair issues. They play a part in more than 70% of deals that fall through.

But, luckily for you, inspection/repair issues are what you have the most power to prevent ahead of time. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and handle problems before a buyer's inspector ever does.

Ready to list? Let's talk about whether getting a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house in our market.

08/20/2026

The number of homes for sale is growing slowly but surely, and that means more options for your move. Want to see what’s available in our area? Reach out, and let's take a look together.

You may have heard the number of homes for sale isn’t growing like it was. And maybe that has you worried you won’t find a home you love when it’s time to make your move.