Susan Rauth Realtor NextHome Signature Real Estate

10/13/2026

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.

Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

09/30/2026

Half the buyers out there are scared home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they will.

09/22/2026

If you’re selling this season, a little effort out front goes a long way. Because the moment a buyer pulls up to a showing, they're already forming an opinion.

But there are a few simple things you can do to nail that first impression. Think tidying up your landscaping, bringing in some seasonal flowers, and sweeping the walkways. Or even just cleaning out the gutters and making sure the path to your door is well lit.

You don’t need to do a big overhaul to get buyers’ attention.

Let’s chat about what people in our area are looking for right now, and get your house prepped to sell this fall.

09/17/2026

Selling this fall? Starting strong matters even more this time of year.

In the fall, buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climbs. That means fewer buyers may be looking at more options – so you want your house to stand out from day one.

Here’s the cheat sheet for how to make that happen.

Price it for today’s buyers. Not what your neighbor sold for a few years back.

Make your house hard to pass up. Tackle essential repairs and spend time on your curb appeal.

Stay flexible when offers come in. This is not the season to play hardball.

And be ready to adjust when needed. If you keep getting the same feedback from buyers, take it to heart.

If you want to sell before the end of the year, let’s make sure you have the right strategy from the start. Because with the right plan, selling in the fall is a no brainer.

09/14/2026

Need to move, but worried you missed the window to sell your house until next year or next spring? Don’t count yourself out of the market so fast.

About a third of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year – and that share has been growing every year since 2023.

Based on the forecasts, that means roughly 11,800 houses are expected to sell every single day between now and the end of December.

Buyers are still out there, ready to move before the new year. Let’s connect and get your house in front of them.

07/23/2026

For most people, their first house was never meant to be their forever home. It was meant to be a stepping stone to whatever came next.
And today's market is creating an interesting opportunity for homeowners who are ready to move up.
Starter homes are still in short supply, which means the house you're selling may be exactly what another buyer has been hoping to find.
At the same time, there are more move-up homes on the market than buyers have had to choose from in years.
Throw in the equity you've likely built over the years, and moving up may be more realistic than you think.
If your current home no longer fits your life, let's talk about what your next chapter could look like.

07/06/2026

Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision, especially when costs are high. But if the timing's right for you, here's a reason to feel good about your move.

Every home sale sends real money into your local economy. An existing home adds more than $64,000. A newly built one? Over $134,000.

So, not only is your move a major milestone for you, but it also gives a boost to your community as a whole.

Because behind every sale, there’s a whole network of people doing their jobs – contractors, lenders, inspectors, movers, and more. And your move helps with their livelihoods.

04/28/2026