Renea Hawkins - Green Country Realtor - exp Realty

09/16/2026

Older home with character or brand new construction?

09/15/2026

🌿 THINK YOUR BACKYARD IS TOO AWKWARD TO BE BEAUTIFUL? THINK AGAIN.

That raised deck you don't love might actually be the best feature of your backyard. 👀

Instead of tearing it out, use the space you already have:

🏡 Turn the area underneath into a shaded outdoor lounge.
🌿 Use the slope to create beautiful garden levels.
🌳 Turn that mature tree into a destination with a bench or cozy seating area.
🌱 Plant shade-loving greenery beneath the canopy and sun-loving flowers along the lawn.
✨ Add warm lighting and a simple path to connect everything.

Suddenly, that “awkward” backyard has multiple outdoor rooms instead of one big unused space.

And here's the thing I love about good landscaping:

You don't always need MORE space. You just need to use the space you have better.

If you were buying a home, would you rather have:

A) One large open backyard
B) A backyard with multiple outdoor living spaces

I'm choosing B. 🌿

What would you do with the space underneath a raised deck?

— Renea Hawkins | Green Country Realtor – eXp Realty

06/11/2026

🏡 Did You Know?

Government regulations now account for 26.4% of the cost of a new home, according to a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders.

On a typical new home priced at $499,500, that’s approximately $131,734 attributed to costs such as:

✔️ Building permits
✔️ Inspections
✔️ Building codes
✔️ Land development requirements
✔️ Design standards
✔️ Environmental regulations

These regulatory costs have increased nearly 40% in the last five years, making affordability an even greater challenge for homebuyers.

Whether you’re buying your first home or planning your next move, understanding what drives housing costs can help you make informed decisions in today’s market.

Have questions about the Green Country housing market? I’d be happy to help!

Renea Hawkins | Green Country Realtor – eXp Realty
🏡

06/02/2026

🌾 Thinking Homeownership Is Out of Reach? Think Again! 🏡

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, the USDA Rural Development Loan Program could help make homeownership more affordable than you think.

✅ No down payment required for eligible buyers
✅ Available in many rural and even some suburban areas
✅ Competitive fixed interest rates
✅ Designed for low- to moderate-income households
✅ Financing available for eligible homes in USDA-approved areas

Many buyers are surprised to learn that USDA-eligible areas often extend beyond what most people consider “rural.” Some communities just outside city limits may qualify.

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but understanding your financing options is the first step toward turning your homeownership dreams into reality.

📲 Curious whether a property or area qualifies for USDA financing? I’d be happy to help you explore your options and connect you with a trusted lender.

Renea Hawkins | Green Country Realtor – eXp Realty

05/26/2026

Memorial Day weekend is over… and now the summer home search officially begins. ☀️🏡

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, this is your reminder that you do NOT have to have everything figured out before starting the process.
A lot of buyers think they need:
❌ 20% down
❌ perfect credit
❌ all the answers
The truth? Most first-time buyers are more ready than they think. The first step is simply learning your options and making a plan.
If buying your first home is on your mind this summer, I’d love to help guide you through the process step by step. 🤍

Renea Hawkins | Green Country Realtor – eXp Realty

05/15/2026

🏡 Rent keeps going up… but your future doesn’t have to stay stuck there.

Where are my renters at? 👀
Let’s work on getting you into your own home by the end of summer! ☀️🔑

Comment NO MORE RENT and let’s chat about your options!
Renea Hawkins | Green Country Realtor – eXp Realty

Call now to connect with business.

05/15/2026

Thinking about selling this summer? Here’s a timeline tip that could save you stress later.
If your goal is to have your home sold by July or August, you don’t need to wait until summer to list.

⏰ In today’s Green Country market, we can often list homes in May to meet a summer timeline—depending on the property and conditions.

🏡 On average, homes take 30–45 days to close after going under contract.

📆 That means if you’re aiming for a summer closing, you’ll typically need to be under contract by May at the latest.

☀️ So if your “I want to be moved out by summer 2026” plan is already on your mind, the best time to start preparing is now—not later.

Every home and situation is different, and local market conditions can vary from one property to another. That’s why planning ahead can make all the difference.

The earlier you prepare, the smoother the process tends to be. 💙

Need help mapping out your timeline or getting your home market-ready?
Text me at (539) 900-5533.

Renea Hawkins | Green Country Realtor – eXp Realty