Maria Hourdas - Realtor

06/08/2026

Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget?

Affordability is a real challenge, but it's not an unsolvable one. The key is being open to places you might not have considered before. A local real estate agent can help you find them.

Ready to find out which areas have the best affordability right now? Reach out today.

Whether you're dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you're in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind.

06/08/2026

Update from Pinellas County Government: Construction is starting for many homeowners in the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs and the federal government has recently increased applicant income limits. See if you qualify for help with home or rental unit repairs or financial losses from the 2023-2024 hurricanes.

Apply at https://peoplefirstapp.pinellas.gov or visit our website at https://recover.pinellas.gov for more information.

Once you apply, a Case Manager will be assigned to contact you and guide you through next steps. You may also call 727 606 3307, Mon-Fri, 8-5.

Note: The Pinellas Recovers People First Programs are funded by federal dollars from HUD for storm-related housing needs and are not affiliated with Elevate Florida, FEMA or any other state/federal hurricane recovery programs.

People First Hurricane Recovery Programs. Five programs to serve Pinellas County.

06/07/2026

1159 W Curlew Rd, Tarpon Springs. OPEN TODAY 1-3 (Sun 6/7) STUNNING 4 bed, 3 bath home with office. FULLY updated and move-in ready !

06/06/2026

New listing! OPEN HOUSE 2-4 today and 1-4 Sunday 6/7

06/06/2026

What a great day! Closing day! But this one was special. This amazing lady literally has stayed the course for years never taking her eyes off her goal. She worked hard, listened to her lender and her realtor (me 😊), and in the end- she got her house!! You may not be ready today. That’s ok. You may not be ready next year. That’s ok. I will be here when you are. Stay the course. Work hard. Home ownership is not out of reach.

06/05/2026

Because even though you want rates to come down, experts say this latest inflation data could actually set the stage for rates to stay “higher for longer.”

So, what can you do about it? Should you just wait?

My advice is simple. Focus on what you can control.

Even in a market like this, there are things you can do to get the best mortgage rate possible. Because sometimes you need to move no matter what’s happening – and that’s okay.

You just need the right strategy.

Let's talk about what this means for your situation and your timing. Drop a comment below or send over a message.

Because you don’t have to figure it out alone. And there are still ways to move forward.

06/04/2026

One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: “What’s going to happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?”

And it makes sense why everyone is asking.

Affordability is tight. Rates feel high. Prices do too.

And people want to know if the second half of the year is going to be better.

Here's the honest answer. A lot of it depends on what happens with inflation – and the lingering uncertainty overseas. But even in today’s market, there’s opportunity, if you know where to look.

Want a breakdown of what’s impacting the market, where experts think things could go from here, and what you can actually do about it?

Send a DM or drop a comment below and I can send you over an article that breaks it all down.

06/03/2026

Smaller homes are having a moment.

That’s because affordability is tight and, for many buyers, smaller is what fits the budget. And builders are listening.

Newly built homes have been trending smaller since 2014 – and that’s on purpose.

They're more affordable than larger homes. And many come with built-in community amenities like walking trails, fitness centers, and even co-working spaces, so less space still delivers.

If you've been feeling priced out of bigger homes, a smaller one could fit your budget and your lifestyle. And with brand-new everything, it may not feel like as much of a compromise as you think.

DM me to walk through what's available in our area.

06/02/2026

Still deciding whether to buy your first home now or wait? Here’s something you’ll want to consider.

Buyers who get into their first home around age 30 build about $119,000 more in net worth by age 50 compared to those who wait until their 40s.

So, every year you spend saving for the "right" moment could quietly chip away at your future wealth.

That doesn’t mean buy before you’re ready. But it does mean, if you’re ready and able to buy now, it may be a better strategy than waiting.

DM me and let's map out what timeline fits your situation and our market. You might find that a head start matters more than waiting to save the "perfect" down payment.

06/01/2026

Less House, More Home: Why Smaller Homes Are Paying Off for Today’s Buyers

Today’s smaller single-family homes and condos have more going for them than the square footage suggests. They can give your budget some breathing room and put you in a community designed with lifestyle in mind.

Curious about the options in our area? Let's connect.

You started shopping with a specific mental image of your future home in your mind. Then the houses in your budget came in smaller than you pictured.