Waterman and Associates Realty

06/18/2026

Summer buyers often get labeled as casual, but in many markets the opposite is true.

By June, a lot of buyers have already done the early work — they’ve talked to lenders, narrowed neighborhoods, and figured out what they can realistically afford. They’re not just browsing. They’re trying to make a move before vacations, lease renewals, relocations, or the next school year.

That sense of timing matters. Serious summer buyers often make faster decisions because they feel the calendar more clearly.

If you’re selling, this is a good reminder: don’t assume summer shoppers are less motivated. A well-presented, well-priced home can still move quickly when it matches what buyers are looking for.

Let us know in the comments — do you think summer buyers are more serious or more selective?

06/17/2026

For many first-time buyers, the biggest surprise isn’t the house hunt itself—it’s the hidden costs of homeownership. 🏡💸

Beyond the mortgage, there are things like:
🔑 Closing costs
🔧 Maintenance & repairs
💡 Utilities & property taxes

It all adds up quicker than most expect. Planning ahead for these expenses can make the transition to homeownership much smoother—and a lot less stressful.

What surprised you the most about buying your first home?

Geri Waterman
e-Merge Real Estate
Waterman and Associates Home Selling Team
614-832-1347
[email protected]

06/16/2026

Thinking about house hacking? Here's what you need to know before you dive in.

Zoning and local regulations are non-negotiable. ADU legality, short-term rental rules, and multi-family zoning vary dramatically by city and neighborhood. What's allowed three blocks away may not be allowed on your property. Unpermitted units create liability headaches that outlast the savings. Do things by the book from the start.

Be honest about lifestyle fit. Sharing a property with tenants — whether strangers or family — requires a certain temperament and a willingness to handle uncomfortable conversations. Clear boundaries and realistic expectations matter.

And always run conservative numbers. If the math works with vacancy and maintenance built in, you're solid. If it only works at 100% occupancy, it's a risk.

Read the full article: http://geriwaterman.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/15/2026

Are you ready to start your home search? Take a look at these quick tips and you'll be ahead of the game!

Geri Waterman
e-Merge Real Estate
Waterman and Associates Home Selling Team
614-832-1347
[email protected]

When house-hunting fever strikes, it can hit hard. You’ll probably download a home search app or two and jump into the car, ready to explore a new neighborhood. Before you do...

06/13/2026

Get the highest price for your home! Find out what your home could be worth now.

Geri Waterman
e-Merge Real Estate
Waterman and Associates Home Selling Team
614-832-1347
[email protected]

Thinking about selling your home? Get a quick estimate of your home's value.

06/11/2026

Want to know the original house hack? Buy a duplex, triplex, or small multi-family. Live in one unit. Rent out the others. It's been working for decades — and it still does in 2026.

FHA loans allow you to buy properties with up to 4 units with as little as 3.5% down, as long as you live in one unit. Veterans can use a VA loan with zero down. And Freddie Mac's Home Possible program allows qualified buyers to put down just 3%.

The financing options are more accessible than most buyers realize. For those willing to share a property line with their tenants, the income potential is typically higher than an ADU, and the strategy is time-tested. If you're serious about house hacking, don't overlook the classic approach.

Read the full article: http://geriwaterman.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/11/2026

Thinking about selling? Here's your guide to figuring out exactly what you want and how to work with the experts who’ll help you get it.

Geri Waterman
e-Merge Real Estate
Waterman and Associates Home Selling Team
614-832-1347
[email protected]

First-time home seller tips with a step-by-step guide to selling a house. Learn the steps to selling a house with these tips for sellers.

06/09/2026

First-time buyers, listen up! We see these all the time - don't make these mistakes!

➡️Mistake #1: Not getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
➡️Mistake #2: Overlooking hidden costs.
➡️Mistake #3: Skipping the home inspection.

Avoid these pitfalls by doing your research and working with experienced professionals.

Geri Waterman
e-Merge Real Estate
Waterman and Associates Home Selling Team
614-832-1347
[email protected]

06/09/2026

Multi-generational home buying hit a record high in 2024. 14% of all home purchases were multi-generational. Gen X buyers led the way at 19%. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

This isn't a trend. It's a structural shift.

Among multi-generational buyers, 41% said the primary reason was to care for or support aging parents — the highest share since tracking began in 2015. Another 23% wanted to spend more time with their parents. For Gen X especially, who are often supporting both aging parents and adult children, a home designed to accommodate multiple generations solves several problems at once: caretaking, privacy, and cost.

House hacking doesn't always mean renting to strangers. Sometimes it means sharing a home — and the costs — with the people who matter most.

Read the full article: http://geriwaterman.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/07/2026

🏡 Windows can make a house. Choose wisely :)

Geri Waterman
e-Merge Real Estate
Waterman and Associates Home Selling Team
614-832-1347
[email protected]