Tori Kautz, Realtor

06/03/2026

Schedule an appointment through the link in my bio to discuss more!

Tori Kautz | REALTOR®, ABR®, MRP®
▫️ Allfirst Realty Inc. | o: 443-320-1344
📧 [email protected]
🌐 torikautzsellshomes.com
📲 443-370-2483

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Secretary Jake Day today announced that the Department has expanded the state’s landmark Maryland SmartBuy initiative, the Maryland Mortgage Program’s loan product for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home and pay off student debt. To help manage purchase costs, eligible homebuyers can now receive up to $25,000 in student loan payoff assistance – a 25% increase from the current $20,000 limit.

Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 enables qualified borrowers with student debt to purchase an eligible home in Maryland using conventional financing through the award-winning Maryland Mortgage Program. The Maryland SmartBuy program was created to make home purchasing more affordable for first-time homebuyers by eliminating eligible student loan payments.

When paired with downpayment assistance, the increase of student loan payoff assistance brings the average total aid to $40,000 for homebuyers earning below 50% of the Area Median Income, and slightly over $30,000 for all other Maryland Mortgage Program applicants. Eligible borrowers must meet all Maryland Mortgage Program underwriting requirements and must have a minimum remaining student loan balance of $1,000, with a maximum eligible payoff amount equal to 15% of the home purchase price or $25,000, whichever is lower.

The announcement of the program expansion marks the start of National Homeownership Month in June, which celebrates the impact of homeownership on families, neighborhoods and communities. Learn more about this expansion and MMP here: https://bit.ly/4okHL8t

05/30/2026

Dream Backyard Loading… 🏡✨

That perfect patio isn’t just a dream, it’s waiting to be found! From sunny mornings to evenings spent unwinding outdoors, the right home comes with the lifestyle to match.

Finding the right home means looking beyond the photos and focusing on how it fits your day-to-day.

When the lifestyle matches, everything else falls into place. Ready to start the search?

05/29/2026

🏡 Essential Homeowner Tips You Need to Know

1️⃣ Extend Your HVAC System’s Life – Regularly replace filters to keep things running efficiently. Keeping extras on hand makes it easy to stay on schedule.

2️⃣ Know Your Main Water Shut-Off – In a plumbing emergency, shutting off water quickly can help prevent major damage.

3️⃣ Choose Timeless Finishes – Neutral tones like white, gray, or beige help your home stay classic and appealing over time.

4️⃣ Fix Unpleasant Drain Smells: Run water in unused drains occasionally to keep the trap filled and block sewer gases. A small amount of mineral oil can also help slow evaporation.

Tips like these can save you tons of time and money and will help you keep your home in the best shape possible.

05/28/2026

Repair or Replace? 🏡🔧

Is a kitchen appliance starting to act up? It can be tough to decide whether it’s worth fixing or time for an upgrade. While most appliances last around 10–15 years, lifespan can vary based on maintenance, usage, and overall condition.

💡 Minor issue + newer appliance? A repair may make sense
⚡ Frequent problems or older unit? Replacement could be more cost-effective

Knowing when to repair versus replace can save time, money, and frustration in the long run!

05/27/2026

Preparing to sell comes with a lot of questions, and having the right answers can make all the difference.

✨ Getting your home ready often starts with decluttering, minor updates, and creating a clean, inviting space
📊 Pricing expectations depend on market conditions, location, and your home’s features
🛠️ Home inspections can be done before listing or during escrow, depending on your strategy
🛋️ Staging vs. empty comes down to presentation—well-styled spaces can help buyers better visualize the home

Every decision plays a role in how quickly and successfully your home sells. A trusted real estate agent can help answer these questions, guide your strategy, and ensure each step is aligned with your goals.

Let’s connect to create a plan that prepares your home, positions it competitively, and maximizes your results!

05/26/2026

Be honest… are you more BBQ and burgers or pool and floaties?

Both are a good time, it just depends if you’re here for the food or the cannonballs.