Brittany Capodice, Polter Real Estate

06/18/2026

Day 15: Earnest Money Explained 💰

One of the most common questions I hear from home buyers is:

"What is earnest money, and do I get it back?"

Earnest money is a deposit you make when submitting an offer on a home. Think of it as a good faith deposit that shows the seller you're serious about buying their property.

How Does It Work?
✅ You submit an offer.
✅ Once your offer is accepted, you deposit earnest money with a title company or brokerage.
✅ The funds are held securely until closing.
✅ At closing, the earnest money is typically applied toward your down payment or closing costs.

When Do You Get It Back?

You may receive your earnest money back if you cancel the contract for a reason allowed by the purchase agreement, such as:
✔️ Inspection issues
✔️ Financing contingency
✔️ Appraisal contingency
✔️ Other contractual protections

When Could You Lose It?

If you back out of the contract for a reason not covered by the agreement, the seller may have the right to keep your earnest money.

The good news? As your buyer's agent, I'll help you understand your contract and deadlines so you can protect your deposit throughout the process.

Buying a home doesn't have to be confusing. If you're thinking about purchasing a home and have questions about earnest money, down payments, or the buying process, let's talk!

📞 Brittany Capodice
Polter Real Estate
(419) 341-9382
📧 [email protected]

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

🏡 Day 14: What Happens After You Make an Offer?

Making an offer is exciting, but it's just the beginning!

Here's a simple timeline of what happens next:

✅ 1. Offer Submitted
Your Realtor (HOPEFULLY ME) sends the offer to the seller for review.

✅ 2. Negotiations
The seller may accept, reject, or counter your offer. We negotiate until both parties agree.

✅ 3. Under Contract 🎉
Once everyone signs, you're officially under contract!

✅ 4. Earnest Money Deposit
You'll submit your earnest money deposit according to the contract terms.

✅ 5. Home Inspection
A professional inspector evaluates the home's condition and identifies any concerns.

✅ 6. Appraisal Ordered
If you're financing, your lender will order an appraisal to verify the home's value.

✅ 7. Loan Processing & Underwriting
Your lender reviews all financial documents and finalizes loan approval.

✅ 8. Final Walk-Through
Usually 24-48 hours before closing, you'll verify the property is in the agreed-upon condition.

✅ 9. Closing Day 🔑
Sign the paperwork, receive the keys, and celebrate becoming a homeowner!

The process can feel overwhelming, but that's why I'm here to guide you every step of the way and keep everything on track.

📲 Thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start? Let's talk! I'll walk you through the process from pre-approval to closing day.

Brittany Capodice, Realtor®
Polter Real Estate
📞 (419) 341-9382
📧 [email protected]
🏡🔑

06/17/2026

Congratulations to my amazing buyer Michelle on the purchase of her first ever home! 🏡🔑

Michelle is a grandmother (a Nana - pronounced Nah Nah), and couldn't wait to close on a home that she will cherish with all of her kids and grandbabies!

Thank you so much for trusting me in this process! Enjoy your red velvet cake courtesy of Port Clinton Cake Company!

If you're looking to make a move this year, whether it's selling or buying, let me be the one to help you get where you're going!

Brittany Capodice
Polter Real Estate
(419) 341-9382
[email protected]

06/16/2026

Why Hiring a Price Expert Matters When Buying or Selling a Home.

Anyone can look up a home's value online. A true real estate professional knows how to interpret the data, analyze market trends, and price a home strategically. And no, a Zestimate is NOT an accurate number to rely on.

As a Realtor, my job isn't just to put a number on a property, it's to help you:

✅ Avoid overpricing and sitting on the market
✅ Avoid underpricing and leaving money on the table
✅ Understand what buyers are actually paying in today's market
✅ Compare recent sales, current competition, and market conditions
✅ Create a pricing strategy that helps you reach your goals

In today's market, pricing correctly from the start can mean the difference between multiple offers and multiple price reductions.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious about your home's value, having a local market expert on your side makes all the difference.

📞 Ready to know what your home is worth in today's market?

Brittany Capodice, Realtor®
Polter Real Estate
📱 (419) 341-9382
📧 [email protected]

🏡✨

06/14/2026

Day 12: How to Know Your Must-Haves
One of the biggest mistakes home buyers make is walking into homes without knowing the difference between a need and a want.

Before you start touring homes, grab a piece of paper and make two lists:

✅ Must-Haves (Needs)

Number of bedrooms your family requires
Location for work or school
Budget-friendly monthly payment
Safety or accessibility requirements
Garage or storage if truly necessary

⭐ Nice-to-Haves (Wants)

Granite countertops
Finished basement
Large backyard
Open floor plan
Swimming pool

Here's the reality: very few homes check every box. The more flexible you are on your wants, the easier it is to find a home you'll love without stretching your budget.

📞 Brittany Capodice, Realtor®
🏢 Polter Real Estate
📱 (419) 341-9382
📧 [email protected]

Helping buyers across Ottawa, Erie, Sandusky, Huron, and Seneca Counties find the right home. Not just any home.

06/14/2026

Day 11: House Hunting Mistakes That Can Cost You

House hunting is exciting, but it's easy to let emotions take over. Here are some of the biggest mistakes buyers make:

❌ Touring homes without a checklist
It's easy to get distracted by fresh paint, trendy décor, or a beautiful backyard. Focus on the home's structure, layout, age of major systems, and features that truly matter to your lifestyle.

❌ Falling in love too fast
The first house you see isn't always "the one." Compare multiple properties before making a decision. A home may look perfect today, but there could be a better fit around the corner.

❌ Ignoring your budget
Just because you're approved for a certain amount doesn't mean you should spend it all. Leave room for maintenance, utilities, furnishings, and unexpected expenses.

❌ Overlooking the neighborhood
You can change paint colors and flooring, but you can't change location. Consider commute times, schools, nearby amenities, and future development plans.

❌ Focusing only on cosmetic issues
Ugly paint and outdated fixtures are easy fixes. Major foundation, roof, plumbing, or electrical issues are much more expensive.

💡 Pro Tip: Take notes and photos (where permitted) during each showing. After seeing several homes, they can start to blend together!

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Having an experienced buyer's agent helps you avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on what matters most.

Thinking about starting your home search? Let's create a game plan and find the right home for your needs and budget.

Brittany Capodice
Polter Real Estate
📞 (419) 341-9382
📧 [email protected]

06/13/2026

Congratulations to my amazing buyers for their first ever home purchase! Working with you guys has been an international dream! We saw a lot of homes and shared so many laughs. So happy to gain new friends in this process.

Shoutout to Brian Bower with Loan Depot for getting it to close and Park Avenue Title Agency for facilitating a closing on a Saturday!

I cannot wait for the house warming party!
🎊🥳

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the near future, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Brittany Capodice
(419) 341-9382
[email protected]

06/12/2026

🏡 Day 10: What Does "Move-In Ready" REALLY Mean? 🏡

One buyer's "move-in ready" is another buyer's "needs a complete makeover."

When you see a home described as move-in ready, it usually means the home is safe, functional, and ready to be lived in immediately, but that doesn't necessarily mean everything is brand new or updated.

✅ The major systems are working
✅ The home is habitable and meets lender requirements
✅ No major repairs are needed before moving in

However, "move-in ready" may still include:

🔹 Older flooring or carpet
🔹 Outdated kitchens or bathrooms
🔹 Paint colors that aren't your style
🔹 Appliances that work but aren't new
🔹 Cosmetic updates you may want to make later

A home doesn't have to be perfect to be a great investment. Sometimes the best opportunities are homes that are move-in ready today and can be updated over time as your budget allows.
The key is knowing the difference between cosmetic projects and major repairs so you can make a confident decision.

📲 Thinking about buying a home but unsure what condition you should expect at your price point? I'd be happy to walk you through what's realistic in today's market and help you find the right fit.
Brittany Capodice, Realtor®
📞 (419) 341-9382
📧 [email protected]

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