Skip Benton Real Estate Services 0143248 - Coldwell Banker Select

07/01/2026

Financial hardship rarely begins with one bad decision.
More often, it begins with one unexpected expense followed by another...and another.

In this episode, I discuss how rising vehicle costs, emergency repairs, medical bills, and the increasing cost of everyday life are affecting homeowners throughout Nevada.

Many homeowners aren't falling behind because they bought too much ...

06/29/2026

Financial hardship doesn't always begin with a missed mortgage payment.

Sometimes it starts with higher insurance premiums. Rising property taxes. Unexpected home repairs. Medical bills. Higher utility costs. Or simply the rising cost of everyday life.

Financial hardship doesn't always begin with a missed mortgage paym...

06/24/2026

For many Nevada homeowners, the mortgage payment isn't the problem.
The problem is everything else.

For many Nevada homeowners, the mortgage payment isn't the problem....

06/24/2026

🏡 Ouch. Homeownership has become a lot more expensive in just five years.

At the end of 2020, a typical buyer could purchase a home with a monthly mortgage payment of about $1,240. Today, with the median existing single-family home price around $409,000, a 3.5% down payment, and a 6.23% interest rate, that same mortgage payment is approximately $2,420 per month.

But that's only part of the story.

Once you add property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, and other ownership costs, the total monthly housing expense climbs to roughly $3,120 per month.

To comfortably afford that payment, a household now needs an annual income of approximately $120,800.

Five years ago? About $68,700.

That's a 76% increase in the income needed to purchase a typical home.

It's no surprise that many buyers are feeling the pressure. Higher home prices, elevated interest rates, rising insurance premiums, and increasing property taxes have dramatically changed the affordability equation.

06/11/2026

Have you ever received a piece of mail that seemed too good to be true?

This time is just like that, may I explain?

Many homeowners facing financial challenges are flooded with offers promising to "save" their home.

Some are legitimate.

Many are not.

I put together this short video explaining the warning signs homeowners should watch for before signing anything or sending money to anyone.

Take a look and let me know your thoughts.

If you're behind on mortgage payments, facing foreclosure, or worri...

05/29/2026

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a short sale isn't a single event—it's a process with several important steps.

Whether you're dealing with rising expenses, changes in income, mounting debt, or simply exploring your options, understanding the timeline can help reduce stress and improve decision-making.

Watch the video below to learn what really happens during a short sale, what factors affect the timeline, and why taking action early often creates more choices.

Questions? Feel free to reach out privately.

Many homeowners ask the same question: *How long does a short sale ...

05/14/2026

I found a Reno condo listed under $250,000 that may be worth a look for the right buyer.

2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
960 SF
Listed at $245,000
South Reno area

This unit is eligible for FHA Financing to an owner occupant. Great for a first-time buyer, investor, downsizer, or parent helping an adult child buy, it may be worth evaluating.

Message me if you want details or want to run the numbers.

05/03/2026

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Some people stay and make updates. Others move to simplify things. Either can be the right choice. The goal isn’t to pick one today. It’s to understand your options early, so when the time comes, you feel confident instead of rushed.

And if you ever want a sounding board to think through what the future could look like for you, let’s connect.

At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up...

05/01/2026

Spring always gives sellers an edge.

But data shows there’s a short window when that advantage really peaks – and it’s usually the last two weeks of May.

While it can vary by market, that's when buyer demand is at its strongest and competition pushes prices higher.

In some cases, that timing alone can mean a seller makes tens of thousands of dollars more.

If you’re aiming to sell for top dollar, this is the moment to watch.

Want to see what it would take to get your house ready for it? Let’s talk.