Hawkins Real Estate

05/23/2026

I’ve been in real estate for a while now, and I’ll be honest — I didn’t fully get how much happens behind the scenes until I was living it every day.

✨ 🚫 Nobody sees:

1. Finding leverage you didn’t know you had in credits, concessions, and closing costs

2. Problem-solving on the spot when the appraisal, inspection, or title throws a curveball

3. Noticing what the photos hide and a house tour may miss — water damage, drainage issues, deferred maintenance

4. Being available 24/7 because real estate doesn’t follow traditional business hours

5. Managing lender, title, inspector, buyer, and seller all at once so one hiccup doesn’t affect the deal

👉 And that's only a few things that go unnoticed.

Whether you’re just looking or ready to move — feel free to text or DM me anytime. 📲

EXP Realty | NV 204544 | CA 2224743

05/14/2026

A FICO score is a number used in the United States to measure how trustworthy you are with borrowing money. It usually ranges from 300 to 850, and lenders use it to decide whether to approve you for credit and what terms to offer.

What a FICO Score Is Based On

Your score is calculated by Fair Isaac Corporation using five main factors:
• Payment history (35%) – Do you pay your bills on time?
• Amounts owed (30%) – How much debt you have compared to your limits
• Length of credit history (15%) – How long you’ve had credit accounts
• Credit mix (10%) – Types of credit (cards, loans, etc.)
• New credit (10%) – How often you apply for new credit

Why It Matters in the U.S.

Your FICO score affects many important financial decisions:

1. Loan Approval
Banks and lenders use your score to decide if you qualify for:
• Credit cards
• Car loans
• Mortgages

2. Interest Rates
A higher score = lower interest rates
A lower score = higher interest rates
This can save or cost you thousands of dollars over time.

3. Renting an Apartment
Landlords often check your score to see if you’re likely to pay rent on time.

4. Insurance & Utilities
Some companies use credit-based scores to set:
• Insurance premiums
• Utility deposits

5. Job Screening (in some cases)
Certain employers may review your credit report (not always your exact score) for financial responsibility.

Score Ranges (General Guide)
• 800–850 → Excellent
• 740–799 → Very Good
• 670–739 → Good
• 580–669 → Fair
• 300–579 → Poor

Simple Example

If two people apply for the same car loan:
• Person A (Score: 780) → gets 5% interest
• Person B (Score: 600) → gets 15% interest

Person B will pay much more over time, even for the same car.

05/01/2026

Being pre-qualified and pre-approved are NOT the same thing! 🏡

Both are important first steps but pre-approval carries more weight.

💡 Pre-qualification helps you start…
💡 Pre-approval helps you compete.

Knowing the difference can save you time, stress, and disappointment. 🔑

Sierra Hawkins | Exp Realty | NV S.204544 | CA 2224743

06/26/2025

🚧 First-Time Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Shopping before pre-approval
❌ Skipping the home inspection
❌ Forgetting about closing costs

The more you know, the smoother your journey!

🧭 DM me if you’d like a free First-Time Buyer Guide. 📥

06/26/2025

📊 Your Credit Score & Buying a Home 🏡

Your credit score plays a huge role in your loan options and interest rates. The higher the score, the better your deal!

🏦 Not sure where you stand? Let’s connect — I can help you plan a path to success. 💪🏽

06/25/2025

🔍 Why Do a Home Inspection?

A home inspection can reveal hidden issues before you buy — from roof leaks to electrical quirks. It’s one of the most important steps to protect your investment.

🏠🧰 Need a trusted inspector? Let me know — I have recommendations! ✅

06/24/2025

💡 Buying a home? Don’t forget closing costs!

They typically add 2-5% of the home price — so plan ahead to avoid surprises.

🏠 Curious what this would look like for your next move? Let me help you figure it out! ✨

06/24/2025