Karla Jones Wilson-Exp Realty-ICON Luxury Group

09/18/2026

Selling this fall? Starting strong matters even more this time of year.

In the fall, buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climbs. That means fewer buyers may be looking at more options – so you want your house to stand out from day one.

Here’s the cheat sheet for how to make that happen.

Price it for today’s buyers. Not what your neighbor sold for a few years back.

Make your house hard to pass up. Tackle essential repairs and spend time on your curb appeal.

Stay flexible when offers come in. This is not the season to play hardball.

And be ready to adjust when needed. If you keep getting the same feedback from buyers, take it to heart.

If you want to sell before the end of the year, let’s make sure you have the right strategy from the...

Karla Jones Wilson
Realtor with eXp Realty - ICON Luxury Group
Serving Sarasota, FL & the Surrounding Areas
(913) 302-7275
[email protected]
KarlaJonesWilson.exprealty.com

09/18/2026

The face of first-time homebuyers has changed dramatically according to the NAR 2025 Profile of Buyers & Sellers. In 1985, married couples made up a whopping 75% of first-time buyers, and today, it's just 50%. Meanwhile, single women have surged from 11% to 25%, and unmarried couples have nearly tripled from 4% to 11%. The American Dream is evolving; are you ready to claim your piece of it? Don't wait for trends to pass you by...start your journey today!

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/KarlaJonesWilson/2026/09/18/Rewriting-the-Rules-of-Homeownership

Helping homeowners build Wealth with Real Estate while enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
(913) 302-7275 [email protected]

09/17/2026

While insurance carriers in storm‑heavy areas (Midwest, South, Plains) were the first to adopt higher or percentage-based wind and hail deductibles, multiple sources show the trend started regionally and is now entrenched across the U.S. continuing to expand as severe weather spreads to new areas.This option lowers premiums but the insured will be out of pocket more if a loss occurs.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/KarlaJonesWilson/2026/09/17/Increasing-Deductibles-Can-Lower-Insurance

Helping homeowners build Wealth with Real Estate while enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
(913) 302-7275 [email protected]

09/16/2026

Waiting for mortgage rates to come down may feel like the only way to make buying a home possible.

But 41% of buyers who waited wish they'd bought sooner – before rates and prices rose again.

Right now, factors like inflation, the economy, and global events are all having an impact on rates – and it’s not in the direction you’d hope.

So, for a lot of buyers, waiting might not pay off. Sometimes it just means putting your life on hold for what feels like too long.

Before you decide to hit pause on your move, talk to a trusted lender. They’ll go over options that can help make buying work at today’s rates, and how to get the best rate you can.

You certainly don’t have to buy now. You should buy when the numbers work for you. But you should at least know your options before making a...

Karla Jones Wilson
Realtor with eXp Realty - ICON Luxury Group
Serving Sarasota, FL & the Surrounding Areas
(913) 302-7275
[email protected]
KarlaJonesWilson.exprealty.com

09/16/2026

Not all second homes are treated the same. Whether a property is used primarily for personal enjoyment, short-term vacation use, or as a rental investment can affect financing options, tax treatment, and deductible expenses. Understanding those differences before buying can help homeowners make smarter long-term decisions. If you'd like to explore your options, I'd be happy to help.

Helping homeowners build Wealth with Real Estate while enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
(913) 302-7275 [email protected]

The way a second property is used, personal enjoyment, limited vacation use, or rental income, can significantly affect financing, taxes, and long-term investment benefits.

09/14/2026

Selling This Fall? You Haven't Missed Your Window

Listing this fall doesn't mean your house will sit on the market until spring. Buyers are out there right now, ready to make a move before the new year – and your window is still open.

Let's connect and make yours one of the homes that sells this season.

Karla Jones Wilson
Realtor with eXp Realty - ICON Luxury Group
Serving Sarasota, FL & the Surrounding Areas
(913) 302-7275
[email protected]
KarlaJonesWilson.exprealty.com

Summer's winding down, and if you've been thinking about selling, you might be wondering if you missed your chance.

09/14/2026

Buying another? The first step isn't looking at homes online; it's understanding your options. Start by finding out how much equity you have, what your current home is likely worth, and what you can comfortably afford for your next purchase.From there, you can determine whether it makes more sense to sell first, buy first, or coordinate both transactions. Having a clear plan before you start helps reduce stress, avoid costly surprises, and gives you more confidence throughout the process.If you're considering making a move, let's sit down and create a strategy that's tailored to your goals and today's market.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/KarlaJonesWilson/2026/09/14/Thinking-of-Buying-Selling-Start-with-a-Plan

Helping homeowners build Wealth with Real Estate while enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
(913) 302-7275 [email protected]

09/11/2026

Data centers are showing up in more communities, and naturally, homeowners and buyers want to know what that could mean for nearby houses.

One of the biggest concerns that comes up is home values. But research from HousingWire found that areas with large data centers generally saw home values track similarly to comparable areas without them.

That doesn't mean proximity never matters. Noise, infrastructure, future development, and potential utility costs are all worth considering.

But a data center nearby isn't automatically bad news for your home's value.

Have one near you or one coming soon? Let’s look at what it could actually mean for your home and your neighborhood.

Karla Jones Wilson
Realtor with eXp Realty - ICON Luxury Group
Serving Sarasota, FL & the Surrounding Areas
(913) 302-7275
[email protected]
KarlaJonesWilson.exprealty.com

09/11/2026

Thinking of selling your home? You're not alone, 90% of sellers rely on a real estate professional to get the job done right. From pricing strategy to marketing and negotiations, having an expert on your side can make all the difference. Don't leave money on the table, connect with a trusted agent today and start your journey to a successful sale!

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/KarlaJonesWilson/2026/09/11/90-of-home-sellers-used-an-agent

Helping homeowners build Wealth with Real Estate while enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
(913) 302-7275 [email protected]

09/10/2026

A recent article from Freddie Mac highlighted how a mortgage rate lock can help buyers reduce uncertainty during the home buying process. Since interest rates can change daily, locking your rate may help protect your monthly payment if rates increase before closing.Rate locks can provide peace of mind, especially in changing market conditions, but the timing and terms vary depending on the lender and loan program. Some lenders even offer "float-down" options if rates improve.If you're planning to buy, understanding how rate locks work is an important part of financing strategy. I'm happy to connect you with trusted mortgage professionals who can explain your options clearly.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/KarlaJonesWilson/2026/09/10/Uncertain-about-a-mortgage-rate-lock

Helping homeowners build Wealth with Real Estate while enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
(913) 302-7275 [email protected]