Mary McDonnell, Assoc. Broker, CRS, Donner Summit Properties #01277756

Mary McDonnell, Assoc. Broker, CRS, Donner Summit Properties #01277756 Her years of experience are invaluable when guiding clients through the hurdles that can occur in a

Associate Broker with Donner Summit Properties, Serving Donner Summit, Truckee, Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas. Mary has extensive knowledge of the Tahoe area and a no-nonsense approach to selling real estate. She enjoys over 24 years of experience to ensure you will sell your home more smoothly, quickly, and for the highest price. Mary is a positive, helpful partner who will be your advocate throughout the process. Your home is probably your family’s single largest asset and you want its sale to go smoothly, quickly, and for top dollar.

09/15/2026

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that market value and assessed value are not the same thing. Market value is what a buyer may be willing to pay based on current demand, recent sales, condition, location, and competition. Assessed value is used by the local taxing authority to help calculate property taxes and may follow different rules, timelines, exemptions, or limits. That is why your tax assessment may be higher or lower than what your home could actually sell for. If you are wondering what your home may be worth in today's market, contact me. I can help you look at the real estate side of the numbers.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/09/15/Market-Value-vs-Assessed-Value-What-s-the-Difference

A recent article from Freddie Mac highlighted how a mortgage rate lock can help buyers reduce uncertainty during the hom...
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/MaryMcDonnell/2026/09/10/Uncertain-about-a-mortgage-rate-lock

{Mary's goal is to exceed your expectations at every turn.}
{530-277-6379} {[email protected]}

09/08/2026

When buyers ask what their monthly mortgage payment includes, the answer is often more than principal and interest. Many payments also include property taxes, homeowner insurance, and possibly mortgage insurance, depending on the loan and down payment. HOA dues may be separate, but they still matter when calculating affordability. One important thing to remember is that even if your interest rate is fixed, your total payment can still change if taxes, insurance, or escrow amounts change. If you are planning to buy and want a clearer picture of the full monthly cost, contact me. I can help you look beyond the payment estimate and understand the bigger housing budget.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/09/08/What-Does-the-Mortgage-Payment-Include

Thinking about buying a home? Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps you can take. To get started, most...
09/03/2026

Thinking about buying a home? Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps you can take. To get started, most lenders will want four basic things: a current driver's license or state-issued ID, your Social Security number, proof of income and funds available for your down payment, and a list of your current debts.Having these items ready can help streamline the process and give you a clearer picture of what you can comfortably afford. It can also strengthen your position when it's time to make an offer.If you're preparing to buy, I'm happy to connect you with trusted lenders who can help you take the next step with confidence.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/09/03/4-things-to-start-your-pre-approval

{Mary's goal is to exceed your expectations at every turn.}
{530-277-6379} {[email protected]}

09/01/2026

Days on market can tell you more than how long a home has been listed. It may provide clues about demand, pricing, condition, and seller motivation.A newly listed home could require quick action, while one that has been available for several weeks may create an opportunity to ask questions or negotiate.However, the displayed number does not always tell the complete story. A listing can be removed and relisted, causing the DOM counter to restart.Before making an offer, ask your agent to review the property's full listing history and cumulative days on market. Better information can help you evaluate the seller's position, structure a stronger offer, and make a more confident buying decision.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/09/01/What-Buyers-Should-Know-About-Days-on-Market

08/25/2026

If you have the ability to make a large principal payment and want to lower your monthly mortgage payment, recasting may be worth asking your lender about. A recast allows some homeowners to keep their existing loan and interest rate while the lender recalculates the payment based on the lower loan balance. This can be appealing if your current rate is lower than today's rates. However, recasting is typically only available on conventional, conforming loans, and FHA, VA, and USDA loans are generally not eligible. Refinancing is different because it replaces your current loan with a new one.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/08/25/Mortgage-Recasting-to-Lower-Your-Payment

If your property tax assessment seems higher than your home's market value, it may be worth a closer look. Assessments a...
08/20/2026

If your property tax assessment seems higher than your home's market value, it may be worth a closer look. Assessments aren't always perfectly aligned with current conditions, and even small discrepancies can impact what you pay each year.The key is comparing your assessment to recent sales and understanding how your property is being evaluated. If there's a gap, you may have grounds to appeal.I can help you review your home's value and provide supporting information to guide your decision.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/08/20/Is-your-property-tax-assessment-too-high

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(530) 277-6379 [email protected]

08/18/2026

Not every renovation pays off when it is time to sell. Some improvements are wonderful if you plan to enjoy them for years, but they may not add enough resale value to recover the cost. Highly personal design choices, luxury upgrades, removing functional space, or over-improving for the neighborhood can all limit your return. Before spending a large amount of money, it is smart to look at what buyers in your area actually value. If you are thinking about renovating and want to know which projects may help resale and which ones may not, contact me. I can help you look at your home through a buyer's eyes.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/08/18/Renovations-That-Don-t-Pay-Off

According to Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, there can be a significant penalty for overpricing a home. Data shows t...
08/13/2026

According to Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, there can be a significant penalty for overpricing a home. Data shows that listings staying on the market 31-60 days often require price reductions of roughly 5%, with reductions growing larger the longer a home sits unsold.Today's buyers have access to more information than ever and quickly recognize when a home feels overpriced compared to competing properties. Once a listing lingers, buyers may assume there's a problem, even if there isn't.The goal is not to "test the market." It's to position your home strategically from day one to attract the strongest interest and best possible outcome.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MaryMcDonnell/2026/08/13/There-is-a-penalty-for-pricing-a-home-incorrectly

Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.
(530) 277-6379 [email protected]

Address

P. O. Box 850
Soda Springs, CA
96161

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