Omolara Ajewole, Howard Hanna

09/27/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #9

What Is a Seller Credit?

Sometimes a buyer and seller negotiate for the seller to contribute toward certain allowable buyer closing costs or expenses.

This can potentially reduce the amount of money the buyer needs to bring to closing.

But there are rules.

The amount and allowable uses can depend on the loan program, contract, lender, and other factors.

So if you're considering asking for a seller credit, talk with your lender before deciding what you need.

🏠 Every dollar matters when you're buying a home.

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09/27/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #8

Closing Costs: The Expense Buyers Sometimes Forget

Saving for your down payment is important but don't forget about closing costs.

Depending on the transaction, closing costs can include items such as:

📄 Loan-related fees
🏡 Title services
🛡️ Insurance
💰 Prepaid expenses
📊 Taxes and other settlement charges

The exact amount varies from transaction to transaction.

That's why it's important to ask your lender for a detailed estimate of your expected costs.

Don't wait until closing week to ask, “How much money do I need?”

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09/25/2026

📍 Reduced Price 📍 This recently reduced home at 241 Watson Blvd in Observatory Hill won't last long, so, don't wait to set up a showing! Reach out here or at (724) 327-0123 for more information!

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09/23/2026

🏡 Wednesday REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #7

5 Things Every First-Time Buyer Should Know

1️⃣ Get your finances organized.
2️⃣ Talk to a lender early.
3️⃣ Know your realistic budget.
4️⃣ Don't skip understanding the inspection process.
5️⃣ Ask questions LOTS of questions!

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming.

You don't have to know everything before you start.

That's what your real estate and lending professionals are there to help you understand.

🏠 Education creates confidence.

📌 Tag someone who is thinking about buying their first home!

09/21/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #6

What Happens During a Home Appraisal?

If you're getting a mortgage, your lender may require an appraisal.

The appraisal is generally intended to provide an independent opinion of the property's value for lending purposes.

The appraiser may consider:

🏠 Property condition
📍 Location
📐 Size and features
🏡 Comparable properties
📊 Recent market activity

What happens if the appraisal comes in below the purchase price?

There may be several options depending on the contract, financing, and circumstances.

Don't panic—understand your options and talk with your Realtor and lender.

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09/20/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #5

What Does a Home Inspection Actually Do?

A home inspection is an important part of the buying process—but it's important to understand what it does.

An inspector may evaluate areas such as:

🔎 Structure
🔎 Roof
🔎 Electrical systems
🔎 Plumbing
🔎 HVAC
🔎 Windows and doors
🔎 Major visible systems

An inspection isn't about finding a “perfect” house.

It's about learning more about the property's condition so you can make informed decisions.

Ask questions. Read the report. Understand what you're buying.

📌 Save this post if you're a future homeowner!

09/19/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #4

What Is Earnest Money? 💰

You make an offer on a home and hear:

“Don't forget about earnest money.”

But what is it?

Earnest money is generally a deposit made with your offer or shortly after your offer is accepted. It shows the seller that you're serious about purchasing the property.

If the transaction closes, the deposit is typically credited toward your purchase costs, subject to the terms of the agreement.

⚠️ Important: What happens to earnest money if a transaction doesn't close depends on the contract and circumstances.

Never be afraid to ask questions about your deposit before signing.

📌 Save this post for your home-buying journey!

Note:

“WHAT IS EARNEST MONEY? 💰
Think of it as a deposit showing you're serious.”

09/18/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #3

Your Credit Score Matters When Buying a Home

Your credit history can play an important role in the mortgage process.

It can affect things such as:

✔️ Loan eligibility
✔️ Interest rate
✔️ Loan terms
✔️ Potential monthly payment

If buying a home is one of your goals, don't wait until you're ready to make an offer to look at your credit.

Start early.

Pay attention to your payment history, outstanding debts, credit utilization, and errors on your credit report.

Small financial decisions today can matter when you're preparing to buy.

📌 Thinking about buying within the next year? Start preparing now.

“BUYING A HOME SOON?
Start paying attention to your credit NOW.”

09/17/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION #2

How Much House Can You REALLY Afford?

Just because a lender says you qualify for a certain amount doesn't necessarily mean you should spend that much.

Remember to consider:

💰 Mortgage payment
🏠 Property taxes
🛡️ Homeowners insurance
🔧 Maintenance and repairs
💡 Utilities
💳 Other monthly debts

Your goal isn't simply to buy the most expensive home you qualify for.

It's to find a home that fits comfortably within your overall financial plan.

Know your numbers before you shop!

📌 Save this for your future home search.

09/16/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE TIP #1: Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification What’s the Difference?

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may hear both terms but they are NOT the same.

💡 Pre-Qualification
A lender gives you an estimate of what you may be able to borrow based on information you provide.

💡 Pre-Approval
The lender reviews more detailed financial information, such as your income, assets, credit, and debts, to determine how much you may be qualified to borrow.

👉 Why does this matter?

A pre-approval can help you:
✅ Understand your realistic price range
✅ Build a stronger offer
✅ Know your estimated monthly payment
✅ Shop for homes with more confidence
✅ Identify financial issues early

My advice: Before you fall in love with a house, talk to a lender and understand your numbers.

🏠 Know your numbers. Know your budget. Then start house hunting!

I’m always happy to help first-time buyers understand the home-buying process.