Shannon Hornacek, Realtor at Howard Hanna

06/23/2026

As both a veteran and an MRP (Military Relocation Professional), I pay close attention to changes that affect military buyers and their families.

One of the biggest misconceptions I still hear is that VA loans are "too difficult" or create extra hurdles for sellers.

While VA appraisals still focus on making sure a property is safe, sanitary, and structurally sound, the VA has recently made some updates that provide more flexibility and eliminate some requirements that often created frustration without adding much value.

For example, radon testing is no longer required solely because a buyer is using a VA loan.

The VA also updated guidance regarding accessory structures such as sheds, detached garages, and similar outbuildings. In many cases, these structures no longer have to meet the same property requirements related to issues like peeling paint or wood-destroying insect inspections if they don't impact the safety or livability of the main home.

These changes help streamline the process while still maintaining the VA's focus on protecting veterans and ensuring homes meet reasonable standards.

The reality is that VA loans remain one of the strongest home financing benefits available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members.

As someone who served for 23 years and now helps military members and veterans navigate the home buying process, I believe it's important that both buyers and sellers understand the facts—not the myths.

VA loans aren't a disadvantage.

They're a benefit that was earned through service.

👉 Drop your question for next coffee ☕

06/21/2026

Father's Day feels a little bittersweet for me.

Today I'm grateful for the amazing husband by my side, proud of the father my son has become, and thankful for the men who have shaped my life with their love, wisdom, and steady support.

I'm especially missing my dad today and remembering the lessons, laughter, and love he left behind. At the same time, I'm grateful for the father figures who continue to be a blessing in my life and our family.

Wishing all the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures a very Happy Father's Day. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and time with the people who mean the most. 💙

06/20/2026

My daughter in law is doing great things with her real estate career! Love to see these young, hard working people succeeding! Congrats Haley and Kyle! You both rock!

Congratulations to my buyer, Kyle, on not one, but TWO huge milestones! 🎉

Over the past few months, Kyle graduated from college and officially became a first time homeowner! 🏡🎓 What an exciting chapter and a testament to all of his hard work and dedication.

Thank you, Kyle, for trusting me to guide you through the home buying process.
Congratulations again, you have so much to be proud of!! 🥂🔑

06/19/2026

🏡 SOLD! 🎉

289 Edward Ave is officially off the market and headed to its next chapter.

This one wasn't perfect, but it had potential—and the right buyer saw the opportunity. Congratulations to my seller, Mario, on a successful closing, and congratulations to my buyer, Mike, who saw the vision and added another investment property to his portfolio. I'm excited to see the transformation once the renovations are complete!

Whether you're selling a move-in ready home, a fixer-upper, or looking for your next investment opportunity, having the right strategy and guidance can make all the difference.

Thank you both for trusting me to help you through the process. And a special thank you to my friends, Marlene and Gil, for connecting me with Mario. Referrals like yours are one of the greatest compliments I can receive and are a huge part of how I continue to grow my business.

06/17/2026

A lot of people assume marketing a home means putting it in the MLS, putting a sign in the yard, and hoping for the best.

The reality is that marketing has changed quite a bit.

Today's buyers are finding homes through social media, online searches, video tours, brokerage websites, email campaigns, open houses, and agent networks.

When you're interviewing an agent, don't be afraid to ask:

👉 How will you market my home?
👉 Where will buyers see it?
👉 What happens after it goes live?

For example, I use professional photography, social media marketing, video content, open houses, online advertising, Google Business Profile content, and targeted outreach.

Tomorrow's Twilight Open House at 1220 Ben Fulton Ave NW in North Lawrence is a great example. It's part of a Howard Hanna marketing campaign designed to give homes additional exposure and connect buyers with properties they may not have otherwise discovered.

I also have the advantage of being backed by Howard Hanna, which provides additional marketing opportunities through brokerage-wide campaigns, special open house events, and exposure across a large network of agents and buyers.

Marketing isn't just about getting a home listed.

It's about getting it seen by the right buyers.

👉 Drop your question for next coffee ☕

06/16/2026

✨ PRICE IMPROVEMENT ✨

Join me this Thursday for a special Twilight Open House at:

📍 1220 Ben Fulton Ave NW, North Lawrence, OH
📅 Thursday, June 18
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This one-of-a-kind property features:

🎣 Two stocked ponds for fishing and swimming
🌳 2.5 private acres
🛠️ 8 garage bays including a heated workshop
✨ Updated kitchen and modern improvements throughout
🔥 Two fireplaces
🌅 Beautiful outdoor spaces that truly shine in the evening

🍪 Light refreshments will be provided
🎁 Giveaways throughout the event

Come enjoy a relaxing evening, tour this incredible property, and see firsthand why homes can look completely different—and often even better—during the golden hour.

https://shannonhornacek.howardhanna.com/twilight

📬 Message me with any questions or simply stop by. I'd love to see you there!

06/16/2026

First-time homebuyers deserve to feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way — and Shannon Hornacek, Realtor at Howard Hanna delivered exactly that.

Outstanding communication, genuine dedication, and a smooth experience from start to finish are what make the home buying journey so special. Congratulations, Shannon, on another wonderful review and for making such a meaningful impact on your clients! 🏡✨

06/12/2026

Now this is a club I love being a part of! Congrats to my fellow Green Office agents and thank you to all of my amazing clients! 💚💛

06/11/2026

🏡 Another one added to the portfolio!

Congratulations to my longtime investor client, Raishone , on the purchase of this Akron property. Opportunities like this don’t come along every day, and we were able to put together a deal that made a lot of sense for his investment goals.

I’ve had the privilege of helping Raishone with multiple transactions over the years, and it’s always rewarding to see clients continue building wealth through real estate.

On to the next one! 🚀

06/09/2026

The best Realtors never stop learning.

One of the things I love about being part of the Howard Hanna Green office is how collaborative our team is. Every Tuesday, we get together to discuss what’s happening in the market, share ideas, discuss challenges, review pricing strategies, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Sometimes we’re in the office. Sometimes we’re out in the community, like this week at UnionPark Coffee and Cocktails, where we spent time talking through current market trends, upcoming listings, and ways we can better serve our clients. The café is designed around conversation and community, which made it a great spot for our meeting.

We also regularly tour new listings, discuss pricing, and provide feedback to one another because the more familiar we are with our local market, the better guidance we can provide to buyers and sellers.

Real estate is always changing. The day I think I know everything is probably the day I should retire.

The goal is simple: keep learning so I can better serve you.

👉 Drop your question for next coffee ☕