Mata Realty

03/29/2026

I see what you did there 🤣 Leave the drama and embrace the ride!

03/28/2026

That reply changed everything 😂

03/28/2026

You can't do what I do!

03/28/2026

This is the kind of graphic realtors post to make renting look like you lit your paycheck on fire.

That’s a nice sales tactic.

It’s not a full financial analysis.

The median existing home price in February 2026 was $398,000.

At today’s average 30 year mortgage rate of 6.22%, a buyer putting 5% down is looking at roughly $2,321 per month in principal and interest alone.

That doesn’t include property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI, HOA fees, repairs, or maintenance.

Then add closing costs. The CFPB says buyers should typically expect 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, not including the down payment.

On a $398,000 home, that’s about $7,960 to $19,900 before you even get the keys.

And once you own it, the meter doesn’t stop. CFPB says homeowners also need to budget for taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and other ongoing costs.

Fannie Mae says a common rule of thumb is to budget 1% to 4% of the home’s value per year for maintenance and repairs. On a $398,000 house, that’s roughly $3,980 to $15,920 a year.

So no, renting is not automatically “throwing money away.”

Sometimes renting is the smarter move because it protects your cash flow, keeps you out of high interest debt, and stops you from buying a house you can’t actually afford to carry.

The real question isn’t whether a renter “lost” money.

It’s whether buying would’ve improved their net worth after mortgage interest, closing costs, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

That coffee stained receipt graphic conveniently leaves all of that out.

03/06/2026

Our markets in Yolo and Sacramento counties are hopping like an Easter Bunny! Yay for beautiful Spring weather! Homes and gardens are showing great!!

Frustrated sellers who pulled homes off the market last fall are now relisting them at a quick pace, thanks to lower mortgage rates, but supply is still low.

02/09/2026

12/27/2025

12/15/2025

https://positivebloom.com/yard-features-in-california-that-may-soon-be-added-to-local-ban-lists/

California neighborhoods are rethinking yard rules learn which features may soon face limits and how homeowners can prepare for changes in local landscaping.

11/26/2025

https://wrenews.com/mortgage-rates-decline-ahead-of-thanksgiving/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Mortgage%20Rates%20Decline%20Ahead%20of%20Thanksgiving&utm_campaign=WRE%20Afternoon%20News%2011%2025%202025%20Nationwide%20%28Segmented%29%20%28Copy%29&vgo_ee=vAB2lxH2dX0%2Fwwj%2FXUVXPCInFAR3ssrGMNL2pMGW6Fst%2BjNDHQ%3D%3D%3Algn6nckYphTQvEbXzzh5GxNUDW4P0oZQ

Mortgage rates dived ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey published by Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC).

11/26/2025

https://www.homes.com/news/residential-sales-saw-an-upswing-in-october-exclusive-homes-com-data-shows/1156983475/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=Newsletter_Agent_Breaking&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cta

More houses traded hands in October, as buyers took advantage of a growing number of properties for sale and slowly falling mortgage rates.The number

04/21/2025

Happy Easter!