Candi Bettencourt / Realtor / Brokered by Castinetti Realty Group

09/16/2026

🏡 HOMEBUYERS — THIS IS YOUR REMINDER TO CHECK YOUR PRE-APPROVAL!

Mortgage rates have moved up quickly over the past week. If you were pre-approved even a few weeks ago, the numbers you started with may not be the numbers you’re working with today.

A change in interest rates can affect your monthly payment AND your buying power — which means it’s important to stay in touch with your lender while you’re actively house hunting.

Before you fall in love with a home or write your next offer, make sure your pre-approval and comfortable price range are still up to date.

Already pre-approved? Check in with your lender today.

And if you’re thinking about buying and don’t know where to start, reach out to me. I’m happy to help you get connected and make a plan. ❤️🏡

Candi Bettencourt | Castinetti Realty Group
📞 508-450-2576

09/09/2026

Today at the office in between booking showings, writing offers and putting out some weird fires, we managed to spend some time digging into market analysis and talking about just how important pricing is, especially in a market that keeps changing. 📊🏡

There’s a lot more that goes into pricing a property than looking at a few recent sales and picking a number. You have to understand what’s happening right now—what buyers are responding to, what’s sitting, what’s selling, and why. 👀📈

These are conversations we’re having every day, and days like this help make sure we’re giving our clients advice based on what the market is actually doing—not what it was doing six months ago.

Always learning. Always paying attention. And always working to give my clients the best guidance possible. ❤️🏠

Want to know about YOUR house or what YOUR market is doing - text MARKET to 508-450-2576

08/19/2026

🏡 SOLD — and this one is a perfect example of why TIMING matters in real estate.

When we first put this Worcester condo on the market, there were approx 9 condos available for sale in Worcester within the criteria.

Within just a couple of weeks, that number had DOUBLED.

And today?

👉 There are 66 total condos on the market.

Think about that for a second.

We went from 9 available condos within the criteria to 66 total condos!

That means buyers have significantly more choices — and sellers have significantly more competition.

And that's only ONE reason I'm so glad we got this condo SOLD. 🔑

There's another change condo owners need to be paying attention to: condo financing requirements are getting more stringent.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are putting increased scrutiny on the financial and physical health of condominium associations. That means a buyer's ability to finance your condo can depend on things that may be completely outside of your control as an individual owner.

Lenders can look closely at:

• Association reserves
• Deferred maintenance and necessary repairs
• Master insurance coverage
• Special assessments
• Delinquent condo fees
• The overall financial health of the association

And additional reserve requirements are coming in 2027.

Why does this matter if you're thinking about selling your condo?

Because you can have a beautiful unit.

You can price it correctly.

You can even find a qualified buyer.

But if the condo association or project doesn't satisfy the lender's requirements, financing can become another hurdle.

Now combine that with what's happening with inventory:

9 condos when we listed.

That number tripled within weeks.

66 condos available today.

More inventory. More competition. More choices for buyers. And changing lending requirements that could make certain condo transactions more complicated.

That's why sometimes the smartest move in real estate isn't waiting for the "perfect" market.

It's recognizing when your window of opportunity is open — and making your move before that window changes.

For this seller, we did exactly that.

SOLD. ✅

08/03/2026

🚨 Most sellers don't realize they're making these mistakes until it's too late...
Some of these mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars, while others can leave your home sitting on the market longer than necessary.
In this post, I'm sharing Mistakes #5 through #2.
🤔 Want to know the #1 mistake sellers make before listing their home?
📩 DM me "SELLER" and I'll send it to you—along with a few simple tips that could help you sell faster and for more money.
No pressure. No obligation. Just helpful advice. ❤️
📞 Candi Bettencourt TOPP Realtors | Brokered by OWN IT 508-450-2576

07/06/2026

📊 Massachusetts & Worcester County Housing Market Update | July 2026

Who doesn't love data? Especially LOCAL data because all real estate is LOCAL and what may be happening nationally is the opposite of what is happening in MA and Worcester County.

So, while the real estate market continues to shift, there is some good news for you buyers and one thing is clear: we are seeing more inventory while still remaining in a SELLER'S MARKET.

Here's a quick look at how things compare to this time last year:

🏡 Massachusetts

✔️ Inventory +12.6%
✔️ Average Sale Price +2.4%
✔️ Days on Market +10%
✔️ Closed Sales -5.1%
📍 2.07 months of inventory

🏠 Worcester County

✔️ Inventory +15.8%
✔️ Average Sale Price +1.3%
✔️ Days on Market +20.5%
✔️ Closed Sales -5.2%
📍 2.10 months of inventory

What does it mean?

Buyers have more choices than they did a year ago, and homes are taking a little longer to sell, creating more opportunities to negotiate.

However, both Massachusetts and Worcester County remain well below the 5–6 months of inventory considered a balanced market. A true buyer's market typically begins at 6+ months of housing supply.

That means while the market is becoming more balanced, well-priced homes are still selling, and sellers continue to have the advantage.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious about your home's value, I'd love to help you understand what these numbers mean for your specific neighborhood.

📞 Candice Bettencourt
🏡 Topp Realtors | Brokered by Own It
📱 508-450-2576

06/24/2026

🚨 PRICE IMPROVEMENT ALERT! 🚨

Dreaming of homeownership? Your opportunity just got even better!

📍 655 Plantation St. , Worcester, MA
💲 NEW PRICE: $254,900

This move-in-ready 2-bed, 1-bath condo offers affordable, low-maintenance living in a fantastic Worcester location. With monthly payments that can be comparable to rent, this is the perfect chance to stop renting and start building equity.

Don't miss out on this incredible value!

📞 Call or text me today to schedule your showing: 508-450-2576

Candi Bettencourt, REALTOR®
TOPP Realtors

Licensed Real Estate Professional in Massachusetts. Servicing Worcester County but can help no matter where you live - including out of state! My goal is to exceed your expectations with exceptional customer service & to build you a team of professionals to help make the process of home buying/selling as smooth as possible.

2016 Agent Of The Year - EXIT Realty Partners
2016 Bronze Top Producer - EXIT Realty International
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Top Producer - Realtor Association of Central MA
2022 Diamond Level Top Producing Team
2017 Top Producer - EXIT Realty Partners
2018 Top Producer - The LUX Group
2019 Top Producer - The LUX Group
CMRS (Certified Military Residential Specialist)

06/15/2026

🏡 JUST SOLD | Auburn, MA 🏡

This marks my THIRD transaction with this amazing family, and I couldn't be more grateful for the trust they've placed in me over the years.

From the 1st transaction to today, their priorities shifted. It wasn't just about finding the next house—it was about finding the right neighborhood, the right yard, and the right school system for their family.

We had a clear vision from the start, and I'm excited to say they achieved exactly what they set out to accomplish.

A home where the kids can run and play. A neighborhood where new friendships and memories will be made. A community that offers the opportunities they were hoping for.

These are the moments that remind me why I love what I do. Real estate isn't just about buying and selling houses—it's about helping build the life they want.

To my wonderful clients, thank you for trusting me once again to help guide you through another major milestone. Being your Realtor for the third time is an honor I don't take lightly, and I am so excited for everything this next chapter has in store for your family.

Congratulations! ❤️

06/15/2026

🏡 JUST SOLD | Auburn, MA 🏡

One of the best parts of this business is getting to be part of people's stories—not just for one transaction, but through different chapters of their lives.

Years ago, I helped this seller purchase this home when he was a single guy looking for the perfect place to call his own. Fast forward to today, and life looks a lot different. A wonderful wife, two beautiful kids, and a growing family meant it was time for a new chapter.

It's always a little bittersweet saying goodbye to a home that's been the backdrop for so many memories, but it's also exciting to see what's next.

Helping clients buy their first home is special. Helping them years later when they're ready for their next move is something I never take for granted.

Thank you for trusting me not once, but twice, with some of life's biggest decisions. Your continued confidence in me means more than you know.

Congratulations to your family on the sale of this beautiful home and all the exciting things ahead. Wishing you countless new memories in your next chapter! ❤️

06/13/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Helping first-time homebuyers navigate one of life's biggest decisions is something I never take for granted.

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but my goal is always to make the process easier, provide honest guidance, and be there every step of the way. Reviews like this remind me why I love what I do.

Thank you for trusting me with your home-buying journey and for sharing your experience.

If you know someone who's thinking about buying their first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, I'd be honored to help them too. Referrals are the heart of my business, and there's no greater compliment than being recommended to your friends and family.

📞 508-450-2576🌐 CandiSoldIt.com