Tricia L. DeVine, Licensed Realtor/Advisor

16/01/2026

Mortgage rates are down a full percentage point since last year.

That recent drop doesn’t sound dramatic, until you realize how much it can already save you on the typical $400k loan.

Compared to buying in January of last year, that saves you more than $330 a month and almost $120k over the life of your loan.

That’s the difference just one year makes.

If buying didn’t work for you last year, let’s re-run the numbers and see if 2026 could finally be your year.

15/01/2026

It can feel like big investors are buying up all the homes right now. But the data tells a different story.

Large institutional investors – the ones owning 100+ homes – made up just 1.2% of home purchases in late 2025.

That means 99 out of 100 homes were bought by everyday buyers and small, local investors. Not big corporations.

In a few areas, investor activity is more noticeable. But nationally, big investors are a much smaller part of the market than most people think.

If you’re wondering how this plays out right here in our local market, let’s talk. A little context can make a big difference when you’re deciding your next move.

15/01/2026

Are Big Investors Really Buying Up All the Homes? Here’s the Truth.

If you want to talk through what investor activity actually looks like in our local market, and how it impacts your options (or doesn’t), let’s connect.
Sometimes a little context makes all the difference.

It’s hard to scroll online lately without seeing some version of this claim: “Big investors are buying up all the homes.”

14/01/2026

The #1 Regret Sellers Have When They Don’t Use an Agent

Today, the biggest risk of selling without an agent isn’t the paperwork or the hassle. It’s the price. And once pricing goes wrong, it’s hard to course correct.

So, if you’re thinking about selling and want to understand what your home would realistically go for in our market today, let's connect. A quick pricing conversation now can save you from bigger regrets later.

Want to know the #1 thing homeowners regret when they sell without an agent? It’s that they didn’t price their house correctly for their current market.

14/01/2026

Want to know the #1 thing homeowners regret after selling without an agent? It’s that they didn’t know how to price their house for today’s market. And it shows.

59% of sellers who list their house on their own miss the mark on pricing and end up having to drop their price at least once.

And the truth is, most buyers don’t see price cuts as a second chance. They see them as a red flag something’s seriously wrong with the house.

That's why, in the end, the homeowner may actually walk away with less than if they’d just used an agent.

So, skip the headache and the hassle. And hire a pro.

DM me if you want to know what your house could sell for.

13/01/2026

Mortgage Rates Are Down a Full Percentage Point from Last Year

Mortgage rates are down a full percentage point from last year. That may not sound like a lot... until you see that it could save you $330 a month. If buying didn’t work for you last year, it’s time to re-run your numbers and see if 2026 is your year.

12/01/2026

A lot of people may think their credit score isn’t good enough to buy a home.

That may be because the median buyer’s score is pretty high (775) – so people assume they need near-perfect credit. But that’s not necessarily the case.

Data shows some buyers today are qualifying with scores in the mid-600s. And the median for the lowest 10% of buyer scores is 660.

So, you may have more options than you think.

If your credit is what’s been holding you back, take this as your sign to reach out to a lender to talk through your options.

12/01/2026

The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back

Your credit score is important. But that doesn’t mean it has to be perfect.

If credit has been the reason you’ve been waiting to buy a home, it might be time to take another look at your options. If you want help understanding where you stand and what your next step could be, connect with a local lender.

You don’t need to have everything figured out to start the conversation.

Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t.

09/01/2026

Wondering what 2026 has in store for the housing market? Here’s a quick snapshot of what the experts are saying.
Mortgage rates are going to stay in the low 6s.
There will be more homes to choose from.
And price growth is going to slow down.
That combination will help affordability improve even more this year, but it’s going to look different market to market.
Want to know what’s expected for our area? DM me or drop a comment below.

#

08/01/2026

Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability Improving in 2026

Affordability won't change suddenly overnight. But, with several key trends working together, it should slowly and steadily improve in the months ahead.

That’s exactly why, in 2026, you should see a market with more balance, more predictability, and more breathing room than you’ve had in years.

Want more information about the opportunities unlocking in our local market?
Let’s chat.

Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one.

08/01/2026

Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First.

While selling as-is can still make sense in certain situations, in some markets today, it may cost you. So, no, you don’t have to make repairs before you list. But you may want to.

To make sure you’re considering all your options and making the best choice possible, let's have a quick conversation about your house.

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options.

07/01/2026

Many first-time buyers hit the same wall: saving enough for their down payment.

In fact, a study found 31% of first-time buyers say it’s the hardest part of the entire homebuying process.

But here’s something that could make that a whole lot easier.

Even though most people aren’t aware, there are 2,624 down payment assistance programs available right now. And, qualifying buyers receive an average of $17k to use toward their purchase.

That’s real money that can help you buy sooner than you ever thought possible.

Want to see what you could qualify for? Reach out to a trusted lender today.