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Sellers: Decluttering to get the highest sales price for your house

Sellers Decluttering to get the highest sales price for your home. Decluttering & Depersonalizing: The Secret Sauce Behind Faster, Higher‑Value Home Sales Why it matters: When a buyer steps into a house, the brain instantly asks, “Can I see myself living here?” Too much stuff—or too much of your personal story—creates visual noise that blocks that mental image. A clean, neutral canvas lets buyers project their own lives onto the space, which research shows shortens time on m

sarahacraddock

Nov 124 min read

Fed rate cuts and the government shutdown impact on mortgage rates and applications: notes from your local lender, Kevin Meador with Loan Depot

How the government shutdown may impact loan applications. The following are some notes from Kevin Meador, a local lender at Loan Depot regarding recent Fed rate cut and the government shutdown: So what the heck happened yesterday with the Fed rate cut, because mortgage rates went slightly higher…. Mortgage rates are not directly tied to the Fed , they are more closely aligned with the 10 Year Treasury . Around September, the mortgage world started to factor in an October

sarahacraddock

Nov 22 min read

Deed Fraud: how to protect yourself

Fraud Alert What is Deed Fraud? Deed fraud occurs when a person illegally transfers the title of a property without the owner's consent, often by forging signatures or using false identities. This type of fraud can lead to significant financial loss for the rightful owner, as the fraudster may sell or mortgage the property, leaving the original owner with legal complications and potential loss of their home. Ways to protect yourself: Enhanced Title Insurance Enhanced title in

sarahacraddock

Oct 282 min read

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: the end of federal conservatorship?

The future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is a hot topic that stirs much debate. As the housing market evolves, many ask: is the end of federal conservatorship for these government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) on the horizon? What are the potential implications of their exit from conservatorship? What challenges may this change affect? Understanding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) and Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corpora

sarahacraddock

Oct 222 min read