REALTORS®' Duty

Did you know that as a member of the National Association of Realtors® it is our duty to put our client's interest above our own?

When you work with an agent who is a REALTOR®, your best interests come first. Bound by a Code of Ethics, REALTORS® prioritize your needs over their own. 

A REALTOR® is a special kind of real estate agent: one who follows NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, including the first and primary pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients. This obligation means that a REALTOR® cannot make decisions or provide representation in a way that puts their own interests or commissions ahead of their clients’ interests.

What does it mean for a REALTOR® to act in a BUYER’s best interest?

A REALTOR® has an ethical duty to tell a buyer about every home available for sale that meets their criteria. That means that REALTORS® will let you know about all available homes, regardless of whether the seller or listing broker is offering compensation to your buyer’s agent—even if compensation offered by a seller or listing broker is less than what you agreed to pay your agent in your written buyer agreement.

What does it mean for a REALTOR® to act in a SELLER’s best interest?

A REALTOR® should explain to their seller the benefits and costs of the various types of marketing that can be done for a listing, and how potential buyers might respond to such marketing. A REALTOR® is ethically prohibited from telling a seller that their home will be hidden from buyers unless the seller pays a particular type or amount of compensation.

What is wrongful “steering”?

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics prohibits “steering” buyers toward homes because the REALTOR® will be paid more, or away from homes because the REALTOR® will be paid less. Similarly, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics prohibits a REALTOR® from telling a seller that buyers will be “steered” toward homes because the REALTOR® will be paid more, or away from homes because the REALTOR® will be paid less.

How do written agreements protect me from steering?

As of August 17, 2024, you will be asked to sign a written buyer agreement before touring a home with the professional you want to work with. NAR’s ethical rules have long encouraged REALTORS® to enter into written agreements with their clients because these agreements promote clarity and transparency. They also help protect you from wrongful “steering” by specifying the amount of compensation the REALTOR® will receive and the services they will provide. Since a broker working with a buyer receives the amount the buyer has agreed to, the amount of any offer of compensation is irrelevant to the buyer-broker’s compensation.

Where can I learn more about buyer agreements?

NAR has created a dedicated resource on written buyer agreements here.

What can I do if I think a REALTOR® is violating NAR’s Code of Ethics?

If a REALTOR® acts in a way that places their interests before yours, this is a violation of NAR’s Code of Ethics and should be reported to your state or local REALTOR® Association for investigation and potential disciplinary action.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or consult an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

Find original article here: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-realtors-duty-to-put-client-interests-above-their-own

5 Home Safety Tips For A Safe & Enjoyable Fall

 

With every season comes a new set of home maintenance tasks and safety concerns, and taking the time to prepare your home for fall can help you stay cozy, safe, and stress-free all season. Here are five helpful tips for an awesome autumn.

1. Clear your walkways.
If your home is surrounded by trees or shrubs, accumulating fallen leaves can quickly create a slipping hazard on sidewalks, porches, and driveways. It’s important to sweep away fallen leaves regularly, especially if you plan to welcome visitors or trick-or-treaters to your home.

2. Service your HVAC system.
After a long summer of cranking the A.C., you need to change your air filter. Now is a great time to make the swap, before the weather really cools down. You may also want to call your local HVAC professional for a yearly tune-up.

3. Clean gutters and downspouts.
Clogged gutters can lead to water damage down the road. Make sure gutters are free-flowing, and check that all downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.

4. Be prepared for weather emergencies.
Now is a great time to stock up on essentials, like flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, and non-perishable food items. You never know when an early fall storm could blow in.

5. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Families spend more time indoors during the fall and winter, so it’s important to make sure alarms are working properly. Replace batteries annually and consider testing for indoor air pollutants like radon or VOCs.

    Industry insights from National Property Inspections.

 

It's Fall Y'all! 🍂

The weather will soon be crisp and cool. Wouldn't it be nice to find a new home this fall? 

According to Danielle Hale, realtor.com®’s chief economist, “I expect this market momentum shift to magnify typical seasonal trends that favor home buyers in the fall,” says . As per realtor.com®’s data, the particular week of October 12-18 could bring buyers not only more homes to choose among and fewer competing shoppers, but also potential average savings of more than $15,000 compared to this summer’s peak prices.

Here are some fun facts on fall real estate trends.

Fall Real Estate Trends

Less Competition

Many families prioritize moving in the spring or summer to align with the school year. With fewer transactions in the fall, there's less competition for buyers and sellers.

Motivated Sellers

Many sellers list their homes in the fall because of personal reasons like job relocation or financial need. Also, sellers listing in the fall are often highly motivated to close a deal before the holidays.

Seasonal Appeal

Homes can look especially attractive in the fall with colorful foliage.

Different Buyer Demographic

Fall attracts a different buyer demographic than spring or summer, when families with children are more likely to move.

Faster Closings

Lenders are typically less busy in the fall, which can lead to faster closings.

Tax Advantages

Buyers who close on a home at the end of the year may be eligible for tax deductions.

Pent-Up Demand

Buyers may be more flexible in negotiations and submit offers faster in the fall.

Price Increases

When mortgage rates dip, competition increases, which can lead to price increases.

Price Reductions

Sellers may be more likely to reduce prices in the fall due to buyer hesitancy.

Have You Heard? The Rates Are Falling. The Rates Are Falling.

 

Mortgage Rates Have Fallen!
Mortgage rates are the lowest they have been in 10 months! Hello, Freddie Mac is that you? 📞I'd like to buy a home. 🏠

30-year fixed home loan rates averaged 6.58% for the week ending August 14th. If you have been on the fence (pun intended) about buying a home, don't walk, run 🏃 to take advantage of this decline in mortgage rates. 

Your credit score will determine mortgage qualification and your interest rate. Be sure to speak with a trusted lender to get pre-qualified and learn your credit score and interest rate you could qualify for. Then call ME and let's go house hunting.

Plans to Sell Your Home? How to Prepare for the Photo Shoot!

                                                   

With the majority of buyers shopping for homes online, high-resolution photos and video tours are a must. Here’s how to make your home shine on camera.

Understand the camera’s perspective.

The camera’s eye is different from the human eye. It magnifies clutter and poor furniture arrangement so that even a home that feels comfortable in person can look jumbled online.

Make it spotless.

Cameras also tend to magnify grime. Don’t forget floor coverings and walls; a spot on a rug might be overlooked during a regular home showing, but it could become a focal point online.

Know what to leave.

You want to avoid clutter, but try to have three items of varying heights on each surface. On an end table, you can place a tall lamp (high), a small plant (medium), and a book (low).

Snap practice pictures with your own camera.

This will give you an idea of what the home will look like on camera before the photographer shows up. Examine the photos and make changes to improve each room’s appearance, such as opening blinds to let in natural light, removing magnets from the refrigerator, or taking down distracting art.

Pare down.

Removing one or two pieces of furniture from each room, even if just for the shoot, can make your space appear larger on screen.

Rearrange.

Spotlight the flow of your space by creating a focal point on the furthest wall from the doorway and arranging the other pieces of furniture to make a triangle shape. The focal point may be a bed in a bedroom or a china cabinet in a dining room.

Accessorize.

Include a healthy plant in every room; the camera loves greenery. Energize bland decor by placing a bright vase on a mantle or draping an afghan over a couch.

Keep the home in shape.

Buyers who liked what they saw online expect to encounter the same home in person.

Article compliments of NAR Realtor Magazine

https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/tools/client-education/handouts-for-sellers/how-to-prepare-for-the-photo-shoot

Housing Outlook For the Remainder of 2025

Can you believe that 2025 is half over??? 

If you are wondering what will happen in the housing market for the rest of the year, keep reading to see what the experts are saying.

Interest Rates
Experts are now anticipating a normalization in rate levels but not necessarily a substantial decrease. Although this could be disappointing, the upside is that there is no expectation of an increase in interest rates. Economic performance may very well stand as the most significant influence on mortgage rate levels.

As of the end of May 2025, the average rate on a conventional loan, 30-year mortgage, from multiple sources, is 6.9%. (6.94 Bankrate, 6.92% Mortgage Bankers Association, 6.89 Freddie Mac, 6.87 Optimal Blue).

Housing Inventory
The nationwide housing inventory saw a 4.4 month supply. According to data from National Association of Realtors (NAR), this is up from 4.0 months from one year ago. This means more flexibility for buyers but depending on the area, it can still be a seller’s market.

Home Appreciation
NAR is predicting a 3% increase while Fannie Mae forecasts a 4.1% rise. According to the latest Case-Shiller Index, home-price growth increased in March 2025 by 3.4 percent. Some markets will see a stronger appreciation due to affordability factors whereas more popular areas with limited inventory may experience higher price increases. 

Folks are beginning to accept the current mortgage rates. Prospective homeowners are stepping back into action to make their home purchase and are no longer delaying their decisions. In summary, expect a generally stable housing market for the remainder of 2025.

Keep in mind that if you decide to buy this year and the interest rates drop in a year or two, you can look into refinancing your home. If the rates were to increase over the years, then you've benefitted from buying now. 

If you're ready to step away from the sidelines and buy your first home or your next home, give me a call. If you aren't sure where to start, I am happy to guide you through the process. 

CALL ME!

901-239-3770

662-403-4200        

          

How To Save for a Down Payment on Your First Home 🏠

Follow these 7 steps on how to save for a down payment on your first home.

Set A Clear Savings Goal
Determine how much you need and set a timeline. This helps in tracking your process.

Create A Budget
Track where your cash goes each month. List all your fixed expenses like rent and bills, then see how much you’re left with for “fun” stuff. Find areas where you can cut back. Look for spending habits that might surprise you; maybe the daily coffee stops are adding up more than you'd think. Keep an eye on things and adjust as necessary; life changes, and so should your budget. Every little bit saved helps.

Open A Savings Account
Keep your down payment fund separate. If the money is just hanging out in your regular checking account, it's way too tempting to dip into it for impulse buys or last-minute expenses. Watching that number grow can be super motivating! It’s like giving yourself a little high-five every time you make a deposit.

Automate Your Savings
Set up automatic transfers to your savings account each pay day. It’s an “out of sight, out of mind” strategy that builds your fund over time.

Reduce High Interest Debt
Not only does reducing that debt keep those hefty interest charges at bay, but it also clears up more cash Paying down credit cards or loans can free up more money for saving.

Assistance Programs
Many programs are available to help first-time buyers with their down payments. A lender will be able to discuss the details of qualifications and what’s available.

Save The Extras
If you’re getting a tax refund, a bonus at work, or just some extra cash, why not put that money straight into your savings toward your down payment? Your future self will totally thank you for it!

REMEMBER:
Patience and persistence are key when saving for a down payment. Stay focused on your goal, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to buy your first home. The journey might feel slow at times, but keep reminding yourself of why you want this! If you have questions, CALL ME!