Lindsay Pons, Licensed Real Estate Agent

Celebrating the strength and resilience of workers across the nation, Labor Day pays tribute to the collective efforts that have shaped our society. It's a day to honor the hands that build, cultivate, and innovate, forging a path for a brighter tomorrow. Take a moment to recognize the labor that moves us all forward.

Picture this: A young couple, hand in hand, walking through a home, already mentally placing their furniture, deciding on paint colors, their excitement palpable. Now imagine them discovering that the home they've fallen for is just out of reach financially. It's a common story, and it's one I've seen unfold too often.

Here's the inside scoop I share with all first-time buyers: Secure your pre-approval first. It's like having a VIP pass at a concert — doors open for you. Knowing what you can afford transforms you from a hopeful browser to a serious buyer with the power to make a solid offer.

Think of pre-approval as your home-buying compass. It points you to the homes that are in your range, saving you from the heartache of falling for one that isn't. It's your financial mirror reflecting what's possible and what's a stretch.

If you're ready to move from daydreaming to deal-making, let's talk about getting you pre-approved. It's a simple step that can save a world of heartbreak and pave the way to your new home.

Ever wondered what determines your home's value? Here's the breakdown:

Comparable Sales: Also known as "comps" in your area directly influence your home's value by establishing a market-driven benchmark for what buyers are willing to pay for similar properties.

Location: Factors like proximity to amenities, schools, and neighborhood safety play a significant role.

Size & Layout: The square footage and layout of your home affect its value. Larger homes and practical layouts often command higher prices.

Condition & Age: Well-maintained homes and newer constructions generally hold higher value.

Market Conditions: The current real estate market greatly influences your home's value. Supply and demand, interest rates, and economic factors all come into play.

Amenities & Features: Special features like upgraded kitchens, luxury amenities, and energy-efficient systems can boost your home's value.

Understanding these factors can help you gauge your home's worth accurately.

🌟 Attention future sellers! When weighing offers for your home, the highest bid isn't always the best choice. A lucrative offer might be tempting, but it's essential to consider all aspects of the deal. Ask yourself these crucial questions:

- Is the buyer asking you to cover closing costs or offer seller credits?
- Are there any contingencies, like the buyer needing to sell their current home first?
- Is there an offer that’s lower but in cash, skipping the loan process?
- Does the offer come with a lengthy closing timeline?
- Is a pre-approval letter attached, showing the buyer's serious intent?

These elements affect how smoothly and quickly you can close your sale. The ideal offer isn't just about price; it's about finding the right balance that meets your needs. If you’re planning to sell this year, keep this checklist handy. Your future self will thank you!

Fannie Mae might sound like a friendly neighbor, but it's actually a powerhouse in the U.S. housing scene. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes maestro, ensuring that the mortgage market flows smoothly, making lenders more willing to hand out loans. This means more open doors for aspiring homeowners, keeping the dream of owning a cozy abode within reach for many. By bolstering the availability of mortgages, Fannie Mae keeps the homebuying journey from hitting a financial roadblock. Ready to step onto the property ladder? It's good to know Fannie Mae’s got your back!

Get the most out of your home sale with these intentional listing tips:
✨ Start by decluttering and deep cleaning your home to make it look its best for potential buyers.

✨ Hire a real estate professional and a photographer to take high-quality photos / videos of your home.

✨ Work with the real estate agent to create a detailed and accurate listing that highlights your home’s key features and amenities.

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a successful home sale and get the most out of your property!

Reach out today if you are ready to list your home with intention!

Avoid pitfalls and improve your chances of approval with these essential tips!

1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation
Fix: Take the time to gather all necessary documentation, including pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and employment verification. Double-check that all information provided is accurate and up to date.

2. High Debt-to-Income Ratio
Fix: Pay down existing debts, such as credit card balances or personal loans, to lower your DTI ratio. Avoid taking on new debt or making large purchases before applying for a mortgage.

3. Changing Employment Status
Fix: Avoid making significant changes to your employment status or income until after your mortgage is approved and the loan is closed. If necessary, provide documentation and explanations to lenders to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.

Crunching the numbers for financial fitness! 💼💡
To calculate your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI), divide your total monthly debt payments by your monthly income before taxes and deductions are taken out. Multiply that number by 100 to get your DTI expressed as a percentage.

Here’s an example: A borrower with rent of $1,200, a car payment of $400, a minimum credit card payment of $200 and a gross monthly income of $6,000 has a debt-to-income ratio of 30%. In this example, $1,800 is the sum of all debt payments. When you divide $1,800 by $6,000 and then multiply that answer by 100, you get 30.

Empower yourself with this simple formula to make informed decisions about managing debt and achieving your financial goals!

Pop quiz! What do you think the answer is?

If you guessed “all of the above,” you’re correct!

One of the best parts of working with a real estate agent as a buyer is having an expert’s eyes on any potential home.

A good agent will instantly identify things that could use updating, potential issues, and the best parts of the home, in addition to knowing whether or not this is the home on which you should make an offer.

For many buyers, this kind of professional experience and knowledge is invaluable and can steer them away from homes that might not be a good fit.

Reach out if you want expert guidance when looking for your next home!

Feeling stuck in your current home and dreaming of a fresh start? Let's turn that dream into reality with a new home!

Here's how:
🏠 Embrace the change, and make it a positive journey.
🏠 Plan those tiny details for a seamless transition.
🏠 Set realistic timelines and milestones.
🏠 Keep your eyes on the prize and stay motivated.

Buying a new home is a thrilling yet sometimes challenging adventure. With these tips, you'll navigate the process with ease and joy.

Let's embark on this exciting home-buying journey together!

Scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram for home inspo can be a delightful escape. 🏠✨

But imagine the joy of crafting a space truly your own! Feeling inspired to make that leap from dreamer to homeowner?

Let's chat about finding your perfect place.

0.58 acre, corner lot in Money Hill now available!

Only minutes from Downtown Covington and an hour from New Orleans, Money Hill boasts a well-known and highly sought-after golf course, over 3,500 acres of nature preserves, its 186-acre artesian spring-fed lake, a community pool, a community garden, tennis courts, a fitness center, and hiking & nature trails. Build the home you've been dreaming of and enjoy the lifestyle that only Money Hill can offer.

Money Hill is the perfect place to live life well.

Call me for more information!

Lindsay Pons, Realtor®, CPA (inactive)
Crescent Sotheby's International Realty
215 N. Columbia St.
Covington, LA 70433
C: (985) 400-1508
O: (985) 200-4802
www.sothebysrealty.com

*Each office is independently owned and operated*

Now offered for $269,000!

This adorable 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home in Bissonet Plaza is ready to call home!

This home features a great layout with the den, kitchen, living and dining rooms, and a half bath downstairs, with all bedrooms plus 2 full baths upstairs. Both full bathrooms are recently and beautifully renovated.

The kitchen features granite countertops, coffee bar, and newer stainless steel appliances. Both the living and dining rooms boast vinyl wood plank flooring. The den features a sliding glass door that allows for plenty of natural light and leads to the spacious, fenced-in backyard. The backyard also offers additional storage in the detached shed.

Low maintenance: Roof is 3 years young and the water heater was replaced 2 years prior. New owners will enjoy the home's freshly painted walls and the home's move-in ready condition. This location is convenient to local schools, retail & grocery stores, restaurants, and I-10.

Call me at (985) 400-1508 to schedule your personal tour today!

Link to listing:

https://nom.mlsmatrix.com/matrix/shared/fw8hmxDqwZc/6501WILTYStreet

Lindsay Pons, Realtor®, CPA (inactive)
Crescent Sotheby's International Realty
215 N. Columbia St.
Covington, LA 70433
C: (985) 400-1508
O: (985) 200-4802
www.sothebysrealty.com

Ready to take the next step in your home buying journey? 🏡 Getting pre-approved is more than just checking a box—it's your first step to standing out in the competitive home buying scene.

With pre-approval, you not only gauge your budget but also show sellers you're serious and ready to go. This strategic advantage can be crucial when you find your dream home and need to act fast. Don't just search for homes—search with confidence!

I am very excited to announce that I've joined Crescent Sotheby's International Realty!

This brokerage is home to many top-tier agents, and I am honored to join their home team. Their professionalism is unmatched, which is something I've experienced first-hand throughout my transition.

As many of you know, our industry is currently undergoing significant change. Given my experience and level of service, I feel confident this brokerage is the right fit going forward. I am truly excited to continue learning in an environment that pushes for excellence in its agents and service.

In the last 4+ years, I've closed 60 transactions and over $18 million in volume. But more importantly, I've helped my clients buy their dream home or sell their properties with the peace knowing their transaction was carefully and personally managed. My success is only defined by the success of my clients, and I look forward to continuing that same mindset here at Crescent Sotheby's.

Thank you to all my clients for trusting me over the last several years. It has been, and will continue to be, my honor to work for you.

If I can ever be of service to you or your family, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can count on having an experienced & passionate agent in your corner.

Lindsay Pons | REALTOR
Crescent Sotheby's International Realty
215 N. Columbia St.
Covington, LA 70433
c: (985) 400-1508
[email protected]

Behind the scenes of mortgage approval! 🏠🔍
Ever wonder what catches the eye of a mortgage lender? From credit scores to loan-to-income ratios, discover the key factors lenders consider when evaluating potential homebuyers.

Let's discuss how to meet lender criteria and streamline your path to homeownership!

The buzz is real: lower mortgage rates are on the horizon for 2024, poised to welcome a wave of buyers back into the market. With rates potentially dipping, the dream of owning a median-priced home becomes attainable for the average American family, without stretching their budget beyond the 30% income mark. 🌟 Imagine, nearly 4.5 million households could find themselves ready to buy again in the latter half of 2024!

Thinking it might be time to embark on your home-buying journey? With promising forecasts, now is the perfect moment to explore your options before everyone else catches on. Let’s navigate the path to your dream home together—before the competition heats up.

Vocabulary of the day ✨

An Adjustment Cap limits how much a variable interest rate can increase or decrease in a single adjustment period.

This protects borrowers from large increases or decreases in their mortgage payments, ensuring the changes aren't too abrupt or unmanageable.

Ready to make cleaning less of a chore and more of a breeze? 🧹✨ Follow these pro tips to clean your house efficiently and effectively. From organizing your schedule to utilizing the best techniques and products, you’ll have your home sparkling in no time. Let's get cleaning smarter, not harder!

Confused about closing costs for a mortgage? Understanding these fees is essential for a smoother home buying journey. Navigate through charges like loan origination, home inspections, and more with full clarity. This knowledge can simplify the process and help you prepare better. If you have any questions, please reach out!🏠💼

Before you embark on your house-hunting journey, one crucial step can set you up for success – getting pre-approved for your mortgage. Here's why it's a game-changer:

Budget Clarity: Knowing your budget upfront will allow you to focus on homes within your financial comfort zone.

Swift Closing: Pre-approval can streamline the closing process, helping you move into your new home sooner.

Negotiation Edge: Sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously, giving you an edge when it's time to negotiate.

Lock-in Rates: You might have the chance to lock in favorable rates, protecting you from potential market fluctuations.

Peace of Mind: House hunting is more enjoyable when you have the confidence that financing won't hold you back.

Quick Response to Market Opportunities: Being pre-approved means you can act swiftly when you find the right property, giving you an edge in fast-moving markets.

Ready to house hunt with confidence? Let's discuss your pre-approval journey and set you up for success!

Waiting for lower interest rates before buying a home? Consider the benefits of property appreciation. Real estate values tend to rise over time, potentially increasing your investment significantly. By delaying, you might miss out on both the perfect home and its appreciation potential.

Interest rates are important, but they're just one piece of the home-buying puzzle. It’s essential to also consider your financial health, market trends, and long-term goals.

Instead of waiting for the ideal interest rate, focus on the overall value of finding the right home now. With the guidance of a skilled real estate agent, you can navigate these factors effectively. And if rates fall later, refinancing is an option.

Invest in a home today and enjoy the growth of your property's value tomorrow. Let’s find your dream home together!

Backyard BBQ or Pool party for your home? While both promise fun under the sun, a backyard BBQ might be preferred for its relaxed vibe and delicious grilled treats. On the other hand, a pool party offers a refreshing escape from the heat and plenty of opportunities for splashing around. Which one sounds like your ideal summer gathering?

Create an expensive-looking home on a budget with these inspiring ideas:

1) Declutter & organize: Embrace minimalism and smart storage solutions.
2) Cohesive color scheme: Curate an elegant palette of complementary hues.
3) Luxurious textiles: Incorporate velvet, silk, or faux fur for a touch of opulence.
4) Hang statement artwork: Showcase bold pieces for artistic expression.
5) Add architectural details: Enhance charm with crown moldings or decorative accents.
6) Quality lighting: Invest in well-designed fixtures for a warm and sophisticated ambiance.

Transform your home into a luxurious haven with these tips!

Kitchen style showdown: Are you team traditional with classic charm or team modern with sleek lines? Your kitchen sets the tone for your home’s vibe. Which do you prefer?

When selling a home, a real estate agent is your best asset in navigating potential offers. Ensure they are thoroughly vetting potential buyers by addressing these critical questions:

- Do they have a pre-approval?
- Is their down payment/closing fund liquid and easily available?
- Is the offer contingent?
- Has the buyer read and approved the seller disclosures?
- Do they have time constraints?
- Is the closing date flexible?

By having an agent ask these questions, a clearer understanding of each offer can be gained, helping to make the most informed decision possible.

If you're ready to sell your home, reach out today and we can navigate your home sale together!

Understanding Mortgage Rates: What Determines Your Interest Rate When Buying a Home? 🏡💰

There's a lot behind the numbers—from your credit history to the type of loan you choose, not to mention the impact of broader economic trends like the federal funds rate and the 10-year Treasury note. Navigating these factors effectively is key to locking in a favorable rate.

That’s why you need an expert to help you navigate the complexities of mortgage rates. Reach out today to ensure you're getting the best rate tailored to your home-buying journey!