Jessica Cauley Kuhn, Realtor/Broker

What’s one of the top things today’s homebuyers say they need more information on?

It’s programs that can help with the upfront costs of buying a home.

There are over 2000 down payment programs available – and with how tight affordability still is, it’s worth seeing if there’s one that can help you.

Want to learn more? Connect with a trusted lender and local agent.

How do you feel about backsplashes with bright, intricate tile?

Jessica Cauley Kuhn
Associate Broker at Epique Realty
586-630-1319

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do.

The truth is, mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of factors: geo-political uncertainty, inflation and the economy, and more. And trying to pin down when all those factors will line up enough for rates to come down is tricky.

That’s why it’s generally not worth it to try to time the market. There’s too much at play that you can’t control. The best thing you can do is control the controllables.

And when it comes to rates, here’s what you can influence to make your moving plans a reality.

Your Credit Score

Credit scores can play a big role in your mortgage rate. That’s why it’s even more important to maintain a good credit score right...

Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the Controllables Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now.

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.

Home Sales

During the month of November, in years when the Presidential election takes place, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains: “Usually, home sales are unchanged compared to a non-election year with the exception being November. In an election year, November is slower than normal.”

Home Prices

What about home prices? Do they drop during election years? Not typically. As residential appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist puts it: “An election year doesn’t alter the price trend that is already happening in the market.”

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are important because they affect how much your monthly payment will be when you buy a...

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market? The 2024 Presidential election is just months away.

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more.

Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process.

Budget and Track Your Expenses: To start, create a detailed budget that tracks the money you’ve got coming in and the money going out. This’ll give you a better look at your finances as a whole.

Cut Down on Unnecessary Spending: Now that you have your budget sheet done and you know how you’re spending your money, look for any line items that aren’t absolutely essential. If you cut down on those, you can re-allocate that cash toward buying a home. Even the little things can add up.

Automate Your Savings: Once you know how much you want to set aside for your homebuying budget, look for ways to make it easy. If you have to transfer money...

Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings.

According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy, DM me to talk about why homeownership can be a better bet in the long run.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years.

If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify. Here’s what’s really happening with prices.

The key is knowing the difference between the asking price and the sold price.

Understanding Asking Price vs. Sold Price

In essence, the asking price, also known as a listing price, is the amount a seller hopes to get for their home when they list it. In reality, sellers can’t just put any price tag on their house and expect it to sell for top dollar.

Here’s the most important thing to note: Actual sold prices are still rising, and they’re expected to continue to do so at least over the next 5 years.

What Does This Mean for Home Prices?

So, while there's been an increase in price reductions recently, this doesn't mean overall home values are declining.

Why This Is Good News for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, more realistic asking...

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify.

Thinking about making the transition from renting to owning? This article will help make sure you're prepared financially. Once you're good to go, let's find your dream home together!

Jessica Cauley Kuhn
Associate Broker at Epique Realty
586-630-1319

3 Reasons Your Rent-vs-Buy Math Might Be Wrong Keep these details in mind as you way your decision and you'll have a much clearer picture of which path is right for you.

Planning to buy your first home? It helps to start with a solid savings plan.

Set a budget, track your expenses, and focus on cutting down on any unnecessary spending. And, if you can automate your savings, that can go a long way to speeding up the process.

With the right strategies and planning, your dream home may be closer than you think.

If you’re seeing headlines about sellers slashing prices and are worried about what that means for home values, let's clear things up.

There’s a difference between the asking price and the sold price.

While more sellers are adjusting their asking price, that’s a signal of moderating demand – not falling home values.

As this graphic shows, actual sold prices are still climbing.

Considering selling your house on your own?
Here’s why teaming up with an agent can make the process smoother.
An agent knows the local market and how to set a competitive price that draws in buyers.
An agent will handle all the legal documents and ensure accuracy, reducing risks and delays.
Remember, a pro by your side can save you time, stress, and potential pitfalls.

Hiring a knowledgeable real estate agent is your best bet to make sure your buying or selling process goes smoothly, but it also doesn't hurt to educate yourself on the way things work! Take a look at some of these terms you should know.

Jessica Cauley Kuhn
Associate Broker at Epique Realty
586-630-1319

5 Real Estate Terms You Need to Know Real estate can be confusing at first, largely due to the many different terms and phrases you have to know and understand. To make it a little easier to grasp, here’s a simple explanation of five common real estate terms...

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready.

If You’re Buying This June

A lot of homebuyers with children like to move after one school year ends and before the next one begins. That’s one reason why late spring into summer is a popular time for homes to change hands. And whether that’s a motivator for you or not, it’s important to realize more buyers are going to be looking right now – and that means you’ll want to be ready for a bit more competition. But there is a silver lining to a move this time of year. This is also when more sellers will list – so you should find you have more options.

During this busy season, it’s extra important to work with a trusted real estate agent.

If You’re Selling This...

What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year.

Thinking about buying a home? Consider the long-term wealth-building benefits.
Homeownership isn't just about having a place to live—it's a key to building wealth. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity grows, and any increase in your home's value adds to your net worth.
Just check out how home values have grown since 1991.

If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time. According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991. Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the long run. When you're ready, DM me.

The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time.

Want to learn more about real estate in our area? Click here now!

Jessica Cauley Kuhn
Associate Broker at Epique Realty
586-630-1319

Search for Homes and Ask Any Question. Click Here. Want to learn more about real estate in our area? Click here now!

Michigan offers free fishing, off-roading, and state park entry this weekend The Michigan DNR’s “Three Free” weekend is June 8 and June 9. This weekend Michigan residents and out of state visitors can fish, ride the off-road-trails, visit state parks, boating access sites, and other outdoor locations for free.

Absolutely awful and so easily could’ve been avoided. 🥺

2 killed in crash that closed southbound M-53 in Macomb County Drivers are urged to find alternate routes.

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why.

There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose From

What’s considered the top-end of the market, or a luxury home, will always vary by location. But generally speaking, they’re homes that are valued in the top 5% of any given market. According to a recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the selection of luxury homes is increasing.

There are considerably more single-family luxury homes available now than there were a year ago. In fact, there are even more than there were just a month ago. This means you should have a wider variety of top-of-the-line homes to choose from, each with unique features and styles.

Rising Luxury Home Prices Can Help You Build Wealth

Another important factor to consider is...

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes If you’ve been looking for a home at the high-end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold.

Get the highest price for your home! Find out what your home could be worth now.

Jessica Cauley Kuhn
Associate Broker at Epique Realty
586-630-1319

Quick Online Home Valuation If you're thinking about selling your home, finding out its value is the place to start! Get a valuation now by clicking below!

Dreaming of a high-end home? Now’s your moment.

The selection of luxury homes has grown compared to last year.

So, if you’re looking for things like a modern kitchen, the latest smart home tech, high-end features, and more, this is your chance to find the home that matches your style.

Looking for expert help? That's what I'm here for.

June is a big month for buying and selling homes because a lot of people try to move in between school years.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re a buyer, expect more listings, but also more competition.

If you're selling, know that motivated buyers could mean a faster sale and potentially higher price.

Want more info on what to expect from a June move? DM me.

Homeownership is more than just a financial decision—it's about satisfaction, stability, community, and finding a space that you can truly make your own.

Ready to experience the pride and fulfillment of owning your own home? Let's chat about your goals.

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider.

Putting Off Pre-approval

As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives you a good idea of what you can borrow so you can really wrap your head around the financial side of things before you start looking at homes. Make sure you get your pre-approval first.

Holding Out for Perfection

While you may have a long list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, you need to be realistic about your home search. Even though your ideal state is you find a home that checks every box, you may need to be willing to compromise – especially since inventory is still low.

Buying More House Than You Can Afford

With today’s mortgage rates and home prices, there’s...

The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different.

Are you looking for a new home? Here are a couple things to know first:
1. Desired location
2. How much space you need
3. What you can afford

Jessica Cauley Kuhn
Associate Broker at Epique Realty
586-630-1319