Leslie Smith, Licensed Realtor

10/06/2026

Buyers Have More Room To Negotiate Right Now

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.

10/05/2026

Create new memories in this beautiful home.

Well maintained red brick home in Postmasters Village. The garage has been converted to a primary suite with full bath. Off the living room is a Florida room which could serve as a fourth bedroom. There is an attached one car carport and a large detached garage/workshop on the adjoining lot. The pro...

10/05/2026

Find out how to get approved for a credit card.

Knowing your credit score and the bank's application rules will help you choose the right card to apply for.

10/05/2026

Feeling like buying your first place is still years away? Here’s how to shortcut it.

While data shows saving up and reaching the break even point where owning costs about the same as renting usually takes around 15 years, there are ways to get there faster.

If you set your sights on a starter home, it’s actually closer to seven years. That cuts the time in half. You’re looking at 4.6 years to save and 2.6 to break even.

But keep in mind, those numbers assume you put 20% down. Most first-time buyers put down far less, so that saving timeframe can shrink even more.

DM me, and I'll share a few ways to reach your first home sooner – like talking to a lender about down payment assistance programs.

Since you’ve probably already been saving for a while, you may be closer than you realize.

10/04/2026

The Mortgage Rate You See Online Isn’t Necessarily the One You’d Get.

Headlines and social media make today’s rates sound high. But you have to remember, the rate you’re seeing online and your actual rate could be different. The only way to know what your rate could be is to talk to a trusted lender.

With the right help, you can find out what your real rate is – and where it can take you.

You may have seen the headlines saying mortgage rates have climbed to the highest point since January 2025. And if that's left you reluctant to buy a home, here's what you need to remember…

10/03/2026

Create new memories in this beautiful home.

Welcome to Paradise Moorings, a charming gated community with white picket fences & access to Doctors Lake, a private boat ramp, dock & clubhouse. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers a bonus loft and an inviting layout designed for both comfortable living & en...

10/03/2026

Keep your home sparkling with this complete cleaning schedule.

A realistic cleaning routine for people without a spare Saturday: what to do daily, weekly and monthly, and what genuinely can wait.

10/03/2026

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers pay closer attention to one thing: the monthly payment.

And builders know it. Right now, 13.8% of new-construction listings are advertising reduced rates, giving some buyers a way to bring that monthly payment down.

So, if you're selling near new construction, that's something worth paying attention to. But it doesn't mean you automatically need to match what a builder is offering.

Depending on your house, your market, and the buyer, competing could mean negotiating on price, helping with closing costs, offering a rate buydown, or simply doing a better job highlighting what your house offers that a new build doesn't.

The point isn't to give more away. It's to know what you're competing against so you can choose the right strategy from the start.

If you're planning to sell, let's look at what buyers can get in our area and make sure your house is positioned to compete.

10/02/2026

Thoughtful color choices can transform spaces into welcoming homes full of expression.

The holiday never has to end — these combinations blend history, identity, and color for a palette that feels as polished as it does playful

10/02/2026

Admit it: you wanna' take a look. Spacious 3 bed and 2 bath in Keystone Heights, FL.

Comfortable and well maintained pool home near downtown Keystone Heights and schools. Concrete circular driveway and an open living plan with plenty of natural light. Fenced backyard houses inground pool (installed 2021), detached garage and extra space for enjoying the outdoors. Updates include a n...