Cindy Perks of Real Estate

09/01/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

08/31/2026

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/27/2026

Think every home on the market is out of reach? Not necessarily.

More than 40% of sellers are dropping their asking price right now. And the median list price this July was the lowest for any July in 5 years.

That means sellers aren’t banking on bidding wars or expecting buyers to pay whatever they ask. They’re more willing to meet you where you’re at.

And that could work in your favor. Want to find out how much wiggle room you have on price in our market? DM me.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

08/27/2026

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

08/27/2026

The rest of the world may feel unpredictable right now, but the housing market doesn't have to. Prices, inventory, and rates have all found solid ground.

If stability is what you've been waiting for, it's already here. Let’s connect if you want to talk through what that means for your move.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

08/25/2026

Still waiting for mortgage rates and home prices to come down? Here’s what the forecasts shows. Expect more of the same. Rates likely won’t change much – and prices will likely rise. Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's finding out what's still possible right now. Let’s talk it over.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

08/25/2026

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.

08/24/2026

Thinking about selling, but worried your deal could fall apart before closing? Here's some perspective.

Most home sales still make it to the finish. And when one doesn't, the top reason is almost always inspection or repair issues. They play a part in more than 70% of deals that fall through.

But, luckily for you, inspection/repair issues are what you have the most power to prevent ahead of time. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and handle problems before a buyer's inspector ever does.

Ready to list? Let's talk about whether getting a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house in our market.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

08/20/2026

If it's been a while since you've gotten a professional look at your home's value, let's change that.

Reach out for a free, personalized Home Equity Assessment that estimates what your house could sell for, how much equity you've likely built, and what that could mean for your next move.

You may have six figures of equity without even realizing it. And that’s enough to change everything about your next move.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now.

08/20/2026

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?

Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbor's place sold for. What your house is actually worth today.

If you're like most people, it's been years. And that number is worth a second look, especially now because it also tells you how much equity you have.

Data shows homeowners have an average of about $311k of equity today. That’s six figures. Once you sell, you can use that to put more money down or even buy your next house in cash.

So, today’s rates and prices may not be holding you back as much as you think.

If you're even thinking about what's next, let's talk. I’d be happy to do a free equity assessment and show you exactly what you're working with.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

Cindy Perks | Associate Broker
National Realty Centers
810-599-5804 | [email protected]