Cindy Perks of Real Estate

10/06/2026

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.

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

10/06/2026

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.

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

10/05/2026

Your first home may not be as far off as it feels. When the numbers make sense for you, buying a starter home and putting down less than 20% can get you there years sooner.

Want to see which starter homes in our area could fit your budget? Let's connect.

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

For a lot of first-time buyers, owning a home can feel perpetually a few years out of reach.

10/01/2026

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...

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

10/01/2026

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers more cost-conscious. Builders know that, and many are responding with reduced rate, closing-cost help, price reductions, and other incentives.
If you're thinking about selling, let's look at what buyers are getting from other homes in our area – including new construction – and make sure your house is positioned to compete.

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

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too.

10/01/2026

Some of you are scared home prices are about to crash. Others are hoping they will. But will it happen?

Fannie Mae just asked over 100 housing experts where prices are headed through 2030. And the consensus is prices are expected to rise, not crash.

Even the most pessimistic experts still forecast prices will go up 6.6%.

So, whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the forecast is clear. While some markets may see small short-term declines, home prices are going to keep going up nationally.

Have questions about what this means for your move, or what’s happening locally? Let's chat.

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

09/30/2026

Whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the verdict is the same – prices are still expected to rise, not fall. Let's talk about what that means for your market and your plans.

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

Half the buyers out there are scared home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they will.

09/29/2026

The number of homes for sale just reached its highest point since 2019.

And that gives you the most choice you’ve had in 7 years.

With affordability still so tight, having that many options opens up your odds of finding a home you love that still works for your budget.

Want to see what’s on the market in our area? DM me the price point you’re looking at to get started.

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

09/29/2026

House hunting? You've got more homes to choose from than you've had in years. Right now, the number of homes for sale is the highest it's been since 2019. That's basically back to back to pre-pandemic normal – so there's more to pick from, and it's easier to find one that fits your budget. So, when you’re ready, let’s find your home and negotiate a deal you'll feel good about.

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

09/29/2026

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.

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

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…