Rising Equity — What Should You Do?

By melissadiaz / June 18, 2025 / Comments Off on Rising Equity — What Should You Do?

If you’re a homeowner, there’s a strong chance your home’s equity has grown over the last few years — perhaps significantly. Rising equity simply means your home is worth more than you owe on your mortgage, and that financial gap can be a powerful opportunity. But with opportunity comes a big question: What should you […]

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Is Now a Good Time to Refinance with Current Rates?

By millie / June 16, 2025 / Comments Off on Is Now a Good Time to Refinance with Current Rates?

Understanding Today’s Interest Rate Landscape As your trusted real estate professional, I often get asked about refinancing. It’s a significant financial decision, and understanding the current interest rate environment is the first step. Right now, in mid-May 2025, we’re seeing a moderately stable interest rate market for both VA and conventional loans. Conventional mortgage rates […]

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Two-Story vs. One-Story Homes: What Buyers Really Prefer (and Why It’s Not So Simple)

By melissadiaz / June 9, 2025 / Comments Off on Two-Story vs. One-Story Homes: What Buyers Really Prefer (and Why It’s Not So Simple)

When choosing your next home, most people ask: “Should I go with a one-story or two-story?” It’s a classic debate that sounds simple — until you dig deeper. What buyers think they want often changes once they learn about things like energy efficiency, resale dynamics, long-term maintenance, and even how sound travels through a home. […]

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A Military Family’s Guide to the Housing Market When Demand Outpaces Supply

By millie / June 9, 2025 / Comments Off on A Military Family’s Guide to the Housing Market When Demand Outpaces Supply

Understanding a High-Demand, Low-Supply Housing Market As a real estate professional deeply committed to serving our military families, I understand the unique challenges you face, especially when relocating. One of the most significant hurdles in today’s market is navigating areas where there are more buyers than available homes. This situation, known as high demand and […]

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VA Loan Myths Debunked: What You Really Need to Know

By melissadiaz / June 3, 2025 / Comments Off on VA Loan Myths Debunked: What You Really Need to Know

VA loans are a great benefit for military members, veterans, and their families. But with all the talk out there, it’s easy to get confused by rumors or old information. Let’s break down some common myths and clear up the truth—so you can feel more confident when it’s time to buy a home. Myth #1: […]

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How to Navigate the VA Home Appraisal Process

By millie / June 2, 2025 / Comments Off on How to Navigate the VA Home Appraisal Process

Understanding VA Loans: A Foundation for Homeownership As a real estate professional deeply familiar with the unique needs of our military community, I often guide clients through the rewarding journey of using a VA home loan. These loans, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer significant advantages to eligible service members, veterans, and surviving […]

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Can You Reuse a VA Loan? Yes! Here’s How to Make It Work for You

By melissadiaz / May 26, 2025 / Comments Off on Can You Reuse a VA Loan? Yes! Here’s How to Make It Work for You

One of the most powerful benefits available to military families is the VA loan. It offers zero down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). But many military families don’t realize they can use their VA loan more than once. If you’re planning another move—especially to or from El Paso—knowing how to […]

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Memorial Day Thoughts

By millie / May 25, 2025 / Comments Off on Memorial Day Thoughts

Today is Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. Across the country, many mark this day as the unofficial start of summer, filled with barbecues, parades, and time with family. While these traditions are cherished, it’s vital, especially within our military community, to pause and reflect on the profound reason we observe this federal holiday. As a […]

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Mortgage Insurance Explained: What It Is and When You Might Need It

By melissadiaz / May 19, 2025 / Comments Off on Mortgage Insurance Explained: What It Is and When You Might Need It

If you’re planning to buy a home and aren’t putting down 20%, you’ve probably heard of mortgage insurance. But what exactly is it, and do you really need it? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make informed decisions when navigating the homebuying process. What Is Mortgage Insurance? Mortgage insurance is a […]

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What to Look for When House Hunting at Your Next Duty Station

By millie / May 19, 2025 / Comments Off on What to Look for When House Hunting at Your Next Duty Station

Getting orders to a new duty station brings excitement and, often, the challenge of finding a new home in an unfamiliar place. House hunting during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move comes with unique pressures – tight timelines, limited local knowledge, and the need to find a place that works for your family’s military […]

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