Blog | Market insights, pricing strategies, and real-world advice for buyers and sellers - Barbara Mills

All About Real Estate

What Should I Do First — Sell My Current Home or Buy a New One?

What Should I Do First — Sell My Current Home or Buy a New One? This is one of the most stressful decisions for homeowners planning a move. Do you sell first and risk being without a home? Or buy first and worry about carrying two mortgages? The best approach depends on your finances, timeline, […]
All About Real Estate

What Are the Hidden Costs of Buying a Home That No One Talks About?

Most buyers focus on their down payment and monthly mortgage, but it’s the hidden costs that catch people off guard. Understanding these upfront helps you stay confident and fully prepared throughout the buying process. 1. Inspections – Essential, Not Optional A full home inspection in Central Florida typically ranges from $350-$600, depending on size.Additional inspections […]
All About Real Estate

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that’s actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards. Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, […]
All About Real Estate

The Biggest Pricing Mistake Homeowners Make When Selling

Pricing a home is part science, part psychology — and getting it wrong can cost thousands. The biggest mistake sellers make? Pricing Their Home Based on What They Want, Not What the Market Will Pay It’s understandable — homeowners are emotionally connected to their homes. But buyers aren’t. Buyers look at: Comparable sales Current inventory […]

All About Real Estate What Should I Do First — Sell My Current Home or Buy a New One? What Should I Do First — Sell My Current Home or Buy a New One? This is one of the most stressful decisions for homeowners planning a move. Do you sell first and risk being without a home? Or buy first and worry about carrying two mortgages? The best approach depends on your finances, timeline, […]

All About Real Estate What Are the Hidden Costs of Buying a Home That No One Talks About? Most buyers focus on their down payment and monthly mortgage, but it’s the hidden costs that catch people off guard. Understanding these upfront helps you stay confident and fully prepared throughout the buying process. 1. Inspections – Essential, Not Optional A full home inspection in Central Florida typically ranges from $350-$600, depending on size.Additional inspections […]

All About Real Estate Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that’s actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards. Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, […]

All About Real Estate The Biggest Pricing Mistake Homeowners Make When Selling Pricing a home is part science, part psychology — and getting it wrong can cost thousands. The biggest mistake sellers make? Pricing Their Home Based on What They Want, Not What the Market Will Pay It’s understandable — homeowners are emotionally connected to their homes. But buyers aren’t. Buyers look at: Comparable sales Current inventory […]

All About Real Estate Mortgage rates just fell below 6% for the first time in years The president’s latest affordability push sent 15- and 30-year mortgage rates tumbling. But experts say the long-term impact may be limited. Article courtesy of NBCNEWS.com By Steve Kopack Mortgage rates on Friday fell below 6% for the first time in years, after President Donald Trump ordered his “representatives” to begin buying $200 billion worth of mortgage […]

All About Real Estate What Renovations Actually Increase Your Home’s Value Before Selling? Not all renovations are created equal — especially when you’re preparing to sell. Many homeowners spend money in the wrong areas, hoping for a big return, only to break even or lose money. Here are the updates that truly move the needle for Central Florida buyers. 1. Kitchens: Light Refreshes Beat Full Remodels Buyers love […]

All About Real Estate These 10 Interior Design Trends Are Already Defining 2026, According to Pros Courtesy of BETTER HOMES AND GARDEN By Maria Sabella Published on January 8, 2026 At the top of this new year, it’s evident that the design world continues to shift from cool to warm, minimalist to maximalist, neutral to color-filled. “If 2025 has been the year of rediscovering warmth and personality, then 2026 is shaping up to […]

All About Real Estate How Much Money Do You Really Need Upfront to Buy a Home Today? One of the biggest myths in real estate is that buyers need 20% down to purchase a home. That belief alone stops countless people from moving forward — even when they’re financially ready. Here’s the truth about what you actually need upfront when buying a home in today’s Central Florida market. Down Payment Options Have […]

All About Real Estate Housing Trends for 2026 Housing Trends for 2026: Floor Plans, Home Offices, Wellness Spaces & Design Styles As we move into 2026, housing trends are evolving to meet the changing lifestyles of today’s homeowners. Buyers are looking for homes that offer flexibility, comfort, and functionality—spaces that support work, wellness, and everyday living. Understanding these 2026 housing trends can help […]

All About Real Estate Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in Central Florida — Or Should You Wait for Rates to Drop? If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Central Florida, you’ve probably wondered: “Should I buy now, or wait for interest rates to drop?”It’s one of the most common questions buyers are asking — and for good reason. Rates fluctuate, home prices shift, and every headline seems to paint a different picture. Here’s the […]

All About Real Estate In Search of an Interest Rate That Starts With 5? What Rate Are You Waiting For? There’s no denying that we’ve been on a wild ride this year with mortage rates. Let’s take a look in the rearview mirror first. FreddieMac’s PRIMARY MORTGAGE MARKET SURVEY® The week ending 5/2/2024 marked the highest rate for 2024. 30 Year rates averaged 7.22%, while 15 Year rates […]

All About Real Estate U.S. weekly mortgage rate averages as of 12/24/2025 Primary Mortgage Market Survey® Courtesy of FreddieMac Heading into the Christmas Holiday, Rates Dip Lower The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased further this week. Declining rates offer a timely and welcome gift for aspiring homebuyers. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.18% as of December 24, 2025, down from last week when it averaged 6.21%. A year […]