Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates? The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its hikes can keep them higher for a while. The goal is to bring inflation, and eventually rates, down over time. With more hikes likely this year, waiting may not pay off. So, let's map out a plan that works at today's rates. 💁🏻‍♀️ Andie Katz, Assoc. Broker | REALTOR® 📲 570-627-6017 📧 andiekatzrealtor@gmail.com 🌍 www.katziskey2poconoliving.com 🏛️ REAL of Pennsylvania ☎️ 855-450-0442

Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner 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. 💁🏻‍♀️ Andie Katz, Assoc. Broker | REALTOR® 📲 570-627-6017 📧 andiekatzrealtor@gmail.com 🌍 www.katziskey2poconoliving.com 🏛️ REAL of Pennsylvania ☎️ 855-450-0442

Over half of homes (60%) are selling below their original asking price right now. And that stat’s held steady for about a year and a half. With affordability still so tight, having room to negotiate on price will take some of the biggest financial pressures off your move. Where you've got the most pull comes down to the neighborhood. Let's chat, and we'll pinpoint where you can push hardest. 💁🏻‍♀️ Andie Katz, Assoc. Broker | REALTOR® 📲 570-627-6017 📧 andiekatzrealtor@gmail.com 🌍 www.katziskey2poconoliving.com 🏛️ REAL of Pennsylvania ☎️ 855-450-0442

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. 💁🏻‍♀️ Andie Katz, Assoc. Broker | REALTOR® 📲 570-627-6017 📧 andiekatzrealtor@gmail.com 🌍 www.katziskey2poconoliving.com 🏛️ REAL of Pennsylvania ☎️ 855-450-0442

🏡 UNDER CONTRACT! 🔑 Congratulations to MJ Jones and his buyer on getting 1187 Carriage Lane in Tobyhanna under contract! Another buyer is one step closer to calling the Poconos home. Congratulations, MJ, on helping your client move one step closer to the closing table! 🎉 Thinking about buying or selling in the Poconos? Let’s talk! Andie Katz – Managing Broker 📲 Mobile: 570-627-6017 Real of Pennsylvania – POCONO ☎️ Office: 570-664-9936 #UnderContract #AndieKatzTeam #MJJones #RealOfPennsylvania #PoconoRealEstate #TobyhannaPA #PoconoHomes #PoconoRealtor

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. 💁🏻‍♀️ Andie Katz, Assoc. Broker | REALTOR® 📲 570-627-6017 📧 andiekatzrealtor@gmail.com 🌍 www.katziskey2poconoliving.com 🏛️ REAL of Pennsylvania ☎️ 855-450-0442

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. 💁🏻‍♀️ Andie Katz, Assoc. Broker | REALTOR® 📲 570-627-6017 📧 andiekatzrealtor@gmail.com 🌍 www.katziskey2poconoliving.com 🏛️ REAL of Pennsylvania ☎️ 855-450-0442

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. 💁🏻‍♀️ Andie Katz, Assoc. Broker | REALTOR® 📲 570-627-6017 📧 andiekatzrealtor@gmail.com 🌍 www.katziskey2poconoliving.com 🏛️ REAL of Pennsylvania ☎️ 855-450-0442