Lori G. Williams - Realtor, Lohmiller Real Estate

08/31/2026

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.

08/31/2026

❓Client: “If I buy, do you come with the house?”
💁🏻‍♀️Me: “What’s your budget again?”
💰Them: “5 million.”
✅ Me: …oh.
~ I handle the awkward moments the same way I handle everything else — laugh, stay professional, then get back to the numbers. 🔢 Keep it light, I keep it professional, and I still ask the real questions. ☀️That’s how you actually get people home🏡..a little humor never hurts either. 😉

08/29/2026

2026 Forecasts for Rates and Prices

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.

08/28/2026

5245 Terrace Ridge Dr. in beautiful Milford, Ohio! 4 bedrooms , 3 full baths, finished basement! Watch this to see for yourself! 🏡 reach out to me to know more!

08/28/2026

5245 Terrace Ridge Drive just hit the market!
Price offering: $549,900

🏘️Details: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full baths, 1 half bath with a finished basement, expanded garage, private fenced yard with thoughtful upgrades designed for everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. Pool community! Milford Schools! This home checks all the boxes! Reach out to me to schedule your private tour!

Property info link: https://cincy.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Cincynky&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=0efBCTDHEWMwiNeD%2Fr9pb7lWMsnMCNy2dBlZDSreXukpOaTWjx5C9Y6cUo%2BA91VN&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=&CurrentSID=148655229&MLS_Origin=CIN&Report_Code_String=&SID=&Report_Format=HTML&Type_Of_Search=&Search_Type=

Video tour link: https://tyler-breedwell-photography.aryeo.com/videos/01a04677-5671-7277-b7d9-e95659cb353d

08/28/2026

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

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.

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

🏡 We’re kicking off a brand new segment: Q&A with 🏡Lori & 💰Liz.

Buyers — this one’s important.
Once you’re under contract, there are a few things you simply cannot do before closing without putting your loan at risk:
❌ Do not open new credit or take out any new loans
❌ Do not buy a new car (or any big-ticket item)
❌ Do not change jobs
❌ Do not make large purchases or move big sums of money around.

Underwriting is watching everything until the keys are in your hand. 🔑When in doubt, ask first. We are here for you.
Got a real estate or mortgage question? Drop it below ⬇️ Let’s start this Q&A.

08/27/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.

08/24/2026

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.

-UpHomebuyer

08/22/2026

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can't find in a standard one. That's what gets attention. And offers. So, let’s chat about what it could get you in our market right now.

That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house.