Tiffany McDonald- Broker, Focus on Homes Realty

10/17/2026

Are you 1 in 4 million?

If you don't own a home yet, rent is probably the biggest monthly expense you have. And if you're not getting credit for paying it - now you can.

There’s a change rolling out now that lets renters opt in to counting their on-time rental payments toward their credit history. And that could help as many as 4 million more people qualify for a mortgage.

Maybe you’re one of them.

Even if you're not ready to buy a home today, there's no downside to taking simple steps to build your credit profile for the future.

It's time to take credit for bills you already pay. Ask me how.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/16/2026

The Biggest Credit Hurdle for Renters Who Want To Buy

The credit landscape is changing, but action is required on your part. You have to take credit for what you do. And the sooner you get started, the better.

Ready to see where you stand? A quick conversation with a loan officer costs you nothing and could show you you're closer to owning a home than you think.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/15/2026

Planning for the years ahead often comes down to one big decision: stay or move.

Staying in your house could mean you have to do some updates like grab bars, walk-in showers, and wider doorways. Moving to a 55+ community lets you skip the remodel and puts a lot of perks right outside your door.

Many offer on-site amenities, added security, and an HOA that takes care of shared spaces. Plus, they make it easy to feel connected to the people around you.

And the equity you've built in your current house could help you make the move.

Weighing your options? Reach out to talk through what makes the most sense for you.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/14/2026

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

In many places right now, inventory is growing and homes are taking a bit longer to sell. And that’s information that should shape the strategy you use going in.

Whether you're buying or selling, let's look at how long homes are taking to sell in your neighborhood, so your offer, or your price, fits today's market.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.

10/13/2026

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/12/2026

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.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/11/2026

The Fed is raising the Fed Funds Rate to cool inflation, and that can keep upward pressure on mortgage rates for a while. But you can still make a move that works for you.

It just takes the right strategy.

Buyers need to know their real budget at today's rates. Sellers need a price and plan that fits what buyers can afford right now.

Relief on rates could take some time. If you're thinking about a move, let's put together a game plan built for today's rates, so you'll know your next step.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

10/10/2026

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.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

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

10/09/2026

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.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.

10/08/2026

Renovate or Relocate? What To Know Before You Decide To Age in Place

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.