Jennifer Gurnell Real Estate

11/02/2026

The headlines about home sales falling through may sound scary. But here's something sellers should know. Most sales go through just fine. Only roughly 10-15% hit a snag.

And the #1 reason those buyers back out is something you can actually head off before it ever becomes a problem.

By getting a pre-listing inspection, you can avoid surprises and keep your sale moving forward, because you’ll already know what the buyer’s inspection will find and can fix it before you ever list or go in ready to negotiate.

Don't let fear of the what-ifs hold you back. With the right prep and a smart strategy, selling is still possible. I help people do it every day.

Let's talk about how to set your house up for success.

10/31/2026

Need help finding the perfect home for you?

Need help finding the perfect home for you?

10/31/2026

Don't Let the Fear of a Buyer Backing Out Scare You Away from Selling

What if you finally get an offer on your house... and then the buyer backs out?
It's every seller's nightmare. And with headlines about canceled contracts on the rise, it's a concern worth talking about.

But here's what those headlines aren't telling you: 85–90% of home sales still make it to closing.

And there's more good news. You can actually take steps to protect your sale before your house even hits the market.

According to a Redfin survey, 70% of agents say inspection or repair issues are a reason buyers back out. That's the biggest reason reported, by far.

So, what's one smart move you can make?

Consider getting a pre-listing inspection. It could help you spot potential problems early, decide what to fix, and avoid surprises that might send a buyer running.

And that's just one piece of the puzzle. The right preparation, pricing, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.

Selling your house doesn't have to feel like a gamble. A little preparation can give you a much stronger start.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let's talk about how to set your sale up for success.

10/30/2026

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Think you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be surprised by how wrong that number is.

And if you've been putting off buying because of your credit, this could change everything.

According to a recent Veterans United survey, 57% of prospective buyers think they need a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for a mortgage. And 34% believe they need 700 or higher.

But here's what many people don't realize.

The traditional benchmark for many conventional loans has been 620. And with recent changes to mortgage credit scoring, even that isn't a hard-and-fast requirement for every loan.

Plus, lenders are beginning to adopt newer credit scoring models that could help millions more Americans get evaluated for a mortgage.

So, the number you see on your credit monitoring app may not tell the whole story about your ability to buy a home.

Does that mean everyone can qualify? Of course not. But it does mean you shouldn't count yourself out before talking to a professional.

Curious where you actually stand? Send me a message, and let's connect you with a lender who can help you find out.

10/29/2026

This honeycomb tile is often used in bathrooms. Do you like it in the kitchen?

10/29/2026

🏡 BEFORE the sign goes up, let’s get your home ready to SHINE!

Selling in Old Saybrook, Essex, Old Lyme, Westbrook, or along the Connecticut Shoreline? Don’t let an unexpected inspection issue take the excitement out of a great offer!

🔎 A pre-listing inspection can help you get ahead of potential problems, tackle repairs on YOUR schedule, and walk into negotiations feeling prepared and confident.

The goal? Fewer surprises. Stronger preparation. A smoother path to SOLD! 🎉

🎥 Watch this video! Then call me so we can build a smart selling strategy for YOUR home. With 30+ years of experience, I know preparation makes a difference. Let’s get to work!

📲 Jennifer Gurnell | 860-227-1212
William Raveis Real Estate

10/29/2026

🏡 LOOKING FOR A HOME FOR SALE IN OLD LYME, CT WITH ACREAGE AND PRIVACY? 🌳
Welcome to 9 Mansewood Road, Old Lyme, Connecticut!
Discover this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape situated on 3.3 acres in one of the Connecticut Shoreline's most desirable communities!
✨ First-floor primary bedroom
✨ Spacious 3.3-acre property offering privacy
✨ Approximately 500 sq. ft. of heated bonus space above the garage, perfect for a potential home office, art studio, or creative retreat with updates
✨ Convenient to Rogers Lake, marinas, beaches, and downtown Old Lyme
🌊 Whether you're searching for a year-round residence, a Connecticut Shoreline getaway, or a home with room to spread out, this Old Lyme property deserves your attention!
DON'T JUST WATCH THE VIDEO. COME EXPERIENCE THE PROPERTY!
📲 Schedule your private showing today!
Jennifer Gurnell | William Raveis Real Estate
📞 860-227-1212

10/29/2026

The Fed just met and they decided on no rate hike and no rate cut. So, what does that mean if you're watching and hoping for lower mortgage rates?

The short answer: don't expect this to dramatically change things.

For now, they’re holding steady. But a recent survey from Reuters asked 100 economists what to expect from here – and all 100 said the Fed will do a hike in December.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly set mortgage rates, but their actions do have an impact. Rates will also move based on inflation, economic data, and how financial markets react.

The takeaway? There’s a lot at play here – and we’ll probably see a hike the next time they meet.

Follow me for straightforward updates on what’s actually happening and why it matters for the housing market.

10/29/2026

🏡🔥 MULTIPLE OFFERS! UNDER CONTRACT!
96 Ayers Point Road, Old Saybrook, CT!
One beautiful property. Multiple interested buyers. Multiple offers. ONE successful strategy!
💥 THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT!
Selling a home takes more than putting a sign in the yard and hoping for the best.
It's about strategic pricing, powerful marketing, relentless follow-up, strong relationships with fellow Realtors, and knowing how to negotiate when it matters most!
With over 30 years of experience selling Connecticut Shoreline real estate, I know how to position a property, create opportunities, and navigate competitive offers to help my sellers achieve their goals.
👏 Congratulations to my sellers on this exciting next chapter!
WHO YOU HIRE MATTERS!
Thinking about selling your home in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Essex, Old Lyme, or anywhere along the Connecticut Shoreline?
📲 Let's talk about how I can make YOUR home the next success story!
Jennifer Gurnell | William Raveis Real Estate
📞 860-227-1212

MULTIPLE OFFERS AT 96 AYERS POINT ROAD, OLD SAYBROOK! Another exciting real estate success story on the Connecticut Shoreline! 96 Ayers Point Road in Old Saybrook attracted multiple offers and is now under contract! In today's real estate market, experience, pricing, marketing, communication, and