Penni D. Schratz, Realtor, Real Estate One

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Traverse City, MI
Penni D. Schratz, Realtor, Real Estate One

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Local Real Estate professional with 25+ years living and enjoying the Greater Grand Traverse area. Have extensive knowledge of the area.

Raised a family in Traverse City and have been involved in many activities/events in the area. Would love to work for you for all your real estate needs. "Making DREAMS come true..one client at a time!"

11/10/2026

Selling Your Home? What You Should Know About Price Cuts vs. Rate Buydowns.

What if you could make your house more attractive to buyers without lowering your asking price?

With 43% of sellers cutting prices right now, according to HousingWire, it's a question worth asking – especially because there's another way to give buyers what they really want: a lower monthly payment.

It's called a mortgage rate buydown. And the difference can be pretty remarkable.
Here's an example.

Let's say you're willing to offer a buyer $10,000 to help get your house sold.

A $10,000 price reduction could save that buyer about $70 a month.

But putting that same $10,000 toward a temporary mortgage rate buydown could save them roughly $500 a month in the first year.

Same amount from you. A much bigger impact on their immediate budget.

Now, those savings won't last forever with a temporary buydown. But for the right buyer, that upfront relief could be exactly what makes your house stand out.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message. Let's explore which incentives could attract buyers while protecting your bottom line.

11/08/2026

11/05/2026

What Experts Forecast for Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2027

Want to know what’s next for rates and prices? The forecasts are in.

And the outlook for the housing market in 2027 comes down to one word: steady.

The latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Wells Fargo show mortgage rates holding fairly flat through 2027. No big drop expected. No big spike either.

Lenders agree. In a recent HousingWire survey, 70% of mortgage executives said they expect rates to be around 7.5% or higher six months from now.

Home prices are on a steady path too. On average, those same forecasts show national prices rising about 1% to 1.5% a year through 2027.

So what does that mean for you?

If you’re buying, slower price growth gives you a little more breathing room. And instead of waiting on a rate drop that may not come, you can focus on what you can control, like a monthly payment that feels comfortable today.

If you’re selling, your house should keep holding its value, which makes it easier to plan your move around your goals and timeline.

Just keep in mind, these are national numbers. What’s happening in your neighborhood could look different.

Curious what a move could look like at today’s rates and prices? Let’s run the numbers together.

10/27/2026

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.

10/22/2026

Want a More Affordable Home? Don’t Overlook Condos.

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re co...

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Traverse City, MI
49684

Website

http://PenniSchratz.realestateone.com/

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