Nicole Strom Realtor️ 16 hours ago

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.

Nicole Strom Realtor️ 1 day ago

Are sellers still paying closing costs in El Paso County? The Q3 2026 numbers say yes, in most cases. Chicago Title of Colorado looked at every home sale in the county from July through September. Here’s what I found most interesting: About 65% of sales included a seller concession, and the median was $10,000 every single month. Homes between $300,000 and $400,000 had the highest rate, reaching nearly 80% in September. Homes over $1 million had concessions less often, but when they happened, they were often larger. Your ZIP code makes a big difference. In September, more than 80% of sales in 80916 and 80925 included a concession, while fewer than half did in 80132 and 80905. Something many people don’t realize: seller concessions are negotiated up front, as part of the offer, not at the end of the transaction. If you’re thinking about selling, it helps to plan for a concession before you list so it’s part of your pricing strategy from the start. If you’re buying, decide what to request before you write your offer. Your lender can walk you through how those funds could work for your situation. Inspection items are a separate conversation, and I have a strategy for resolving them that benefits both buyers and sellers. It’s a true win/win. Reach out and I’m happy to share how it works.

Nicole Strom Realtor️ 2 days ago

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.