Michael Boerner, Realtor at HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum

09/07/2026

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.

09/04/2026

🏡 Think home prices are still too high? The market is shifting in buyers’ favor.

📉 Over 40% of listings have reduced their price.
🏠 Sellers are launching with more realistic pricing.
💰 Many are offering concessions like closing cost credits, rate buydowns, and repair allowances.

In Lake & Geauga Counties, buyers have more room to negotiate and less pressure to rush. Sellers are ready to make deals.

👇 Let's connect and I’ll send active local homes with recent price reductions!

09/04/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.

09/03/2026

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 

09/02/2026

🏡 Waiting for the housing market to "settle down"? The stability you've been looking for is already here.

📈 Home prices are seeing steady, sustainable growth.
🏠 Inventory levels have normalized, giving buyers more options.
💰 Mortgage rates have held within a familiar range, creating greater predictability for both buyers and sellers.

In Lake & Geauga Counties, this means you can make a move based on facts, not fear.

👇 Let's connect for a copy of our latest local market report!

09/02/2026

New homes may actually cost less than an existing home right now. And that’s opening up a window for you to get brand-new for less.

If you want a list of new home communities near you that are currently offering incentives or doing price cuts, let’s connect. That way you have someone in your corner helping you get the best deal possible.

Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards.

09/01/2026

Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

There are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. That means a lot of sellers know they’ll have to compromise a bit to get their house sold, which leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, exactly how much room you have depends on where you’re looking. But more and more markets are trending in favor of buyers, so let’s chat about what’s going on in our area.

Send a DM, and we’ll turn your negotiating power into a set of keys.

08/31/2026

🏡 Worried your home sale could fall apart before closing? The good news: 85%+ of pending sales make it to the finish line. 📈

When deals do fail, it's usually due to:
✅ Inspection issues
✅ Financing problems
✅ Home-sale contingencies
✅ Changes in buyer finances

A Pre-Listing Inspection helps uncover issues early, build buyer confidence, and reduce last-minute negotiations. Remember: the best offer isn't always the highest offer.

👇 Let's connect to learn more!

08/31/2026

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/28/2026

🏠💰

The average homeowner sits on $310,500 in equity. That's a game-changer for your next move—helping offset rates or buy all-cash (like 26% of buyers do).

Don't rely on online algorithm guesses. Let's connect for your free Professional Equity Assessment!