Encore Mortgage Funding, Inc. NMLS #362848

05/17/2026

The spring housing market has more homes for sale and lower mortgage rates than either of the past two springs, but that has not been enough to shake buyers loose. Economists and agents say fear and uncertainty, driven by geopolitical tensions, job loss concerns, and broader economic instability, are driving decisions more than the actual cost of a mortgage.

05/16/2026

Foreclosures are up, but don't panic.

Yes, filings have risen over the past year. But zoom out and look at the full picture.

We're still below historical norms – and nowhere near levels seen around 2008.
This isn't a crash. It's the market returning to normal after foreclosures were artificially low during the pandemic.

And here's something else worth knowing. These are filings. Not all of them will actually turn into completed foreclosures.

If you've been hearing a lot about this lately and want to make sense of what it means, drop a comment or send me a DM. Happy to talk it through.



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/

05/15/2026

80% of homeowners still expect to get their asking price or more when they sell. But right now, only about 40% actually do.

That might sound surprising, but it’s not. It’s normal.

The issue is where those outdating pricing expectations are coming from.

Some sellers are still pricing high just to “see what happens.” And that strategy doesn’t work now that inventory has grown.

When a house is priced above where it should be today, buyers don’t negotiate. They move on to other options.

That’s when homes sit, and sellers have to slash prices – sometimes below what they could’ve gotten if they’d just priced right from the start.

That’s why the sellers getting the best results right now are doing something different.

They’re pricing at (or even slightly below) market value from day 1. Because that’s what...



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/

05/13/2026

The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market

Today's housing market rewards the right strategy. Because even in a slower area, the homes that are priced realistically and positioned well are still selling – sometimes faster than you may expect.

Let’s connect if you’re ready to make yours one of them.



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/

When you put your house on the market, you don’t just want it to sell. You want it to sell fast.

05/12/2026

Why Staging Your House Could Pay Off This Spring

With more homes for sale right now, making a strong first impression matters. Staging can help your house sell faster and for more – and there's an option for almost every budget.

If you’re getting ready to list, let’s talk about what level of staging makes sense for your house and make a plan for attracting the right buyers.



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market.

05/09/2026

Did you know nearly 1 in 3 home purchases today involves co-buyers?

That's right, more and more first-time buyers are teaming up with friends, siblings, or unmarried partners to make homeownership happen.

And honestly? It makes a lot of sense given how tough affordability can still be for first-time buyers.

Combining incomes means a bigger down payment, better loan qualification, and lower monthly costs for everyone involved.

If you've been feeling priced out, co-buying might be the move you haven't considered yet. Drop your questions in the comments. I'd love to help you explore your options.



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/

05/08/2026

Could Co-Buying Be the Answer for Some First-Time Buyers?

Affordability challenges are real, but they don't have to mean waiting indefinitely. Co-buying is helping some first-time buyers stop waiting and start putting down roots.

If you're curious whether it could work for your situation, let's talk. Reach out today and let's figure out your path to homeownership together.



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/

For a lot of would-be first-time buyers, affordability is the thing that’s standing in the way.

05/06/2026

Should You Wait To Move? Here’s Your Answer.

“Should I just wait?” It’s the question it seems like everyone’s asking. And here’s your answer. Even with everything going on, people are still moving. More homes are going under contract. More people are applying for mortgages. And that means you can too. You just need a plan. Want to figure out what that looks like for you? Let’s talk.



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/

05/05/2026

“Should I just wait?” It’s one of the most common questions right now. Maybe you’re even asking yourself the same thing.

While the right time to make a move will ultimately depend on your situation, here’s what I can tell you.

People are still buying and selling, even with everything going on – that means you can too.

Pending sales are up from last month, and a lot more buyers are applying for mortgages than this time last year.

So, if moving still matters to you, you don’t have to wait.

You just need a plan that works for today. Want to figure out what that looks like for you? Let’s talk.



Sheri L. Garner Mortgage and Real Estate Advisor
Let’s connect. Your next move starts with a plan..https://www.encoremortgage.net/get-started/