Amy Costa-Bigler Mortgage Advisor

10/31/2026

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

More than 1 in 4 homes are being bought with cash right now. But here's something that might surprise you about who's buying them.

It's not just wealthy investors swooping in with deep pockets.

A lot of these cash buyers are everyday homeowners who've built up serious equity over the years. And that equity is giving them more buying power than they may have ever imagined.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $310,000 in equity.

Think about what that could mean for your next move.

You might have enough equity to buy your next home outright. No mortgage payment. No worrying about today's interest rates.

And even if you can't pay all cash, that equity could help you borrow significantly less.

But what if you're buying with a mortgage?

Here's some good news: Nearly 3 out of 4 homebuyers are still using financing. You're actually in the majority.

So don't let the headlines about cash buyers make you second-guess what's possible for you. Whether you're buying your first home or using equity to make your next move, there may be more opportunities than you think.

Wondering how you stack up in today's market? Send me a message. Let's talk about your options.

Your next move starts with a plan. 🏡Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Let's build a mortgage strategy that fits your life.

Amy Costa-Bigler | NMLS 270094
📲209.603.9648

10/29/2026

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.

Your next move starts with a plan. 🏡Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Let's build a mortgage strategy that fits your life.

Amy Costa-Bigler | NMLS 270094
📲209.603.9648

10/28/2026

A little relief. A big week ahead. 🏡📊

This week’s market update: the bond market has eased, but the economy is still sending mixed signals. Inflation, employment, and the Fed’s outlook all play a role in where mortgage rates go next.

A Fed rate decision doesn’t automatically mean mortgage rates move by the same amount. The message—and the data that follows—matter, too.

Swipe through for what I’m watching and what it could mean for your next move. ➡️

Thinking about buying or refinancing? Let’s review your options and build a plan around your goals, budget, and timing. The market can keep us guessing. Your mortgage plan shouldn’t. 😉

📲 Call or text me: 209.603.9648
🌐 amybiglerhomeloans.com

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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.

Your next move starts with a plan. 🏡Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Let's build a mortgage strategy that fits your life.

Amy Costa-Bigler | NMLS 270094
📲209.603.9648

10/24/2026

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

Home prices just dropped $14,000 in two months. So, is the housing market finally getting cheaper? Not so fast. Because there's a lot more to this story than the headlines are telling you.

According to HousingWire, the national median asking price fell from $449,000 to $435,000 since August.

But here's the twist: that's what sellers are asking for their homes. Not necessarily what buyers are paying. And when you look at actual sales prices, things get even more interesting.

Over the past year, home prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. Meanwhile, prices in Seattle dipped 1.6%.

Same housing market. Two very different stories.

And that's exactly why making your next move based on national headlines could be a mistake.

So, here's my question: Do you know what home prices are actually doing in your neighborhood?

Drop your town or city in the comments or send me a DM. I'll help you find out.

Your next move starts with a plan. 🏡Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Let's build a mortgage strategy that fits your life.

Amy Costa-Bigler | NMLS 270094
📲209.603.9648

10/22/2026

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Renting can be a good fit for the right person with the right house, but it isn’t the only option. A smart sales strategy can help your house stand out to buyers from day one.

So, if you’re on the fence, let’s sit down and compare what selling and renting would each look like for you.

Your next move starts with a plan. 🏡Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Let's build a mortgage strategy that fits your life.

Amy Costa-Bigler | NMLS 270094
📲209.603.9648

Selling your house is a big step, and you want it to go smoothly. And with houses taking a little longer to sell these days, renting it out might start to sound like a nice backup plan.

10/21/2026

📊 WEEKLY MARKET UPDATE | Finding Opportunity in Today’s Market 🏡

When the stock market gets nervous, the bond market often gets some attention! 👀

This week, we’re watching how uncertainty in the tech sector is influencing investor behavior. As investors shift toward safer assets like bonds, it can create opportunities for mortgage rates to improve.

💡 What does this mean for you?

Whether you’re buying your first home, considering a move, or waiting for the right time to refinance, these market shifts are worth watching.

Remember, mortgage rates don’t move based on just one headline. Inflation, economic data, and bond market activity all play a role.

✨ The biggest opportunities often come when you understand the market—not when you try to perfectly time it.

My job is to help you see the bigger picture, understand your options, and make smart financial decisions.

📲 Let’s connect and talk about what today’s market could mean for your homeownership goals!

Amy Bigler | Senior Mortgage Advisor
📞 209.603.9648
🌐 AmyBiglerHomeLoans.com

10/20/2026

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each.

Your next move starts with a plan. 🏡Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Let's build a mortgage strategy that fits your life.

Amy Costa-Bigler | NMLS 270094
📲209.603.9648

10/17/2026

Want to move but don’t want to give up your current low rate? This is for you.
Data shows homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now.

And that means if you've been putting off a move because you don't want to give up the mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago, your equity could help.

You could use it toward a bigger down payment and borrow less at today's rates.

Or, if you're downsizing, you might even be able to buy your next home in cash. No mortgage. No worrying about today’s rates.

Want to know how much equity you have and what it makes possible for you? DM me, and I'll help you find out.

Your next move starts with a plan. 🏡Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Let's build a mortgage strategy that fits your life.

Amy Costa-Bigler | NMLS 270094
📲209.603.9648