Our Spring has officially sprung, and that means the real estate market is buzzing with activity again! 🐝🌷 More buyers are jumping back in, which also means more competition.
If you’re dreaming of landing that perfect home in Lake of the Pines, Auburn, Alta Sierra, or anywhere in our beautiful Sierra Foothills, you’ll need more than a wish list — you’ll need a smart strategy! 💪✨
Here are 4 tried-and-true tips we’ve been sharing with our buyers to help their offers rise to the top this season:
1️⃣ Skip the Lowball – Price It Right 💰
We totally get it – everyone wants a deal! But starting with a super low offer in this competitive spring market can hurt more than help. It may even turn off the seller completely. 😬
As your local experts, we’ll help you understand what’s truly competitive and fair for the neighborhood you’re buying in — so your offer is taken seriously from the start. ✅
2️⃣ Think About an Escalation Clause ⬆️📈
Worried someone else might swoop in with a slightly higher offer? An escalation clause can be a great tool. It automatically increases your offer (up to a certain limit you choose) if another offer comes in higher.
It’s like saying, “I’m serious about this home, and I’m willing to compete — but smartly.” 🧠
We’ll help you figure out whether this strategy is a good fit for your budget and the property you're after. And of course, we’ll make sure you’re protected if the appraisal doesn’t come in where we want it.
3️⃣ Be Mindful About What You Ask For 🙏📝
It’s okay to ask for some help with closing costs or repairs, but too many concessions can make your offer less appealing — especially if another buyer has fewer strings attached. 🎈
We’ll guide you through what’s reasonable to ask for in today’s market, and help you craft an offer that’s attractive to the seller without giving up what matters most to you.
4️⃣ Timing Can Be Everything ⏰🏡
It’s not always just about the price — sometimes the timeline can be the key to winning.
Does the seller need extra time to move? Or do they want to close fast? Being flexible (if you can!) might just be what puts your offer ahead of the pack. 💨📦
We’ll connect with the seller’s agent to find out what timeline works best for them — and position your offer accordingly.
💡 Bottom Line from Debbie & Angie:
This spring market is moving fast 🌸💨 — but we’re here to help you move smarter. Whether you’re buying in Lake of the Pines or one of our surrounding foothill communities, we’ll make sure your offer is strong, competitive, and thoughtfully crafted.
Let’s go win your dream home! 🏡💕
👉 Reach out to us anytime – we’re ready when you are!
📞 Debbie & Angie | Let Our Family Bring Your Family Home
Thursday’s Tip with Angie! 
Some of your favorite blooms love slightly alkaline soil — and baking soda is here to help them shine! 
Begonias Hydrangeas (especially those pretty pink ones!) Geraniums
Zinnias
Petunias Impatiens
Thursday Tip:
Basil – Keeps flies & mosquitoes away!
Lavender – A calming scent for you, a nightmare for bugs! Peppermint – Freshens up your space & deters pests. Rosemary – Perfect for cooking & mosquito control!
Lemongrass – The secret ingredient in citronella!
Sage – Burn it for an extra bug-repelling boost!
Safe for dogs, tough on pests! 
Add these plants to your garden and enjoy a bite-free summer!
Which of these do you already have in your yard? Let us know in the comments! 
Last year, 70% of buyers paused their home search—were you one of them? 🤔 With low inventory, soaring prices, and unpredictable mortgage rates, we don’t blame you! But here’s the good news: the market is shifting in your favor.
📈 More Inventory = More Options
Finding the perfect home was tough when choices were limited. But inventory is up 27.5% since last year! That means more homes to choose from—and if you’re selling, you’ll have better luck finding your next place, too.
🕰️ Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer
Gone are the days of lightning-fast sales. With homes spending about a week longer on the market than last year, you have more time to shop, negotiate, and make the right move—without feeling rushed.
🏡 Is It Your Time to Move?
With more options and less pressure, this could be the perfect time to restart your home search! Let’s chat about what’s happening in our local market.
✨ Debbie & Angie | "Let Our Family Bring Your Family Home" ✨
📲 Call/Text us today! 530-330-3042 / 530-308-2537
#WeBringUHome #FoothillsLiving #MarketUpdate #TimeToMove #SpringRealEstate
Tasty Thursday Alert! 
A perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and sweet heat—this dish is a game-changer! 
Why You’ll Love It:
Golden, crispy perfection 
Creamy feta for an extra flavor boost Drizzled with homemade hot honey for the ultimate sweet & spicy kick 
Drop a comment and let me know if you try it! 
🏡🛤️ Buying a home comes with many steps, but don’t worry—Debbie & Angie have your roadmap to homeownership! Let’s connect and get started today—call us now! 📞🔑✨
#HomeBuying 🏠 #BuyAHome 🏡 #WeBringUHome ❤️ #KeepingCurrentMatters 📌
Craving something comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor? 🤤
Angie’s Tasty Thursday Recipe! These creamy, cheesy enchiladas are packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. 
What You’ll Love: Tender, shredded chicken A creamy, zesty green chile sauce Lots of melty cheese Wrapped in soft whole-grain tortillas 
Pro Tip: Top it off with chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, or olives for extra deliciousness! 
Save this recipe & let us know if you try it! Drop a comment below and tell us how it turned out! 
Buying your first home is exciting—but let’s be real, it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions:
❓ Am I making the right decision?
❓ Can I really afford this right now?
❓ What if unexpected repairs come up?
❓ Will I still be okay financially if something changes?
The truth is, every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts—and that’s completely normal. The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves. But with the right guidance, you can move forward with confidence.
As your local real estate expert, we are here to provide the knowledge and support you need. Let’s break down some key things to keep in mind.
🔹 Focus on What You Can Control
Since homeownership is new to you, figuring out your budget might feel overwhelming. You’ll need to consider your mortgage, home insurance, maintenance, and possibly HOA fees. That’s a lot to think about!
The key? Focus on what you can control. By working with a trusted local agent (that’s us! 😊) and a reputable lender, you’ll get a clear picture of:
✔️ What you can afford to borrow
✔️ Your monthly mortgage payment
✔️ How interest rates impact your costs
Your mortgage will likely be your biggest expense, so it’s crucial to ensure the numbers work for you.
🔹 Don’t Stress About Repairs
Worried about unexpected repairs? That’s understandable! But remember, you’ll get a home inspection before you buy, giving you insight into the home’s condition.
If repairs are a concern, consider negotiating with the seller to include a home warranty. This can help cover major systems like HVAC or plumbing for a set period after you move in. It’s a small expense for the seller but could provide you with valuable peace of mind.
🔹 It’s Okay to Stretch—Just Not Too Far
Money might feel tight at first, and that’s normal. Many first-time buyers cut back on dining out or shopping until they adjust to their new expenses.
But if your budget doesn’t leave room for essentials like food, gas, and savings, you might be stretching too far. A slight stretch is normal—a financial strain is not. Let’s find a home that fits both your dreams and your budget!
🔹 Your Finances Will Grow Over Time
One of the biggest fears buyers have is, What if my financial situation changes? The good news is, careers progress, and incomes often increase over time. That slightly tight budget now may feel much more comfortable in a few years.
And if an unexpected job loss happens? There are options, like mortgage forbearance, that can provide temporary relief during financial hardship.
🔹 Bottom Line
Buying your first home is a big decision, and feeling nervous is completely normal. But if you’re financially ready, don’t let fear hold you back. With the right plan and expert guidance, you can confidently take this step toward homeownership.
💬 What’s your biggest concern about buying your first home? Let’s chat! we’d love to help you navigate the process and answer all your questions.
📞 Debbie Krogman & Angie Pitts– Your Local Real Estate Experts
530-330-3042 / 530-308-2537
More Buyers Are Entering the Market – Is It Time for You To Sell?
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to sell your home, this may be the sign you’ve been looking for. More buyers are stepping back into the market, and that could mean great opportunities for sellers like you.
Over the past few years, rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges made many would-be buyers pause their home search. But now, the market is shifting. Buyers are adjusting to current conditions, and with mortgage rates beginning to stabilize, more of them are resuming their home search. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
"Home buyers seem to be getting over the shock of mortgage rates in the mid- to upper-6% range."
That’s great news if you’re thinking about selling. While we’re not seeing an overwhelming surge of buyers all at once, serious homebuyers are re-entering the market—and there’s solid data to back it up.
3 Signs Buyers Are Ready To Make Their Move
- Mortgage Applications Are on the Rise
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that mortgage applications have increased by 37% since the start of the year. This shows that more buyers are getting serious about securing financing—meaning they’re ready to purchase homes like yours. - Buyer Demand Is Growing
Homebuyer Demand Index reveals a 3% uptick in demand since late January. While this may not seem like a huge jump, it’s a clear indication that interest in purchasing homes is gaining momentum. - More Home Showings Are Happening
ShowingTime data shows a 13% increase in home showings since the beginning of the year. More buyers out viewing homes means greater visibility for your listing—and potentially more offers.
Spring: The Best Time To Sell
With buyer activity picking up, now is the perfect time to list your home. Spring is traditionally the busiest season for real estate, as more buyers and sellers enter the market. You don’t want to miss out on this prime opportunity.
Let Debbie and Angie Help You Sell Your Home
If you’re thinking about selling, REALTORS® Debbie and Angie are here to guide you every step of the way. With years of experience in the local market, they know how to position your home to attract serious buyers and get you the best possible offer.
Let’s connect today and take advantage of the growing buyer activity!
