Home Sales Inch Up, But Buyers Stay Cautious Amid Mortgage Worries

Interesting article by National Association of REALTORS® . . . https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/economy/home-sales-inch-up-but-buyers-stay-cautious-amid-mortgage-worries

National Housing Market

Here’s a quick overview of what the housing market is doing nationally . . . https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/economy/contract-signings-ticked-up-slightly-capping-off-a-sluggish-spring?narmail=EdgeUp-DataFeedTemplate&date=06-26-2025&user=6601289&itid=13972333

Home Staging Tips

There is such a think as wireless lighting. Check out this home staging idea from National Association of REALTORS® . . .

First Time Home Buyer

Check out National Association of REALTORS®’ consumer guide for first time home buyers . . . https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-buying-your-first-home

Wire Fraud

Here is a helpful guide from Title One, a Title and Escrow Co. on how to avoid wire fraud . . .

Cybercriminals constantly seek victims to wire them compensation, sales proceeds, or deposits. Real estate transactions are especially vulnerable. Here are steps to protect your money.

Call Before Sending Money:

• Do not wire money without calling us, TitleOne, to confirm wiring instructions.

• Call us if you are suspicious. Be wary of emails asking for money early or for part of the money needed to close. Don't trust an email that changes, updates, or "re-sends" wire instructions.

• Call your financial institution after you have talked to us. Confirm that they have the correct information.

Call After Sending

• Call us after sending your money to make sure we received it.

• Staying in touch with your escrow officer is the best way to avoid problems.

Act Immediately if Something Seems Wrong

• Contact your financial institution. Ask your bank to contact the bank where the wire was sent.

• Contact your local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office – the FBI works with other agencies and might be able to return or freeze the funds.

• File a complaint online with the FBI at https://bec.ic3.govOpens in a new tab.

Make a Plan

Do you and your household have a plan, in case of a natural disaster? Here is a great resource to help you get organized: https://www.ready.gov/plan-form.

Basic Disaster Supply Kit

Here is a great resource to help you put together a basic disaster supply kit, in case of an emergency. https://www.ready.gov/kit

Wildfire Preparedness

If you live in Montana, it would be wise to prepare for wildfires. I have lived in Montana for about ten years. Wildfire season seems to start early to mid July and sometimes does not end until the snow falls. (Which I have seen as early as late August.) Ready.gov is a great resource to help you plan ahead, in case of a wildfire. Visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires.

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. Visit https://www.ready.gov for more information .

Montana Property Tax Rebate

In case you haven’t heard. Montana is offering a property tax rebate. Check out the details . . . https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/property-tax-rebate-house-bill-222/