your Realtor
HOMEBUYERS
Top 10 Questions to Ask
HOME MAINTENANCE
February To-do List
Mid-February often feels like the calm before the spring market begins. Many Sellers are preparing their homes to list while Buyers are watching for new inventory, even if activity appears quiet on the surface.
HOMEOWNERSHIP
Reasons to Fall in Love
LOKIBALL!
Celebrating Stories of Home Together
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MARKET UPDATE
FEATURED LISTINGS
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find the official RSVP call for our Celebration 2026 event in a fully catered Charlotte Knights suite, the current market update, Loki’s Barklight for a new restaurant coming to the scene, and practical tips for Buyers and Homeowners! S N E A K P E E K
REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH
H
O M E O
W N E R S H I P
Homeownership is a dream for many people. It's a chance to have a place to call your own, to make your own memories, and to build equity over time. But what are the specific reasons why you should fall in love with homeownership?
BUILD EQUITY
When you buy a home, you ‘ re buying an asset that can appreciate in value over time. This means you can build equity in your home - the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage Talk about wealth mindset!
TAX BENEFITS
Homeowners can take advantage of a number of tax benefits such as the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deduction This can save you money on your taxes each year
STABILITY
Owning a home will give you a sense of stability and security You know you have a place to call home and you ’ re not at the mercy of a landlord.
FREEDOM TO CUSTOMIZE
Imagine having the freedom to customize your home and make changes as you see fit. You can do things like paint the walls or add new features.
SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Homeownership is a major accomplishment and it can be a source of great pride. It’s a sign that you have achieved financial success and that you ’ re ready to start building a life for you and your family.
“Owning a home is a big responsibility, but it is also one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
SUZE ORMAN
HOMEBUYERS:
Topquestionstoaskwhenbuyingahome
Buying a home is a big decision, and it's important to do your research before you make an offer One of the best ways to do this is to ask the right questions. Here are my top ten questions to ask when you ’ re ready to buy:
What is my budget?
What kind of home do I want?
How long do I plan to stay in the home?
What are the current market conditions?
What are the closing costs?
What are the hidden costs of homeownership?
What are the schools like in the area?
What is the crime rate in the area?
What are the transportation options?
What are the HOA fees?
February
Home
Check your furnace.
Inspect your roof.
Check your gutters and downspouts.
Winterize your outdoor faucets.
Inspect your windows and doors.
Clean and vacuum your carpets.
Dust and polish your furniture.
Change the air filters in your HVAC system.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Test your sump pump.
Inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage.
It’s Time to RSVP!
Celebration 2026 is happening April 11, 2026, and it’s a night at the ballpark in a private, fully catered suite, celebrating the stories of home we’ve shared together.
This is a limited capacity event, and spots will fill quickly. To be included, email rsvp@homesbykathysmith.com with the names and number of guests attending & any dietary restrictions you or your guests may have. You’ll receive an automated confirmation within about a minute. Once the guest list is formalized, I’ll send you more information about the event. Please RSVP by March 10th.
Love Local, Support Local, Shop Local!
LOKI’sbarklight
MARKET
ON MOREHEAD
Market on Morehead is targeting a St. Patrick’s Day weekend opening near Carson Station and already looks ready to become a South End favorite. A sprawling dogfriendly patio overlooking the Rail Trail, live music, weekend brunch, and a 25-foot LED screen visible as you pass by make it hard to miss.
The food has me intrigued. Led by a South Carolina Chef of the Year award winner, the menu centers on farm-to-table American dishes, craft beverages, and a fenced turf area where dogs can roam off leash. It feels designed to be a true hang out spot for both two and four legged guests.
Sellers still hold an advantage on pricing due to limited inventory, but Buyers have a bit more breathing room because homes are sitting longer. It is no longer a frenzied Seller’s market, but more of a moderate Sellerleaning market moving toward balanced. If the Federal Reserve drops interest rates again in March, this could definitely make for a stronger Seller’s market.
