Cindy Bergen

License#: RS281752

Blog

IRS Gives Guidance on New Tax Benefits

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 31, 2025
IRS Gives Guidance on New Tax Benefits The Treasury Department and the IRS are offering guidance on OBBBA expanded Health Savings Account eligibility that allows more people to save and pay for healthcare costs. Here are the details of the expanded HSA access: Telehealth and Remote Care Services—The OBBBA made permanent the ability to receive telehealth and other remote care services before m

Can "Manual Underwriting" Help You Qualify For A Mortgage?

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 30, 2025
Can "Manual Underwriting" Help You Qualify For A Mortgage? Lenders usually rely on automated underwriting when reviewing loan applications. That’s because this type of underwriting relies on a computer that analyzes your application in seconds, looking for any red flags that might make you less likely to repay your loan on time. Lenders prefer automated underwriting because it takes much less

What to Do If You're Struggling with Your Mortgage

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 28, 2025
What to Do If You're Struggling with Your Mortgage If you’re like most people, your mortgage payment ranks as your most significant monthly expense. If you suffer a financial setback, then it’s not surprising that you’d struggle to make that payment. Say you lose your job. That sudden drop in your monthly income might make it challenging to cover your monthly mortgage payment until you find new

The Grim Choice of the 50-Year Mortgage

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 27, 2025
The Grim Choice of the 50-Year Mortgage It’s becoming increasingly complex for many buyers to afford a home today. That’s because the median housing price in the United States has risen above $400,000, according to numbers from the National Association of REALTORS®. At the same time, mortgage interest rates at 6% or higher have made monthly mortgage payments even more expensive, driving many aw

IRS Gives Guidance on Getting Ready For the 2026 Tax Season

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 26, 2025
IRS Gives Guidance on Getting Ready For the 2026 Tax Season The IRS Get Ready campaign offers tips, reminders and new information on what you need to prepare for the 2026 tax filing season. Among the changes and additions the OBBBA brings are tax deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest and seniors. Here are tips to prepare for filing season: Access or login to an existing IRS online

What's Up with the Rising Age of Homebuyers?

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 25, 2025
What's Up with the Rising Age of Homebuyers? In a survey released last November, the National Association of REALTORS® found that the median age of a first-time homebuyer in the United States had risen to 40. That ranks as an all-time high for this figure. And it’s not just first-time buyers who are getting older. The same survey found that the median age of repeat homebuyers, those buying a h

Credit Score Dip Is Not Fatal

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 24, 2025
Credit Score Dip Is Not Fatal When you get preapproved for a mortgage, you’ll know exactly how much of a monthly payment you can afford. This will also tell you how much of a home you can afford. During preapproval, you’ll work with a mortgage lender that will check your credit reports and three-digit credit score. You’ll also provide your lender with proof of your income and debts, usually in

Know the Six Mortgage Loan Types

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - December 23, 2025
Know the Six Mortgage Loan Types When it comes to mortgages, you have choices. By doing research and working with professionals, you can find out what's right for you. 30-year fixed-rate The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remains the most popular mortgage type for homebuyers. That’s because it comes with the lowest monthly payment thanks to its longer term. With this loan, your interest rate

Why Working with a Local Agent Beats Online Listings

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - July 22, 2025
Why Working with a Local Agent Beats Online Listings The Power of Local Expertise in Real Estate In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that everything—including buying or selling a home—can be done online. Online listings are convenient, offering a vast array of properties at the click of a button. However, when it comes to making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, nothing

The Future of Real Estate: How Smart Homes Impact Value

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - July 18, 2025
The Future of Real Estate: How Smart Homes Impact Value The real estate industry is evolving rapidly, with technological advancements playing a crucial role in shaping property values. Among these innovations, smart home technology stands out as a game-changer, influencing how buyers perceive and evaluate homes. From security systems to energy-efficient appliances, smart homes offer convenience,

The First-Time Home Buyer's Ultimate Checklist

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - July 14, 2025
First-Time Homebuyer? Here’s Your Ultimate Checklist Buying your first home is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can feel overwhelming too. With so many moving parts, having a clear game plan makes all the difference. Whether you’re eyeing a cozy condo or your first family home, here’s a simplified checklist to guide you from dream to doorstep. ✅ 1. Check Your Finances Before touring homes, take

Professional Photos are a MUST when listing your HOME

By Cindy Bergen Realtor - July 09, 2025
Why Professional Photography Matters When Listing Your Home When you’re selling your home, first impressions are everything—especially online. Nearly every buyer starts their search on the internet, and the photos they see are what get them to stop scrolling and schedule a showing. That’s why professional photography isn’t just a bonus anymore—it’s essential. Photos Are Your First Showing In to

Search

Realty ONE Group, Inc is powered by Burrow Services, Inc.