Becky Pendergrass | Source | Real Estate Agent at Benchmark Realty, LLC
Becky Pendergrass
Becky Pendergrass is a seasoned realtor based in Nashville, Tennessee, with a passion for helping clients navigate the ever-changing real estate market. With years of experience in the industry, Becky has earned a reputation for her in-depth market knowledge, exceptional client service, and strategic approach to buying and selling homes.
As a Certified New Home Specialist and Residential Construction Certified professional, Becky brings a unique expertise in new home construction and development, enabling her to guide clients through the complexities of purchasing newly built homes. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by her membership in the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, where she has honed her skills in catering to the unique needs of high-end buyers and sellers.
Throughout her career, Becky has consistently leveraged her market insights to help clients make informed decisions, whether they’re first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors. She’s known for her ability to simplify the buying and selling process, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible for her clients.
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Benchmark Realty, LLC (https://benchmarkrealtytn.com/)
Real Estate Agent
started Mar 2022
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Questions Every Buyer Should Ask When Viewing a Property for the First Time
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Essential Questions Homebuyers Must Ask During Property Viewings
Becky advises asking about the age of major systems, past repairs, utility costs, HOA rules, neighborhood dynamics, and seller motivations. She emphasizes, “No one wants to buy a ‘dream home’ only to find out later it’s a money pit with a bass guitarist next door.” -
Fed Rate Cuts: HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan This Fall
Becky suggests a HELOC for flexibility amid expected Fed rate cuts, benefiting from falling rates without refinancing. Fixed-rate home equity loans offer predictability but may miss potential savings. She anticipates gradual rate decreases over the next 6-12 months. For those needing funds soon, locking in a rate provides security, but waiting could yield savings if comfortable with uncertainty. -
Financial Pros and Cons of Relocating for Retirement
Becky highlights that relocating involves costs like agent commissions, closing fees, and moving expenses. "Selling an appreciated home can provide a substantial down payment," but higher current mortgage rates may offset savings. Key factors include family proximity, overall cost of living, and personal health. Pros include a new lifestyle and potential savings, while cons involve higher mortgage rates and hidden costs.
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“Consider the overall cost of living in the area you’re eyeing,” says Pendergrass. “This includes everything from taxes and health care to the price of a cup of coffee.” There are also many non-financial variables to take into account when you’re deciding whether or not to relocate. “It’s not just about the money,” she says. “Think about where your family is— how often do you want to see them? Are you OK with the idea of being farther away?”
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Your credit score plays a significant role in the mortgage rate and terms you’ll qualify for, according to Becky Pendergrass, a real estate agent at Benchmark Realty in Nashville.
She recommended you take the time now to pay down any outstanding debt, avoid taking on new debt and ensure your credit report is accurate. “A higher credit score can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage,” she said.
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As more homes become available, it might be tempting to stretch your budget for that dream home, but Pendergrass said it’s important to set a firm budget based on what you can comfortably afford, considering not just the mortgage, but also taxes, insurance and maintenance.
“Preparing now means you’ll be ready to make a confident offer when the right home comes along, without scrambling at the last minute,” she said. “The key is to be proactive and strategic, so when the market does open up, you’re in the best position to secure your ideal home.”
