Real Estate Blog: Faith, Family & Foundations

How Interest Rates Affect Your Buying Power
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

How Interest Rates Affect Your Buying Power

Even a 1% change in interest rates can shift your buying power by tens of thousands of dollars. In this post, I’m breaking down how rates directly impact what you can afford, why waiting could limit your options, and how you can still move forward confidently — knowing you can always refinance later.

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Refinancing Made Simple: What Buyers Need to Know
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Refinancing Made Simple: What Buyers Need to Know

Worried about buying a home before rates drop? Refinancing is a simple, common way to lower your payment later. In this post, I’m breaking down when refinancing makes sense, how using the same lender can save you money on fees, and why waiting for the 'perfect' rate could cost you more in the long run.

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Why 3% Rates Happened — and Why We Probably Won’t See Them Again
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Why 3% Rates Happened — and Why We Probably Won’t See Them Again

Many buyers are holding out for mortgage rates to drop back to 3% — but those rates were the result of extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime circumstances. In this post, I’m breaking down the history behind those record lows, why it’s unlikely we’ll see them again, and how waiting could cost you in higher prices and missed equity growth.

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The Interest Rate Reality: How to Make Your Move Even if Rates Aren’t Perfect
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

The Interest Rate Reality: How to Make Your Move Even if Rates Aren’t Perfect

Worried about today’s interest rates? The truth is, you can always refinance later — but you can’t go back and lower the price you pay for a home. In this post, I’m sharing why buying now can protect you from rising prices, how refinancing with the same lender can save you on fees, and why waiting for the ‘perfect’ rate could cost you more in the long run.

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Legacy in the Making: Moving My Daughter into UGA
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Legacy in the Making: Moving My Daughter into UGA

Tomorrow, I’ll help move my daughter Chloe into her dorm at the University of Georgia — a full-circle moment for this proud UGA alum and mom. As a Realtor®, milestones like this remind me how much home truly matters. From first homes to college dorms, the spaces we live in hold our stories — and it’s an honor to help others find the right place to start theirs.

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Back-to-School, Back to House Hunting: Why August Is a Smart Time to Buy or Sell
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Back-to-School, Back to House Hunting: Why August Is a Smart Time to Buy or Sell

As families settle into new school routines, August offers a surprising window of opportunity in the real estate market. With less competition and more clarity, this could be the perfect time to buy or sell. Here’s why this late-summer season is worth a second look—especially if you’re ready to take the next step in faith.

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When the Waters Rise: What Floods Teach Us About Home, Hope, and Being Prepared
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

When the Waters Rise: What Floods Teach Us About Home, Hope, and Being Prepared

When natural disasters strike, we’re reminded just how fragile “home” can be. The recent floods in Texas, New York, and New Jersey have left many families facing heartbreak and uncertainty — but they’ve also revealed the strength of community and the importance of being prepared. In this post, I’m sharing practical tips for homeowners, a word of faith for those walking through the storm, and how we can come together in compassion when the waters rise.

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The Summer Slowdown: Why Rest Seasons Matter in Real Estate and in Life
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

The Summer Slowdown: Why Rest Seasons Matter in Real Estate and in Life

Sometimes the most important progress happens during the quietest seasons. In real estate—and in life—there are natural slowdowns that invite us to pause, prepare, and trust in what’s ahead. This week, I’m reflecting on the beauty of rest and why summer might be the perfect time to reset your goals and lean into God’s timing.

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Freedom and Foundations: What July 4th Teaches Us About Homeownership
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Freedom and Foundations: What July 4th Teaches Us About Homeownership

What does homeownership have to do with Independence Day?
This July 4th, I’m reflecting on how the freedom to own a home — to build a life and legacy on your terms — is one of the greatest expressions of the American Dream. In this post, I share what makes homeownership so meaningful, why it ties into our nation’s values, and how my nonprofit, United With Care, helps honor the heroes who protect that freedom every day.

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Which Comes First — Buying or Selling? How to Navigate This Real Estate Crossroads
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Which Comes First — Buying or Selling? How to Navigate This Real Estate Crossroads

Should you sell your current home first or find your next one before listing?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and I’ve helped clients do both successfully! In this week’s blog, I share real-life examples and the pros and cons of each path. If you’re thinking about making a move but aren’t sure how to start, this post is for you.

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Summer Moves: Why This Season Is About More Than Just a Change of Address
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Summer Moves: Why This Season Is About More Than Just a Change of Address

Thinking about moving this summer?
It’s more than just a change of address—it’s a new beginning. In this week’s blog, I’m sharing why summer transitions are about more than logistics, and how faith can guide your next step.

Whether you’re upsizing, relocating, or buying your very first home, this season could be the start of something truly meaningful.

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The Unsung Heroes of Home: A Father’s Day Reflection
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

The Unsung Heroes of Home: A Father’s Day Reflection

As Father’s Day approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the quiet ways fathers shape the homes we love — not just through their hands, but through their hearts.
From building swing sets to teaching life lessons in the living room, dads lay the foundation for so much more than a house — they help create a place called home.
This week on the blog, I’m honoring the unsung heroes of home. 💙

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More Than a Closing: Why Real Estate Is Just the Beginning
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

More Than a Closing: Why Real Estate Is Just the Beginning

Closing day isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning.
Real estate is more than a transaction; it’s about building a future and stepping into a new season with peace. In this week’s blog, I’m sharing why my work doesn’t stop when the keys are handed over — and how I continue walking with my clients long after closing day.

Ready to see what happens after the closing table? Let’s talk about connection, community, and why real estate is just the beginning.

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Making a Move? Here’s How to Know It’s the Right Time to Sell
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Making a Move? Here’s How to Know It’s the Right Time to Sell

Deciding to sell your home isn’t just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one. Whether you’re downsizing for health, making room for a growing family, or simply sensing a new season ahead, peace is possible when faith leads the way.
Here’s how to know when it might be time to move — and what questions to ask before you do.

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When Is the Right Time to Buy? Trusting the Process (and God’s Timing)
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

When Is the Right Time to Buy? Trusting the Process (and God’s Timing)

"Is now a good time to buy?" It’s a question I hear often — and the truth is, the answer depends on you. Buying a home is deeply personal, and my role is to guide, not pressure. When the time is right, peace follows.
Let’s walk this journey together — with patience, prayer, and purpose.

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Buying with Confidence: What I tell Every First-Time Homebuyer
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Buying with Confidence: What I tell Every First-Time Homebuyer

Buying your first home is a big step — and you don’t have to take it alone. As a former teacher turned Realtor®, I’m here to guide, support, and simplify the journey. From pre-approval to prayerful decisions, let’s move forward with peace and purpose.
Here are five things every first-time buyer should know.

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Led by Faith, Driven to Help: My Story as a Real Estate Advocate
Gillian Gooch Gillian Gooch

Led by Faith, Driven to Help: My Story as a Real Estate Advocate

Welcome to the first chapter of my real estate blog! With a heart rooted in education and a passion for helping others, I’m here to guide you through the world of buying, selling, and investing — one thoughtful post at a time.
Let’s walk this journey together, with faith, clarity, and confidence.

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