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The fall guides for buying or selling a home have arrived. Visit my blog to download the free digital copies!

Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains: “Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry. Clickbait, the sensationalizing of headlines and content, has been an issue since the dawn of the internet, and housing news is not immune to it.” Unfortunately, when information in the media isn’t clear, it can generate a lot of fear and uncertainty for consumers. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making. You can lean on an expert to help you separate fact from fiction and get the answers you need. The right agent can assist you in figuring out what’s going on at the national level and in your local area. They can debunk headlines using data you can trust. Experts have in-depth knowledge of the industry and can provide context, so you know how current trends compare to the normal ebbs and flows in the housing market, historical data, and more. Together, you can use all that information to make the best possible decision. If you want sound advice and trusted information about our local housing market, DM me.

In today’s housing market, there are two main affordability challenges impacting buyers: mortgage rates that are higher than they’ve been the past couple of years, and rising home prices caused by low inventory. To overcome those challenges, many people are working with their agents to find less expensive homes. People Are Spending Less on Newly Built Homes Last year, only 58% of newly built home sales were less than $500,000. This June, that number was up to 65%. This means more people are buying less expensive newly built homes right now while affordability remains a challenge. Builders Are Offering Lower-Cost Options Builders have picked up on this trend and are reacting accordingly. George Ratiu, Chief Economist at Keeping Current Matters, explains: “Builders are also responding to this shift by bringing slightly smaller homes to market in an effort to meet lower price points . . .” How an Agent Can Help If you’re hoping to buy a home soon, partner with a local real estate agent to find out what’s available in your area. An agent can help you look at newly built homes or ones under construction nearby. If you’re having a hard time finding a home you like in your budget, DM me. You need a real estate professional who knows all about the latest inventory in our area, including homes still under construction or just built. That way you have an expert on your side who can provide information on builder reputations, builder contracts and negotiations, and more to help you with the homebuying process.

Plenty of people are still moving these days. And if you’re thinking of making a move yourself, you may be considering the inventory and affordability challenges in the housing market and wondering what you can do to help offset those. 1. People Are Moving to Cities with Lower Housing Costs One big factor motivating where buyers are going is affordability and that’s no big surprise. People are relocating to areas that have less expensive housing options. As a result, small cities are thriving. The takeaway for you? If you’re having trouble finding a home that fits your budget, it may help to browse other, more affordable locations nearby. 2. People Want to Live Where They Vacation According to a report from Gravy Analytics: “Whether it’s the opportunity to enjoy more weekend hikes in the mountains or to wake up to a lakeside sunrise, people are moving to areas that were once thought of as vacation spots.” Even with today’s home prices and mortgage rates, here’s why a move like this could be possible for you. If you’re already a homeowner, the equity you’ll get when you sell your current house can help fuel that move and give you the down payment you’d need for your dream home. 3. People Who Work Remotely Are Taking Advantage of that Flexibility If you’re a remote or hybrid worker, you don’t have to live in the same city, or sometimes even the same state, as your job. That means you can prioritize other things, like being closer to loved ones, when buying a home. Lots of people are still moving today. If you want help navigating today’s inventory or affordability challenges, and expert advice to help you find your ideal home, DM me.

Some homeowners have been waiting for months to put their house on the market because they don’t think people are buying homes right now. If that’s you, know that even though the housing market has slowed compared to the frenzy of a couple of years ago, it isn’t at a standstill. Contrary to what you may believe, buyers are still active and plenty of homes are selling right now. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), based on the pace of sales right now, just over 4 million homes will sell this year. With some simple math, let’s break down what that really means for you: • 4.16 million homes divided by 365 days in a year = 11,397 houses sell each day • 11,397 divided by 24 hours in a day = 475 houses sell per hour • 475 divided by 60 minutes in an hour = about 8 houses sell each minute So, on average, about 11,000 homes sell each day in this country. A real estate expert can give you more information about how many houses are being sold in your neighborhood, the amazing advantages that sellers are experiencing right now, and the most important things buyers are searching for in your area. Together you’ll use this knowledge to shape how you market your house based on local trends. If you’ve been waiting to sell because you don’t think there are buyers out there, know today’s market is active. Every day you wait, around 11,000 other homeowners are selling. In the time it took you to read this, eight homes sold. When you’re ready to sell too, DM me.

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference. Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home. Agents Know the Local Area and Market Your agent is well-versed in emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. Your agent can help you find a community that perfectly aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and future needs. Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation An agent also has the expertise to evaluate the construction quality and reputation of different builders. This information can help you avoid any potential risks and help you confidently select a builder known for delivering quality homes. Assistance with Customization and Upgrades The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home to suit your preferences. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Understanding Builder Contracts and Negotiations Builder contracts can be complex and differ from traditional home purchase agreements. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. The guidance and expertise of a local real estate agent can make all the difference in turning your vision of the perfect home into a reality. DM me so you can feel confident about purchasing your new construction home.

With the number of homes for sale roughly half of what there’d usually be in a more normal year, you can rest assured there’s demand for your house. If you want to sell, DM me so your house can shine above the rest while inventory is so low.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, you’ll want to know what’s happening in the housing market. Housing inventory is still very low, prices are climbing back up, and homes are selling fast when priced right. If you want more information about our local area and what the trends mean for your plans to buy or sell, let’s connect.