A record 40% of U.S. homeowners are now mortgage-free, and many are using that equity to downsize and buy their next home in cash. For Baby Boomers especially, this strategy means no mortgage payments, less financial stress, and more freedom to enjoy retirement while upgrading their quality of life.

Housing market conditions vary widely across the U.S., with some states favoring buyers and others still leaning toward sellers. Inventory growth, price shifts, and time on market all play a role, creating very different experiences depending on location. Local expertise is key to navigating your neighborhood’s market dynamics.

79% of homeowners wish they sold sooner. Let’s talk about why now may be the right time to act.

After years of rising rates and prices, affordability is finally easing. Mortgage rates have dipped, home price growth has slowed, and wages are rising faster than prices. Together, these shifts are making monthly payments about $290 lower than earlier this year, giving more buyers a chance to jump back into the market this fall.

Your home is likely your biggest financial asset—and it may be worth more than you think. With equity gains from rising prices and years of mortgage payments, many homeowners now hold record wealth in their properties. Discover how much equity you’ve built and explore smart ways to put it to work for your next move.

Mortgage rates just hit their lowest point since October 2024, sparking a 23% jump in loan applications and bringing buyers back into the market. If you’ve been waiting to sell, this window may give you a head start before more sellers list. Act now to capture renewed demand and position your home for a faster, stronger sale.

In today’s market, homes are sitting longer, not because buyers aren’t interested, but because many are overpriced. With list prices holding steady and buyers more selective, overpricing leads to fewer showings and no offers. The fix? Pricing your home in line with today’s market—not last year’s surge. Even a small adjustment can make all the difference.

Mortgage rates just had their sharpest one-day decline in over a year, hitting the lowest level since October 2024. Sparked by weaker job reports, this drop could save buyers nearly $200 a month compared to rates just four months ago. If you’ve been waiting to make a move, now may be the moment to re-run the numbers.

The number of homes actively for sale is at its highest point since 2020 — and that’s a big deal for any homebuyer out there.

That gives you the widest selection of homes to choose from right now that you’ve had in five years.

That means a better shot at finding the home that truly fits and the chance to make a deal on your terms.

Half of today’s homes are selling below asking, but that doesn’t have to be your outcome. With the right prep, smart pricing from day one, and flexibility in negotiations, sellers can still land offers at or above their list price. The key is planning for today’s market, not yesterday’s frenzy.

More homeowners are becoming “accidental landlords” when their listings don’t sell, but renting isn’t always the easy fix it seems. From repair costs and higher insurance premiums to midnight maintenance calls and tenant gaps, the risks can outweigh the rewards. Before renting, revisit your pricing strategy with your agent to get your home sold.

Homebuilders are offering record-high incentives—66% providing deals like price cuts, rate buydowns, and closing cost help—to move unsold inventory. With discounts averaging 5% off, new construction is more affordable than it’s been in years, making now a smart time for buyers to explore their options.

Foreclosures are rising slightly, but today’s mortgage delinquencies remain far below 2008 levels. While FHA borrowers show higher sensitivity to economic shifts, overall loan performance is strong. With record homeowner equity and stable delinquency rates, experts agree a foreclosure wave isn’t on the horizon.

Over two-thirds of homeowners have at least 50% equity or own their home free and clear. If you want to find out how much you have, let’s connect.

Buying a home is more than just the list price—taxes, insurance, closing costs, and down payments all add up. The good news? With smart strategies like shopping for better loan rates, exploring down payment assistance, negotiating seller concessions, or refinancing later, you may still be able to land the home you love without stretching beyond your budget.

After the 2008 crash, builders cut back so drastically that new construction lagged behind demand for over a decade. That underbuilding created today’s housing shortage, and even with rising activity, it would take years to close the gap. Unlike 2008, more new homes now doesn’t mean a crash—it means builders are finally catching up.

Housing slowdowns may feel discouraging, but history proves the market always recovers. From the 1980s to 2008 to COVID, each downturn was followed by a rebound. With experts forecasting more sales by 2026 as rates ease, today’s dip is only temporary—making now the time to prepare for the next wave of buyers.

Wondering what's really going on with home prices? The truth is: it depends on where you live.

In the 50 largest metros, nearly half are still seeing prices climb. The other half are seeing slight declines.

It's a clear reminder that real estate is hyper-local. And understanding what's happening in your specific market is key.

Let's talk about what's unfolding in our area, and how that impacts the strategy for your next move.

Bidding wars are far less common than they were just a couple of years ago, with only 1 in 5 homes nationally seeing multiple offers. While hot spots like the Northeast still see more competition, many markets are cooling, giving buyers more time, negotiation power, and even seller concessions. Local trends matter, so connect with an agent for insight.

After years of bidding wars and rushed decisions, homes now spend an average of 58 days on the market—giving buyers more time to think, negotiate, and make confident moves. While pace varies by location, today’s slower market offers less stress, more leverage, and better opportunities with the right local guidance.