Category: Latest Posts

With mortgage rates still hovering around the 7% mark, I know many of you are feeling the pinch when it comes to affordability. Unless we see inflation cool enough to shift the Fed’s direction, these rates could stick around through the end of the year. Ongoing inflation and the possibility of another Fed hike might even push borrowing costs a bit higher, especially with wider mortgage-backed securities spreads adding extra pressure. For any home buyer, investor, or those looking to refinance, it’s wise to use today’s rates as your baseline for planning—any future rate relief would be a welcome bonus. My goal is always to help make your home journey as easy and stress-free as possible, so I’m here to guide you through what these market shifts mean for your next steps.

If you’re thinking about making a move in North Carolina, it’s worth noting that our market has shifted to favor buyers. I always want my clients to feel informed and comfortable—so let’s talk about what’s happening: inflation, mortgage rates, and many boomers choosing to stay in their homes have all contributed to these new dynamics. This means negotiations look different, and it’s important to understand how these changes might affect your plans and expectations, whether you’re buying or selling. We’re also seeing conversations around condo sale requirements and appraisal standards—reminders that there’s more to a great transaction than just price. Even details like measuring square footage are getting fresh attention, making accuracy essential for everyone involved. I’m here to help make these shifts feel a little less daunting, and to guide you with a friendly, stress-free approach every step of the way.

As someone who truly enjoys guiding my clients through every twist and turn of their home journey, I’m seeing some interesting shifts lately. About 20.4% of active listings have had price reductions, which is a sign of the times: higher borrowing costs have nudged demand down just a bit, with homes under contract slipping by less than 1% mid-Q3 after eight months of gains. Mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed peaked around 6.7% earlier in the quarter and stayed up there, finishing more than 20 basis points higher than at the start of Q3. Even with things cooling, the market hasn’t stopped moving—national median list price dropped to $424,500, active listings are up about 4%, and new listings dipped slightly. Sellers are still in the game, with delistings actually down about 13%, but buyers now have a little more time and negotiating power. Strategic pricing is key for making deals happen. As we head into the next chapter, it’s not just about whether rates go lower—it’s about whether they stop bouncing around. If mortgage rates hold near 6.7%, we might see more price cuts or even some sellers taking a pause. I’m always here to help make these changes feel a bit less stressful and a lot more understandable.

Thinking about when to make your move? Based on national trends, the week of September 27 to October 3 in 2026 is shaping up as a prime opportunity for homebuyers. During this window, active listings could be up 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than the average week, offering more choices for buyers across the country. Listing prices are projected to sit 3.5% below the seasonal peak—potentially saving you about $14,000 on a median-priced US home near $416,000. With competition expected to be 30.1% lower than its annual peak and homes likely spending around 64 days on the market, buyers will have more breathing room to explore their options. The early fall environment tends to open up inventory, while later in the season might see even more price flexibility. If you’re hoping for a less stressful home search with plenty of options, this timeframe could be a sweet spot to consider. As always, I’m here to help make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.

I've noticed a real shift in home sizes over the past decade: the average new single-family home across the U.S. has trimmed down from 2,700 to 2,400 square feet, all while the price per square foot has jumped by about 72%. By 2025, one out of every four new homes sold will be under 1,800 square feet—up from just one in six ten years ago. And those larger homes (3,000 square feet or more) are becoming less common, dropping from around a third of new homes to just one in five. Builders are getting creative with smaller designs to balance out the rising costs of land, labor, and materials, which helps keep homes within reach, especially with mortgage rates hovering between 6% and 7%. For those of you keeping a close eye on your budget or stepping into homeownership for the first time, these smaller homes might make down payments and monthly costs a little less daunting—even if the price per square foot remains high. My goal is always to help you feel empowered and at ease as you navigate these changes and find just the right fit for your needs.