September brought some noteworthy shifts in the housing market that I think every home buyer and seller should know. Pending home sales dipped year-over-year, breaking an 8-month streak of gains as higher borrowing costs have made some buyers pause. Homes are now taking about 60 days to sell, and mortgage rates have climbed from around 6% in late Q1 to the high-6% range. That said, buyers are getting more room to negotiate: the median list price has edged down to $424,500, and about 20% of listings have seen price cuts. Delistings are down compared to last year, and active inventory has risen by roughly 4%. Still, national inventory is about 11% below typical pre-pandemic levels, reminding us that there’s an underlying shortage despite what feels like more choices. As always, I’m keeping an eye on seller strategies, pricing changes, and how different regions are adapting to these firmer borrowing costs—because finding you the right fit, even in a shifting market, is what I love to do.

In Q2 2026, US home prices kept climbing nominally, while one federal index stayed flat MoM from Mid-Q2 to Late-Q2 after seasonal adjustment.
A national index showed yearly appreciation near ~1.5% in Late-Q2, up from ~1% in Mid-Q2, but still ~2 points below inflation near ~3.5%.
After adjusting for inflation, home values fell in real terms for a 13th straight month, though lower inflation and firmer nominal gains slowed erosion.
One federal measure has logged positive annual appreciation every quarter since Early-Q1 2012, showing that nominal prices have stayed resilient despite real-value pressure.
Heading into the year's second half, affordability stayed the central issue after typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes rose quarterly, squeezing first-time buyers.

We’re seeing a subtle shift in the housing market: new listings in the US are up by 0.4%, and the total number of homes for sale has increased 0.5%—both marking their highest points since early spring. Yet, pending home sales have dipped by 1.1%, now at a six-month low, as buyers face median prices above $400,000 nationwide. With mortgage rates still in the mid-6% range and only slightly below their recent peaks, some buyers are holding off, waiting for a little more certainty or for rates to drop. This growing inventory paired with softer demand is creating new opportunities for active buyers—think more room for negotiation, possible price cuts, concessions, or even repairs on homes that have been listed longer. If you’re a seller, pricing your home right from the start is more important than ever. There’s a window now before activity could ramp up again later in the third quarter. My goal is always to make your real estate journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, guiding you through these changing conditions with compassion and a friendly approach.

The shift toward hybrid work is changing what investors look for in U.S. office spaces. With traditional leasing less attractive, many are exploring creative options like converting offices to residential units—especially in areas close to transit and amenities. It’s not a simple switch, though. Deep floor plates, plumbing, HVAC, and design all require careful attention before moving forward. What stands out right now? Premium and specialized offices, such as medical suites, labs, and workplaces packed with amenities, are in high demand. Flexible space models are also gaining traction, letting businesses adapt quickly. With lenders becoming more cautious, we could see more distressed sales, so having a thoughtful business plan, access to alternative capital, and clear strategies for stabilizing or repurposing spaces is crucial. Success hinges on local knowledge, sustainability improvements, the latest smart-building tech, and taking advantage of public incentives. Instead of a quick rebound, experts anticipate a multi-year rebalancing. As someone who’s committed to making complex transitions feel simple and approachable, I see how the right guidance can turn these challenges into opportunities for both investors and communities.

Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.