Blog

We're seeing a notable shift in the housing market as Mid-Q3 data shows that price per square foot dropped year-over-year in 36 out of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. Nationwide, this measure declined by about 2% compared to last year—marking the tenth consecutive month of annual softening. As the quarter closed, momentum slowed even further, with many sellers adjusting their asking prices more aggressively to better align with buyers’ expectations. High mortgage rates have played a significant role, especially in areas that saw rapid growth during the pandemic, leading sellers to meet buyers somewhere in the middle. According to economists, a number of cities that experienced boom-level appreciation are now giving back some of those pandemic-era gains, aided by inventory levels that remain above pre-pandemic norms.

As someone who guides clients through both the real estate and mortgage sides of the equation, I keep a close eye on these market dynamics to help you make informed decisions—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. My goal is always to ensure your experience is smooth, transparent, and tailored to your needs, even as the landscape changes.

The current real estate market feels like a standstill for many buyers and sellers. With higher mortgage rates, monthly payments are less appealing, prompting more buyers to hold off rather than make offers. We're seeing this reflected in slowing pending sales—fewer people are making the leap from searching to actually moving forward. On the other side, homeowners locked into lower-rate mortgages are understandably hesitant to list their homes and take on higher payments, which means fewer new properties are hitting the market. This creates a unique challenge: buyers are waiting for better affordability, while sellers are reluctant to let go of their low rates, leading to much slower activity overall. Having spent decades in both real estate and mortgage lending, I’ve seen how these moments of gridlock can create uncertainty. My commitment remains to provide honest advice and clear guidance, helping clients make informed decisions—whether you’re considering waiting or moving forward in this market.

As someone who’s spent decades guiding clients through both real estate and mortgage decisions, I watch market trends closely—especially those affecting home values and affordability. In Q2 2026, we saw US home prices continue to rise on paper, but after adjusting for inflation, real home values actually declined for the 13th month in a row. While one major federal index showed home prices holding steady month-over-month between mid- and late Q2, and another national index reflected yearly appreciation ticking up from roughly 1% to 1.5%, these gains are still about 2 points behind inflation, which sits around 3.5%. Even with nominal prices staying resilient (as one federal measure has reported positive annual appreciation every quarter since early 2012), buyers are feeling the squeeze. Affordability remains the key challenge, with typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes rising again last quarter. For first-time buyers especially, that means more pressure on the budget. My approach is always to provide honest, clear advice—helping you understand not just the numbers, but what they mean for your real-life decisions. Wherever you are on your real estate journey, thoughtful guidance can make all the difference.

Welcome home to this charming raised ranch situated on a spacious corner lot! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a partially finished basement, this property offers plenty of space for comfortable living and future possibilities. Enjoy your morning coffee on the inviting rocking chair front porch or entertain family and friends on the rear deck overlooking the fenced backyard, perfect for children and pets to play safely. Inside, you'll find all-new flooring, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a warm, welcoming living room complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace, ideal for relaxing on cool evenings. The functional layout provides both comfort and style throughout. The lower level features a two-car garage and a partially finished basement with two versatile bonus rooms that can be used as a home office, playroom, workout space, or guest area. Don't miss this opportunity to own a wonderful home with great indoor and outdoor living spaces. Call today before this one gets away!