If you’re still worried about having to deal with a bidding war when you buy a home, you may be able to let some of that fear go.
While multiple-offer situations haven’t disappeared entirely, they’re not nearly as common as they used to be. In fact, a recent survey shows agents reported only 1 in 5 homes (20%) nationally received multiple offers in June 2025.
That’s down from nearly 1 in 3 (31%) just a year ago – and dramatically lower than in June 2023 (39%) (see graph below):
This trend means you should face less competition when you buy. That gives you more time to make decisions and the ability to negotiate price or terms.
Of course, national trends don’t tell the full story. Local dynamics matter, a lot. This second graph uses survey data from John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) to break things down by region to prove just how true that is. It shows, while the share of homes getting multiple offers has dropped pretty much everywhere, some areas are still seeing more offers than others:
In the Northeast, 34% of homes (roughly 1 in 3) are still receiving multiple offers. That’s more than the national average. But in Southeast, that number drops to just 6%.
What’s behind the difference? In general, the areas still seeing bidding wars tend to have lower-than-normal inventory. That imbalance between buyers and available homes keeps pressure on prices and competition. But markets with more listings are seeing conditions cool – and that means fewer bidding wars.
Here’s another shift to show you just how much things have changed. According to a Redfin report, almost half of sellers are offering concessions, like covering their buyer’s closing costs or dropping their asking price to get their house sold.
That’s a clear sign this isn’t the same ultra-competitive market we saw a few years ago. Back then, sellers rarely compromised. And buyers often waived their inspection or appraisal to try to make their offer stand out. Now, things are different.
But again, how often this is happening is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. And that’s why you need a local agent’s expertise.
If concerns about bidding wars have been holding you back, it may be time to take another look. Nationally, competition is down. In some markets, it’s down significantly. And with more sellers offering concessions, buyers today have more power and flexibility than they’ve had in a long time.
Want to find out what the market looks like where you’re buying? Let’s connect.
Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year (6.55%).
While that may not sound like a big deal, pretty much every buyer has been waiting for rates to fall. And even a seemingly small drop like this reignites the hope we’re finally going to see rates trending down. But what’s realistic to expect?
According to the latest forecasts, rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically anytime soon. Most experts project they’ll stay somewhere in the mid-to-low 6% range through 2026 (see graph below):
In other words, no big changes are expected. But small shifts, like the one we just saw, are still likely.
Each time there’s changing economic news, there’s a chance mortgage rates will react. And with so many reports coming out this week, we’ll get a better feeling of where the economy and inflation are headed – and how rates will respond.
The magic number most buyers seem to be watching for is 6%. And it’s not just a psychological benchmark; it has real impact. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says if rates reach 6%:
That’s a lot of pent-up demand just waiting for the green light. And if you look back at the graph above, you’ll see Fannie Mae thinks we’ll hit that threshold next year. That raises an important question: Does it really make sense to wait for lower rates?
Because here’s the tradeoff. If you’re waiting for 6%, you need to realize a lot of other people are too. And when rates do continue to inch down and more buyers jump into the market all at once, you could face more competition, fewer choices, and higher home prices. NAR explains it like this:
"Home buyers wishing for lower mortgage interest rates may eventually get their wish, but for now, they’ll have to decide whether it’s better to wait or jump into the market."
Consider the unique window that exists right now:
These are all opportunities that will go away if rates fall and demand surges. That’s why NAR says:
"Buyers who are holding out for lower mortgage rates may be missing a key opening in the market."
Rates aren't expected to hit 6% this year. But when they do, you’ll have to deal with more competition as other buyers jump back in. If you want less pressure and more negotiating power, that opportunity is already here – and it might not last for long. It all depends on what happens in the economy next.
Let’s talk about what’s happening in our area and whether it makes sense to make your move now, before everyone else does.
Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday?
According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term income.
And that’s where real estate comes in.
If you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a second home can be a powerful tool for your future retirement. It could help you:
And if you’re thinking: wait, owning multiple homes is only for big investors – data shows that's not necessarily true. Many homeowners who buy an additional property aren’t the big investors you hear so much about. They’re people like your neighbors.
In fact, data from BatchData and CJ Patrick Company shows 85% of people who own more than one property have just 1 to 5 homes (see graph below):
That means most who own multiple homes are people (not large investors) who’ve bought an extra home to rent out or hold onto for later.
And right now, the door may be opening for buyers like you. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:
“. . . the balance of power in the housing market keeps shifting in favor of homebuyers. . . A confluence of factors—including more homes for sale, rising price cuts, and slower-moving inventory—is giving buyers more leverage than they've had in years . . .”
If you live in an area where home prices are expected to rise, buying another property now and selling it later could help fund your future. Or you could rent it out and earn income now.
If this idea sounds interesting, the most important first step is to connect with a few key people who can guide you through the process:
Surrounding yourself with the right pros can help you make confident decisions from day one.
Let’s talk about what’s possible and explore whether owning a second home could bring you more security and peace of mind for the road ahead.
If a second home could help you retire earlier or with more freedom, would you want to take a closer look?
When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp.
The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one.
Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do.
And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough choices:
None of those options were part of the original plan. And honestly, none of them are where you should end up if you wanted to sell. Here’s a look at how a local agent’s expertise can help you avoid these headaches. Let's use price cuts as an example.
While the number of price cuts is up nationally, data shows some parts of the country are seeing far more of them than others. It all comes down to how much inventory has grown in that area (see map below):
As Realtor.com explains:
“Regionally, price reductions in June were significantly more common in the South and West (23% of listings) than they were in the Northeast (13% of listings), reflecting the inventory divergence across these regions.”
That means pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What’s happening nationally might not reflect what’s happening in your zip code, and that’s why you shouldn’t try to determine your list price on your own.
A skilled agent doesn’t just toss out a number. As Zillow says:
“Well-priced homes are more likely to sell quickly, but pricing your home to sell quickly and for maximum dollar requires strategy and knowledge of your local market. You need to have a clear-eyed view of your home in relation to the competition, and knowledge about whether you’re in a buyers or sellers market. It also helps to know what buyers in your area can afford.”
And that’s all knowledge your agent will have. They study your local market, compare recent sales, and factor in your goals and buyer behavior. Based on what’s happening where you live, sometimes the best play will be pricing right at current market value. Other times pricing a little lower actually will spark more offers and ultimately get you a better final sale price.
So don’t skimp on the strategy or on your agent. With their local market know-how, you’ll be able to sell quickly, even in a shifting market.
Overpricing can lead to tough choices you never want to face. But with the right price, and the right guidance, you can skip the stress and sell with confidence. Let’s connect so you have a pricing strategy that works for today’s market and gets you where you want to go.
Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets.
In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale and not as many buyers. That means homes sit longer, buyers have more negotiating power, and prices tend to soften as a result. It’s simple supply and demand.
On the flip side, a seller’s market happens when there aren’t enough homes available for the number of people looking to buy them. Because buyers have to compete with each other to get the house they want, that leads to faster sales, multiple offers, and rising prices.
Right now, both of these scenarios are playing out, depending on where you are. So, how do you know what kind of market you’re in? Lean on a local real estate agent. They’ll explain what’s really happening in your area based on these key drivers.
One of the biggest factors impacting each market is the number of active buyers and sellers. According to Redfin, here’s what that looks like by region (see graph below):
Today, the Northeast and Midwest are more likely to be seller’s markets. Buyers still outnumber sellers there, and that keeps things tilted in favor of homeowners. Generally speaking, homes are selling faster and prices are rising in those areas.
But the South and West are leaning more toward buyer’s markets. There are more sellers than buyers, which means more listings to choose from and less competition among buyers.
That’s a major shift from a few years ago when sellers had the advantage almost everywhere. Today, your local conditions matter more than ever – and they can vary even from one neighborhood to the next.
When inventory and buyer activity shift, so do prices. In places where demand still outpaces supply, like much of the Northeast and Midwest, prices are continuing to climb.
But in parts of the South and West where inventory is up and demand has cooled, prices are softening. And that’s a plus for buyers looking to negotiate in those areas.
Here’s the latest price data from ResiClub to show how this divide is shaking out across the top metros in the country (see graph below):
This is why it’s the tale of two markets. Roughly half of the top 50 metros are up, and half are relatively flat or down.
That said, don’t panic if you own a home in a market where prices are dipping. Most homeowners have built up significant equity over the past few years, and chances are you have too. So, you’re likely still come out way ahead when you sell.
Even in regions that lean more buyer-friendly right now, there will be cities, towns, and even neighborhoods that don’t follow the regional trends. That’s why an agent’s local market expertise is so important. They can help you understand what’s happening all the way down to a zip code level, including:
In a market where conditions vary this much from place to place, success starts with understanding every aspect of your local area. Let’s connect so you’ve got an expert in your corner who knows exactly how to guide you through your market, wherever you are.
If you're a homeowner planning to move, you're probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first:
Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear.
They know your local market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. And they’ll be able to make a recommendation based on their expertise and your needs.
But here’s a little bit of a sneak peek. In many cases today, getting your current home on the market first can put you in a better spot. Here’s why that order tends to work best (and how an agent can help).
1. You’ll Unlock Your Home Equity
Selling your current home before you try to buy your next one allows you to access the equity you've built up – and based on home price appreciation over the past few years, that’s no small number. Data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) shows the average homeowner is sitting on $302K in equity today.
And once you sell, you can use that equity to pay for the down payment on your next house (and maybe even more). You could even have enough to buy your next house in cash. That’s a big deal, and it could make your next move a whole lot easier on your wallet.
2. You Won't Be Juggling Two Mortgages
Trying to buy before you sell means you could wind up holding two mortgages, even if just for a few months. That can get expensive, fast – especially if there are unexpected repairs or delays. Selling first removes that stress and helps you move forward without the financial strain. As Ramsey Solutions says:
“It’s best to sell your old home before buying a new one to avoid unnecessary risks and possible headaches.”
3. You’ll Be in a Stronger Position When You Make an Offer
Sellers love a clean, simple offer. If you’ve already sold your house, you don’t need to make your offer contingent on that sale – and that can help you stand out. Your agent can position your offer to be as strong as possible, so you have the best shot at getting the home you want.
This can be a big advantage in competitive markets where sellers prefer buyers with fewer strings attached.
But, like with anything in life, there are tradeoffs. As you weigh your options, consider this potential drawback, too:
1. You May Need a Place To Stay (Temporarily)
Once your house sells, you may need a short-term rental or to stay with family until you can move into your next home. Your agent can help you negotiate things like a post-closing occupancy (renting the home from the buyer for a set period) or flexible closing dates to help smooth out that transition as much as possible.
Here’s a simple visual that can help you think through your options (see below):
But the best way to determine what’s best for you and your specific situation? Talk to a trusted local agent.
In many cases, selling first doesn’t just give you clarity, it gives you options. It helps you buy with more confidence, more financial power, and less pressure.
If you're ready to make a move but you’re not sure where to begin, let’s talk. We can walk through your potential equity, your timing, and your local market conditions so you can decide what’s right for you.
Are you thinking about buying a home, but not sure if now’s the right time? A lot of people are waiting and wondering what the market’s going to do next. But here’s something only the savviest buyers realize:
This summer might actually be the best time to buy in years. Here are three big reasons why.
After several years of sellers having all the leverage, things are starting to shift. Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that right now, there are more sellers active in the market than buyers:
Take a look at what happened back in 2021 through roughly 2023. In that time period, there were far more buyers (the blue line) looking to buy than homes for sale (the green line). That’s what drove the intense competition, bidding wars, and the exponential price growth the market saw back then.
Now, the market has shifted, and buyers are regaining their negotiating power as a result. With more sellers than buyers, sellers may be more willing to pay for repairs, cover some of your closing costs, or lower their asking price. The return of this kind of normal balance is a sign of a much healthier, more sustainable market. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:
“ . . . with housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers in nearly every region of the country are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”
And just in case you're worried there are too many homes on the market, here's what you should know. Overall inventory is still lower than normal, so you don’t have to worry about a nationwide oversupply or a crash.
The number of homes for sale has improved a lot. Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, more homes were listed this May than in May 2024 or May 2023 (see graph below):
And more homes for sale means more choices. There’s a good chance your perfect match just hit the market – or it will soon. So, it’s a great time to explore what’s out there. As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“With more fresh inventory hitting the market, buyers have better opportunities to find a home that fits their needs."
With more homes for sale, they’re not selling at the same frenzied pace they were just a few years ago.
Since homes are taking more time to sell, some sellers are choosing to lower their asking prices to draw buyers back in or speed up the process. And that's to-be-expected. According to Realtor.com, 19.1% of listings had a price cut this May (see graph below):
That’s the fifth straight month where more sellers have reduced their price. And, as of May, the volume of price cuts is back at normal levels. This is yet another sign of the return to a more balanced market.
While you shouldn’t expect a big discount, you may find sellers are a bit more flexible right now. As a recent article from The Street says:
“Although sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market over the past few years, houses are now staying on the market for longer, shifting negotiating power back to homebuyers.”
Just remember, most sellers still aren’t adjusting their prices – just the ones who overpriced to start with. So, this isn’t a sign of a crash, it’s a sign of some sellers having outdated expectations in a shifting market.
This summer brings a powerful combo for buyers: more homes to choose from, less competition, and sellers being more flexible on pricing. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect.
What would finding the right home this summer mean for your next chapter?
Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.
According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below):
And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice.
A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who don’t plan to use an agent have doubts about whether that’s actually the right decision.
And here’s why. The market is changing – not in a bad way, just in a way that requires a smarter, more strategic approach. And having a real estate expert in your corner really pays off.
Here are just two of the ways an agent's expertise makes a difference.
One of the biggest hurdles when selling a house on your own is figuring out the right price. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good or selling your house for what your neighbor’s sold for a few years back – you need to hit the bullseye for where the market is right now. Without an agent’s help, you’re more likely to miss the mark. As Zillow explains:
“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”
Basically, they know what’s really selling, what buyers are willing to pay in your area, and how to position your house to sell quickly. That kind of insight can have a big impact, especially in a market that’s balancing out.
There’s also a mountain of documentation when selling a house, including everything from disclosures to contracts. And a mistake can have big legal implications. This is another area where having an agent can help.
They’ve handled these documents countless times and know exactly what’s needed to keep everything on track, so you avoid delays. And now that buyers are including more contingencies again and asking for concessions, your agent will guide you through each form step by step, making sure it’s done right and documented correctly the first time.
Now that the number of homes for sale has grown, homes aren’t selling at quite the same pace they were. But you can still sell quickly if you have a proven plan to help your house stand out.
Just remember, homeowners don’t have the same network or marketing tools an experienced agent does. So, if you want the process to happen fast, you’ll likely want a pro by your side.
Having the right agent and the right strategy is key in a shifting market. Let’s connect so you don’t have to take this on solo – and so you can list with confidence, knowing you’ve got expert guidance from day one.
Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.
It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.
It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when you sell – especially in today’s market.
A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that aren't staged at all (see below):
The best part is, odds are you don’t have to stage your whole house to make an impact. According to NAR, here’s where buyers’ agents say staging can make the biggest difference (see graph below):
As you can see, agents who talk to buyers regularly agree, the most important spaces to stage are the rooms where buyers will spend the most time, like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen.
While this can give you a good general idea of what may be worth it and what’s probably not, it can’t match a local agent’s expertise.
Agents are experts on what buyers are looking for where you live, because they hear that feedback all the time in showings, home tours, walkthroughs, and from other agents. And they'll use those insights to give their opinion on your specific house and what areas may need a little bit of staging help, like if you need to:
A lot of buyers can use the agent’s know-how as the only staging advice they need. But, if your home needs more of a transformation, or it’s empty and could benefit from rented furniture, a great agent will be able to determine if bringing in a professional stager might be a good idea, too. Just know that level of help comes with a higher price tag. NAR reports:
“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers' agent personally staged the home.”
A local agent will help you weigh the costs and benefits based on your budget, your timeline, and the overall condition of your house. They’ll also consider how quickly similar homes are selling nearby and what buyers are expecting at your price point.
Staging doesn’t have to be over-the-top or expensive. It just needs to help buyers feel at home. And a great agent will help you figure out the level of staging that makes the most sense for your goals.
Which room in your house do you think would make the biggest impression on a buyer?
Let’s walk through your home together and chat about what will make your house stand out.
Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again.
Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in):
You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you should know. You could be missing out on some of the best options in today’s housing market.
1. Builders Are Building Smaller Homes
Builders know that buyers are struggling with affordability today. So, instead of building big houses that may not sell, they’re building smaller ones that will. According to the Census, the average size of a newly built single-family home has dropped considerably over the past few years (see graph below):
And as size goes down, the price often does too. Smaller homes use fewer materials, which makes them less expensive to build. That helps builders keep prices lower so more people can afford them.
2. Builders Are Offering Price Cuts and Incentives
In May, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 34% of builders lowered their prices, with an average price drop of 5%. That’s because they want to be sure they’re selling the inventory they have before they build more.
On top of that, 61% of builders also offered sales incentives – like helping with closing costs or buying down your mortgage rate. These are all ways builders are making their homes more affordable, so these homes sell in today’s market.
If you're trying to buy a home right now, be sure to talk to your agent to find out what builders are doing in and around your area. They can find new home communities, as well as builders who are offering incentives or discounts, and hidden gems you might not uncover on your own.
Plus, buying a newly built home often means there are different steps in the process than if you purchase a home that’s been lived in before. That’s why it’s so important to have your own agent who can explain the fine print. You want a pro in your corner to advocate for you, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure your best interests come first.
You could get a home that’s brand new, with modern features, at a price that’s even lower than some older homes. Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and see if a newly built home is the right fit for you.
If buying a home is on your to-do list, what would stop you from exploring newly built options?