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Why Selling Your House This Winter Gives You an Edge
Spring gets most of the spotlight, but it isn’t always the smartest time to sell a home. While more buyers are out shopping, there’s also a surge of new listings—meaning more competition.
Winter tells a different story. With fewer homes available, your property has a better chance to shine. And that advantage can have a real impact on your sale.
Winter Is When Your Listing Stands Out
Historically, the number of homes on the market declines during the winter months. This is a consistent, year-after-year trend.
Realtor.com data clearly illustrates this pattern. Inventory drops in winter (shown by the green circles on the graph below) and then rises again as spring gets closer:
a graph with green circles and numbers
Based on the most recent data, this trend may repeat in 2025. The graph shows housing supply beginning to decrease as we move toward year-end. And if history is any guide, inventory is likely to keep falling, just as it typically does.
Here’s why this matters to you.
Even though there are more homes for sale now than in the past few years, inventory is still well below what we saw in a more balanced market (2017–2019). And as temperatures drop, we may see supply dip even further.
That creates an opportunity. By listing now with the help of an agent, you can sell while other homeowners pull their listings and before inventory rises again in the spring.
Fewer sellers right now = more eyes on your home this season.
Why wait until spring, when everyone else is listing, if you can get ahead of the rush?
Winter Buyers Are Serious Buyers
Another major benefit is that buyers searching in winter are often highly motivated.
They’re not casually looking—they usually need to move. Whether it’s a job relocation, a lease ending, a major life change, or simply being ready to take the next step, these buyers are prepared to act. As U.S. News explains:
“. . . buyers who are trudging through wintry weather often have a good reason for being out in the cold – they need to move. Whether it’s a relocation for a new job, a divorce or the arrival of a new baby, buyers who brave the elements are usually serious and able to make quick decisions.”
That means fewer lookers and more qualified buyers coming through your home.
And since inventory typically declines during this time of year, buyers may have fewer options than they did in the fall. If your home is priced correctly and well prepared, it could be the one that stands out.
Bottom Line
Winter may not get the same hype as spring, but that’s exactly what makes it powerful. Less competition, more motivated buyers, and a better chance for your home to be noticed.
If you’re considering selling, this season could work to your advantage. Connect with a local real estate agent to explore what listing now could look like for you.
Referrence: https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2025/12/10/why-selling-your-house-this-winter-gives-you-an-edge/
Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?
You might not want to press pause on your homebuying plans this winter. While many people assume spring is the best time to buy, recent data suggests that January may actually offer the greatest advantage for buyers focused on their budget.
Surprising? Here’s why January is worth a closer look.
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Prices Are Often Lower This Time of Year
According to LendingTree, January is typically the least expensive month to buy a home. Historically, it posts some of the lowest price-per-square-foot figures of the year. By contrast, spring is when buyer demand — and home prices — usually reach their peak. This isn’t guesswork; it’s a consistent pattern backed by years of market data.
So what does that mean in real dollars? Based on the most recent full year of data, buyers who purchased a typical 1,500-square-foot home in January paid about $23,000 less than those who bought in May. While exact savings depend on location, home size, and price range, the overall trend remains clear: January often delivers meaningful savings, especially at a time when affordability remains a concern for many buyers.
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Fewer Buyers and More Motivated Sellers
Winter is traditionally one of the slowest seasons in real estate. Many buyers and sellers step back, assuming it’s better to wait until spring. As a result:
There’s less competition from other buyers
Multiple-offer situations are less common
Sellers are often more open to negotiation
You can shop more deliberately without feeling rushed
Fewer active buyers also mean that sellers on the market in winter are often those who truly need to move. With less demand, they’re more likely to consider offers seriously and negotiate terms. As Realtor.com notes, reduced competition can lead to fewer bidding wars and more opportunities to negotiate closing cost credits, repair concessions, home warranties, or other incentives — savings that can add up quickly.
This doesn’t guarantee discounts on every home, but it does improve your chances of negotiating favorable terms.
Should You Wait for Spring?
Here’s the key takeaway: removing the urgency and competition of the spring market can make it easier to secure a home that fits both your needs and your budget.
Waiting until spring means entering a busier market with more buyers, higher prices, and increased stress. While timing is always a personal decision, it’s worth questioning the assumption that warmer weather automatically brings better opportunities.
Buying in January often means less competition, potentially lower prices, and more motivated sellers — advantages that tend to disappear once spring demand heats up.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been considering your next move, this season may offer more opportunity than you expect.
Interested in seeing what buying in January could look like for you? A local agent can help you explore your numbers and review the homes currently available in your market.
How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget
One of the most powerful advantages you can give yourself as a homebuyer right now is surprisingly simple: keeping your wish list flexible.
Think about it this way. Your wish list and your budget act as the guardrails for your home search. And when your budget needs to stay put, there’s still another lever you can adjust. That’s taking a closer look at whether you truly need every feature on your list. Because often, making a small compromise can be the difference between feeling stuck and holding the keys to your next home.
The data shows many buyers are already doing this to overcome affordability challenges in today’s market. A recent study from Cotality found that most buyers (70%) ended up compromising on at least one item from their original wish list. But before they began searching, only 33% thought they’d need to compromise at all:
What changed? Buyers discovered something important during the search. The features you can’t change matter far more than the ones you can update later.
You can:
Install hardwood floors
Add marble countertops
Upgrade bathrooms over time.
You can’t as easily:
Add more land
Create extra bedrooms or bathrooms
Move the home closer to the people you care about
In the end, factors like location, layout, and the home’s overall bones matter far more than cosmetic details you can change later. And realizing that gives you real power as a buyer.
A Simple Step That’ll Open More Doors
If you’re feeling stuck in your search or scrolling through listings without seeing “the one,” here’s a simple exercise that can completely reset your approach. Write down everything you want in a home, then sort it into three categories:
Must-Haves: These are your non-negotiables. The essentials that make everyday life work—such as the number of bedrooms, commute time, accessibility needs, safety, or proximity to family or your support system.
Nice-to-Haves: Features you’d really enjoy but don’t absolutely need. Think things like a fenced yard, double closets in the primary suite, or a decorative patio.
Dream Features: The true extras. These are the “someday” items—the features you’d love to have but don’t need right now. If you get them, great. If not, that’s okay for now.
Once you sort your list, something becomes clear. Your wish list can either restrict your options or expand them.
Sometimes “nice-to-haves” are being treated like “must-haves.” Loosen that distinction just a bit, and suddenly more homes fit your budget—homes you may have previously skipped over but that could actually suit your lifestyle.
Small Flexibility, Big Payoff
Your next home doesn’t have to check every single box. It just needs to check the ones that truly matter.
That might mean looking at a home that needs some minor cosmetic updates. Or choosing a slightly smaller yard to get a better location.
These aren’t sacrifices. They’re smart trade-offs that help you move forward. Remember, cosmetic features can be improved over time. But finding the right layout, the right structure, and the right location is what sets you up for long-term success.
An Agent Helps You See the Possibilities
If you’re unsure where to stay firm and where you can be flexible, that’s where a trusted agent makes all the difference. They can help you identify real opportunities, clarify which features are worth holding out for, and show you what can be added later—when the timing is right.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to find a home that works for both your budget and your lifestyle, connect with an agent and review your wish list together. With a knowledgeable local expert by your side, a little flexibility can open the door to a lot more possibilities.
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate
If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s understandable. That rate has been one of your biggest financial wins – and it’s tough to let it go. But here’s the thing…
A great rate won’t fix a home that no longer fits your life. Things change, and sometimes your home has to change with them. And you’re not alone in feeling that way.
The Lock-In Effect Is Starting To Ease
Many homeowners have been staying put because of what experts call the lock-in effect – not wanting to move and take on a higher rate. But data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that this lock-in effect is gradually easing.
The share of homeowners with rates below 3% (the yellow in the graph) is slowly shrinking as more people decide to move. Meanwhile, the number of homeowners taking on rates above 6% (the blue) is increasing as they buy their next home:
And while the change may look subtle, it’s actually a significant shift. The share of mortgages above 6% just reached a 10-year high (see graph below). This shows that more people are adjusting to today’s rates as the new normal.
Why Are More People Moving Now, Even with Higher Rates?
Simple — they can’t put their life on hold any longer. Families expand, jobs shift, priorities evolve, and a house that once felt perfect might not work at all anymore — even if the rate is fantastic. And that’s okay. As Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, says:
“More homeowners are deciding it’s worth moving even if it means giving up a lower mortgage rate. Life doesn’t standstill—people get new jobs, grow their families, downsize after retirement, or simply want to live in a different neighborhood. Those needs are starting to outweigh the financial benefit of clinging to a rock-bottom mortgage rate.”
First American calls these major life drivers the 5 Ds:
Diplomas: As your income grows with higher education and career advancement, your buying power expands — and you may be ready to move up from your first home.
Diapers: Your family is growing, and your current home may no longer meet your needs.
Divorce: Whether ending or beginning a marriage, life changes can create the need for a new home.
Downsizing: With kids out of the house, a smaller, easier-to-maintain home may be calling your name.
Death: Losing someone often brings clarity about wanting to live closer to loved ones.
Whatever your reason, consider this: yes, your low rate is great. But staying put might mean keeping your life on pause — and that may not be working anymore.
Realtor.com says nearly 2 in 3 potential sellers have already been thinking about moving for over a year. That’s a long time to delay your goals, your next chapter, and your family’s needs. So maybe the real question isn’t: “Should I move?”
It’s: “How much longer am I willing to stay in a home that no longer fits my life?”
Rates have already come down from their peak earlier this year. And they’re projected to ease a bit more in 2026. Combine that with your real-life motivations, and it might finally be enough to help you move forward.
Bottom Line
Life doesn’t wait for the perfect rate. Maybe you shouldn’t either.
With rates dipping from their highs and expected to soften slightly more in 2026, moving could be more realistic than you think. If you’re ready to explore your options, reach out to a local agent and lender.
Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run
Renting often feels cheaper and more convenient than buying a home—especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no stressing about mortgage rates. You simply pay your rent and move on.
But here’s what most people overlook: renting doesn’t build your financial future. Homeowners, on the other hand, grow their net worth just by owning a home.
If you’ve been questioning whether buying is still worth it, the long-term numbers make the answer clearer than you might expect.
Renting vs. Owning: The Real Difference
When you rent, your payment goes straight to your landlord and disappears. When you own a home, a portion of your payment comes back to you in the form of equity — the wealth you gain as your home appreciates and your loan balance decreases.
So while renting may feel more affordable today, it comes with a long-term cost: missed wealth-building opportunities.
First American recently compared the long-term financial impact of renting versus owning across different time periods — 2006, 2015, 2019, and 2022. They factored in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, repairs, and maintenance versus the equity gained from owning.
Across every time frame, two things were consistent:
Renters lost money over time, while homeowners gained it.
Their data showed homeowners steadily increased their net worth the longer they stayed in their home, while renters continued to spend without any financial return.
The Bottom Line: Time Builds Wealth
Owning a home grows your wealth. Renting doesn’t. And even when you account for homeowner expenses, buying came out ahead in every period the study measured.
That doesn’t mean owning is always cheaper in the short term — but over time, the wealth gap between renting and owning widens significantly.
Affordability Is Slowly Improving
If buying still feels out of reach, you’re not alone. The last few years have been tough for buyers. But things are shifting: mortgage rates have eased, home prices are cooling, and incomes have risen. According to Zillow, typical monthly payments are slightly more manageable than they were a year ago — not dramatically, but enough to matter.
Buying may not be easy right now, but it is becoming more doable. And in the long run, it’s almost always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Renting might feel simpler today, but owning is what builds long-term wealth. With affordability improving, the path to homeownership may be more within reach than you think.
If you’re curious what buying could look like for you, connect with a trusted local real estate professional who can guide you through your options—no pressure.
The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling
Here’s something every homeowner should know before selling: in today’s market, the sellers who win aren’t the ones sitting on the sidelines—they’re the ones who set the right strategy from the very beginning.
Many sellers this year didn’t get the results they hoped for. But it wasn’t because the market failed them. It was because their expectations didn’t match today’s reality.
Realtor.com reports that 57% more homes were taken off the market this year compared to last. That means they listed… but never sold. And the truth is, most of those missed sales came down to two things: pricing and timing.
Here are the top lessons you can take from those sellers:
1. Price It Right from the Start
Pricing is the biggest factor that makes or breaks a sale.
Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more—but the data tells a different story. Redfin reports that only 1 in 4 sellers (25.3%) are actually getting above list price.
A few years ago, you could list high and still attract multiple offers. But today’s buyers have more choices, and they’re being picky. If your home is even slightly overpriced, they’ll skip right past it.
Some sellers end up pulling their listings altogether—when all they really needed was a small price adjustment.
According to HousingWire, the average price reduction right now is just 4%.
That’s it. Just 4%.
If those sellers had priced 4% lower from day one, they may have already sold their home—smoothly and successfully.
Before you list, talk with your agent about how homes in your area are performing. The right agent will help you land on a competitive price that attracts buyers while still protecting your equity. And if you’ve owned your home for a while, your equity likely gives you the flexibility to price smartly and still come out ahead—something many sellers overlook.
2. Don’t Expect Overnight Results
Another common mistake: thinking your home will sell in a single weekend.
A lot of sellers still compare today’s market to the frenzy of 2020–2021, when homes were selling within hours. But those days are gone.
Right now, it takes around 60 days from listing to closing—that’s normal. It only feels slow because we’re comparing it to an unusually fast period in real estate.
Buyers today are more thoughtful and intentional. They’re taking their time to compare homes, explore options, and make confident decisions—which is actually a sign of a healthier market.
So if your home doesn’t go under contract immediately, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean it won’t sell.
To make your home stand out sooner rather than later, ask your agent about the best strategies—like staging, decluttering, professional photos, or strategic pricing—to attract serious buyers quickly.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning to sell, don’t let the headlines worry you. Let the market be your guide.
The listings that didn’t sell this year weren’t failures—they just started with the wrong strategy.
With the right price, the right timing, and a trusted local agent, you can position your home to succeed.
Because in today’s market, winning isn’t about waiting for things to change—it’s about setting the right expectations from day one.
The Housing Market Is Gaining Momentum Heading Into 2026
After years of high mortgage rates and cautious buyers, the housing market is finally showing signs of renewed momentum. Sellers are returning, buyers are re-engaging, and for the first time in a while, there’s real movement again.
No, it’s not a surge—but it is a meaningful shift that could set the tone for a stronger market in 2026.
Here are three key trends driving the comeback:
1. Mortgage Rates Are Trending Down
Rates will always fluctuate, especially with today’s economic uncertainty, but the bigger picture is what matters. Overall, mortgage rates have been trending down for most of the year—and the past few months have brought the best rates of 2025.
As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, notes:
“On a median-priced home, this could allow a homebuyer to save thousands annually compared to earlier this year, showing that affordability is slowly improving.”
Lower rates mean more buying power. Redfin data shows that a buyer with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford about $25,000 more home than they could a year ago. That’s one of the reasons activity is picking up.
2. More Homeowners Are Listing Again
For years, many homeowners stayed put because they didn’t want to give up their low mortgage rate—creating the “lock-in effect.” But as rates ease, more homeowners are choosing to move for life-driven reasons, and it’s boosting inventory.
Realtor.com data shows inventory has grown significantly and is approaching levels not seen in six years. This is great news for buyers who’ve had limited options for too long, and it brings the market closer to balance.
3. Buyers Are Coming Back
With more homes to choose from and slightly improved affordability, buyers are returning as well. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports that purchase applications are up over last year—clear evidence that demand is building.
Economists from Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAR all expect moderate sales growth as we move toward 2026.
Bottom Line
After several slower years, the market is finally turning a corner. Falling mortgage rates, rising inventory, and growing buyer demand all point to steady progress ahead.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now is a great time to connect with a local real estate agent and plan for what’s coming in 2026.
Planning To Sell in 2026? Start the Prep Now
ChatGPT said:
You’ve got exciting plans for 2026. But what you do this year could make all the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If selling next spring is part of your plan (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start getting ready now. As Realtor.com says:
“If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing, especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.”
The truth is, from small repairs to touch-ups and decluttering, the earlier you begin, the easier things will be when it’s time to list. Plus, your home will look its absolute best when it hits the market.
Why Starting Now Matters
Ask any experienced agent, and they’ll tell you that skipping repairs in today’s market isn’t an option. There are more homes for sale right now than there have been in years. With buyers having more options, your house needs to shine to stand out and attract attention.
That doesn’t mean you have to take on a full renovation — but it does mean tackling a few key projects before you sell. Prepping your home the right way helps it sell faster and for more. And starting now keeps you from scrambling in the spring to get everything done.
Here’s the advantage: when you start this year, you can spread out your upgrades and fixes on your own schedule. More time. Less stress. No racing against the clock.
Whether it’s fixing that dripping faucet, repainting the front door, or finally replacing your roof, starting early gives you the flexibility to get it done right. You’ll also have time to find reliable contractors without overpaying for rushed jobs.
Get an Agent’s Advice Early
To know what’s actually worth doing in your market, reach out to a local agent sooner rather than later. That way, you won’t waste time or money on updates that won’t add value. As Realtor.com explains:
“Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”
A knowledgeable agent can help you determine:
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What buyers in your area are looking for
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Which repairs or updates matter most before listing
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How to prioritize projects if you can’t do them all
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Which trusted local contractors can get the job done
Having this guidance early on can completely change your selling experience.
To give you an idea of what might come up in that discussion, here are some of the most common updates agents are suggesting today, based on research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
Just remember — the updates that make the most sense depend on your local market. In areas with less inventory, small improvements might be enough. In more competitive areas, you may need to invest a bit more to make your home stand out.
Your agent will help you understand exactly what’s needed for your house and your market — and that expertise will pay off big time.
Bottom Line
If 2026 is your target year to sell, the time to start preparing is now. A little planning this year means you’ll enter the market confident, ready, and ahead of other sellers who wait until January to begin.
Want to know which projects offer the best return on investment in your area? Connect with a local agent today and head into next spring with a clear, winning game plan.
Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again.
If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options.
Experts agree, buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say.
Affordability Is Finally Improving
Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting to turn the corner:
“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”
Mortgage rates have eased from their recent highs, price growth has slowed, and that one-two combo is making homes more affordable than they’ve been in months.
There Are More Homes on The Market
And a big reason prices are easing is because there are more homes on the market. According to the latest from Realtor.com, there are 17% more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. That means more options, less competition with other buyers, and a chance to find the space that actually works for you.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shares:
“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.”
Take a look at the numbers.
As Yun notes, inventory is up everywhere. Compared to this time last year, every region of the country has more homes on the market than at this time last year (see graph below):
That translates to more homes to choose from, whether you’re looking for a bigger backyard, a shorter commute, or finally ditching your rental.
But not all markets are the same…
When you compare current inventory growth to pre-pandemic norms (2017–2019), the picture changes a bit, depending on where you are (see graph below):
The green bars show where inventory has fully recovered (and even grown above pre-pandemic levels) in the South and the West. Supply, however, is still tighter in the Northeast and Midwest, as shown in the red bars, where inventory is still below normal.
And here’s why that’s still a win everywhere.
When you step back and look at the bigger picture, with inventory up in every region, that means more choices everywhere, even if some areas have more homes for sale than others.
And with fewer buyers in the market and more homes for sale, sellers are willing to negotiate to get a deal done.
All of that adds up to a win for today’s buyers.
And it’s also why working with a local expert really makes a difference. What’s happening in your zip code or neighborhood might look different than the national or regional trend. But the overall takeaway is clear: with more homes on the market, buyers have more leverage than they did a year or more ago.
So, if you stepped away from your search because things felt too competitive, too pricey, you were worried about finding a home, or it was all just too much to process, this could be your moment to take another look.
And if you’re not quite ready to go all in, that’s okay too. You can start by planning ahead. That means working with a trusted agent who can help you break down your budget, narrow your search, and make sure you’re prepped and ready when the right home hits the market.
Bottom Line
Want to know what’s happening in your local market? Reach out to a trusted real estate agent and ask for a custom overview of what’s available right now, so you can learn how to be ready when the timing is right for you.
Because this isn’t 2021.
This isn’t even 2023 or 2024.
This is a new market – and you might be surprised by what you find.
The Reason Homes Feel Like They Cost So Much (It’s Not What You Think)
Scroll through social media and you’ll see plenty of blame being thrown around about why homes are so expensive. According to a recent national survey, many people point the finger at big investors.
However, the numbers tell a different story. Nearly half of Americans surveyed (48%) believe investors are the main reason housing costs so much — but the data doesn’t back that up.
The Real Story About Investors
While investors do play a role in the housing market — especially in certain areas — they aren’t buying up all the available homes as many online posts suggest.
Realtor.com found that large investors (those who own more than 50 properties) made up only 2.8% of all home purchases last year. That means about 97% of homes were bought and sold by everyday buyers and sellers, not big corporations.
As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, puts it:
“Investors do own significant shares of the housing stock in some neighborhoods, but nationwide, the share of investor-owned housing is not a major concern.”
What’s Actually Driving Home Prices
If investors aren’t the main reason, what is? The real issue is simple — there aren’t enough homes.
Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains:
“It’s been popular among some to blame investors, but the economics don’t support that. The main factor behind rising housing costs is the shortage itself — there’s a mismatch between the number of households and the available housing supply.”
In other words, the lack of inventory — not investor activity — is what’s keeping prices high across the country.
Bottom Line
It’s easy to assume investors are behind today’s housing challenges, but the truth is, the market just needs more homes. The good news? More listings are finally starting to appear, which could make buying feel a bit more achievable again.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, connect with a local real estate agent to get the latest insights on what’s happening in your area.
