"To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius As a real estate agent and business owner it's important to have some knowledge of what may lay ahead. The market dislikes surprises and the spring-summer sell season surprised many with its lackluster sales and a housing market often described as "frozen." Buyers and sellers alike faced strong headwinds such as unaffordable housing prices, higher than expected mortgage rates, and sky-high insurance and taxes. Meanwhile sellers struggled to adjust to a market that was less enthusiastic than in the recent past. The somewhat irrational exuberance seen in yesterday's post-pandemic era has come and gone. This has resulted in an increase of 47% more delistings in June as unbelieving sellers pulled their … [Read more...] about Knowledge is Power: Things Affecting Real Estate Now
housing market
The Problem with High Equity Homeownership
It might seem antithetical that high equity would be a problem for homeowners until you dig a bit deeper. For the last several years many potential sellers wanting to sell have not done so because of the "golden handcuffs" of two to three percent interest rates. But due to life circumstances a number of sellers can no longer wait and must now sell. Meanwhile many buyers are stuck on the sidelines by unaffordable home prices, high interest rates, and skyrocketing insurance expenses. This despite recent findings that inventory is at an all time high and the number of sellers has now outnumbered buyers. But there is another set of handcuffs you and your sellers should be aware of and they are far from golden. Here's more on the problem with high equity homeownership: … [Read more...] about The Problem with High Equity Homeownership
How to Talk About ARM Loans with Your Clients
It's no stretch to conclude that Adjustable Rate Mortgages - known as "ARMs" - could be a viable solution for today's housing affordability crisis. In recent history ARMS accounted for only 4-5% of all mortgage applications, but in April 2025 they reached a high of almost 10%. Buyers are increasingly desperate for ways to break into the housing market and realize the American Dream of homeownership. As such, agents would do well to dig in to the mechanics of ARM loans and get comfortable discussing the basic details. Here's how to talk about ARM loans with your clients: … [Read more...] about How to Talk About ARM Loans with Your Clients
Make the Most of the Spring 2022 Market
Spring is typically the time when the lion’s share of listings come to market, and this spring should be no different. Make the most of the Spring 2022 market by hitting the ground running. With that said, great agents also need to prepare for a number of market transitions that are unique to Spring 2022. … [Read more...] about Make the Most of the Spring 2022 Market