[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fbwk2pqjjqsc7":3,"$f2djwd5o6d80jq":124},[4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64,68,72,76,80,84,88,92,96,100,104,108,112,116,120],{"id":5,"name":6,"slug":7},1,"Uncategorized","uncategorized",{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},5,"For Buyers","buyers",{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},6,"For Sellers","sellers",{"id":17,"name":18,"slug":19},7,"Foreclosures","foreclosures",{"id":21,"name":22,"slug":23},8,"Infographics","infographics",{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},9,"Home Prices","home-prices",{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},11,"First-Time Buyers","first-time-buyers",{"id":33,"name":34,"slug":35},34,"Senior Market","senior-market",{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},35,"Mortgage Rates","mortgage-rates",{"id":41,"name":42,"slug":43},38,"Move-Up","move-up",{"id":45,"name":46,"slug":47},41,"For Sale by Owner","for-sale-by-owner",{"id":49,"name":50,"slug":51},42,"Featured","featured",{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55},45,"New Construction","new-construction",{"id":57,"name":58,"slug":59},52,"Luxury \u002F Vacation","luxury--vacation",{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},53,"Rent vs. Buy","rent-vs-buy",{"id":65,"name":66,"slug":67},80,"Time-sensitive","time-sensitive",{"id":69,"name":70,"slug":71},81,"Outdated","outdated",{"id":73,"name":74,"slug":75},147,"Internal","internal",{"id":77,"name":78,"slug":79},148,"Do Not Autopost","do-not-autopost",{"id":81,"name":82,"slug":83},320,"Inventory","inventory",{"id":85,"name":86,"slug":87},321,"Agent Value","agent-value",{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},322,"Affordability","affordability",{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},323,"Buying Tips","buying-tips",{"id":97,"name":98,"slug":99},324,"Downsize","downsize",{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},325,"Economy","economy",{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},326,"Equity","equity",{"id":109,"name":110,"slug":111},327,"Forecasts","forecasts",{"id":113,"name":114,"slug":115},328,"Selling Tips","selling-tips",{"id":117,"name":118,"slug":119},339,"Expired\u002FWithdrawn\u002FCanceled","expiredwithdrawncanceled",{"id":121,"name":122,"slug":123},340,"Price It Right\u002FOverpricing","price-it-rightoverpricing",{"items":125,"totalCount":294,"hasMore":295},[126,144,160,178,196,212,228,245,260,278],{"id":127,"slug":128,"title":129,"description":130,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":133,"bannerImage":131,"body":134,"agentsBottomLine":135,"bodyImage":136,"isInfographic":137,"categories":138,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":142,"updatedAt":143},109423,"what-buying-or-selling-a-home-gives-back-to-your-community","What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your Community","\u003Cp>Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger.\u003C\u002Fp>","","blog","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260701\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-595504906-original.png","\u003Cp>Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F04\u002Fwhat-rising-inflation-means-for-your-move)\">Inflation\u003C\u002Fa> is high, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F27\u002Fthe-truth-about-affordability-today\">costs\u003C\u002Fa> are high, and you want to be sure the timing is right before you make your move. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But if you do decide to go for it, whether you're \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F18\u002Fis-it-still-a-sellers-market-heres-what-the-data-says\">buying\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F06\u002Fthe-secret-to-selling-fast-no-matter-the-market\">selling\u003C\u002Fa>, here's something reassuring to hold onto. Not only does your move change your own life, but it also gives your whole community a boost.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Real estate is a huge part of the economy. In 2025, it added up to about $5.6 trillion, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002Fuploads\u002Feconomic-impact\u002FUS.pdf​\">according to\u003C\u002Fa> the \u003Cem>National Association of Realtors\u003C\u002Fem> (NAR). A good share of that comes from everyday people buying and selling homes, just like you.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Your Move Puts Real Money Into the Local Economy\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Every sale sends money flowing through your area. NAR \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002Fuploads\u002Feconomic-impact\u002FUS.pdf\">data\u003C\u002Fa> shows that buying an existing home (one that's already been lived in) adds about $64,000 to the local economy. Buy a \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F21\u002Fnewly-built-home-prices-hit-a-5-year-low\">newly built home\u003C\u002Fa>, and that number climbs to more than $134,000 \u003Cem>(see graph below)\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260701\u002F20260706-Typical-Home-original.png\" alt=\"a diagram of a home sale\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Over half of that comes from the work of building the home itself. The rest flows to real estate services, like agent and lender fees, plus what you spend settling in afterward, on things like furniture and remodeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And the money doesn't stop there. As local businesses earn it, they spend it again in your area, so a single sale ripples further than the sale price alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>One Sale Keeps a Lot of People Working\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Behind every sale is a whole network of people doing their jobs. Contractors, lenders, inspectors, movers, and more. When you buy or sell, you help keep them busy. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fnewsroom\u002Fnar-existing-home-sales-report-shows-3-2-increase-in-may\">puts it\u003C\u002Fa> this way:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\"\u003Cem>Increased home sales mean more economic activity — lawn care, furniture purchases, moving services, mortgage originations and other related business activities all get a boost.\u003C\u002Fem>\"\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>So, your move supports your neighbors' livelihoods, too. The deal that gets you into your next home also helps a local crew make payroll. In a year when every paycheck counts, that's no small thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Your Local Impact May Be Even Bigger\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>What your move financially adds to your community depends a lot on where you live. To help you see how it can vary, here’s a look at the impact of a typical newly built home sale by state.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The national average for a newly built home is about \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Freports\u002Fstate-by-state-economic-impact-of-real-estate-activity\">$134,000\u003C\u002Fa>, but some states see far more \u003Cem>(see map below)\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260701\u002F20260706-Typical-New-Home-original.png\" alt=\"a map of the united states\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>In California, a single sale adds more than $300,000 to the local economy. In Hawaii, it's over $350,000. Even in the most affordable states, the number lands in the tens of thousands.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Want to know what a move would mean where you live?\u003C\u002Fstrong> A local agent can show you the figure close to home.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Moving is both a personal milestone and an investment in your community. So, if the time is right for you, let's connect. You'll make a difference for more people than you know.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260701\u002F20260706-Typical-Home-original.png",false,[139,140,141],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},"2026-09-02T10:30:00Z","2026-07-01T20:59:06Z",{"id":145,"slug":146,"title":147,"description":148,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":149,"bannerImage":131,"body":150,"agentsBottomLine":151,"bodyImage":152,"isInfographic":137,"categories":153,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":158,"updatedAt":159},109379,"down-payments-are-smaller-than-theyve-been-since-2021","Down Payments Are Smaller Than They’ve Been Since 2021","\u003Cp>Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-1492289682-original.png","\u003Cp>Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home. And with \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F27\u002Fthe-truth-about-affordability-today\">affordability\u003C\u002Fa> as tight as it’s been lately, it’s fair to wonder how anyone manages it right now. Here’s something you may not have seen coming. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Some people are getting their foot in the door with a smaller down payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fdown-payment-report-may-2026\">According\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Cem>Realtor.\u003C\u002Fem>com, the typical buyer put down about $23,400 in early 2026 – that's around $5,000 below what was typical the year before (a 19% drop year over year). \u003Cstrong>That’s\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Cstrong>the lowest down payments have been since 2021 \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>(see graph below):\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260702-Down-Payments-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a line graph\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So why are buyers putting less money down, and how can you put less down, too? Here’s your answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Why Down Payments Are Getting Smaller\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>There are a few things driving the trend:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Less competition between buyers. \u003C\u002Fstrong>Part of it comes down to a more \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F18\u002Fis-it-still-a-sellers-market-heres-what-the-data-says\u002F\">balanced market\u003C\u002Fa>. With buyers facing less competition than they did a few years ago, there’s less pressure to put a big sum down just to stand out.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>More moderate home prices.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Your down payment is a percentage of the purchase price. So, as price growth cools, the amount you need to put down may change too. In a lot of markets, prices have \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F29\u002Fthe-1-factor-that-explains-everything-happening-with-home-prices-right-now\u002F\">slowed\u003C\u002Fa> or leveled off, and some areas are even seeing slight dips. That can translate into smaller down payments.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Buyers opting for loans with lower down payments.\u003C\u002Fstrong> More buyers are also turning to government-backed loans, like FHA and VA, which often need little or no money down. FHA loans have made up more than 24% of purchase mortgages for five straight quarters, and VA loans recently hit their highest share in over a decade, according to \u003Cem>Mortgage Professional America\u003C\u002Fem>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>But even a smaller down payment is still a significant chunk of cash, and saving it can be hard. So where does the rest come from? For many buyers, two things make the difference: programs built to help, and a hand from loved ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Help You May Not Know You Qualify For\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Down payment assistance is one of the most overlooked tools out there. Looking at the 10 largest U.S. metros, \u003Cem>Urban Institute \u003C\u002Fem>and \u003Cem>Down Payment Resource\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdownpaymentresource.com\u002Fprofessional-resource\u002Fwhat-data-actually-reveal-on-dpa-loan-quality\u002F\">found\u003C\u002Fa> \u003Cstrong>nearly 44% of recent buyers already qualified for a down payment program, but many of them closed on their loan without tapping the help\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Cem>(see chart below)\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260702-Many-Buyers-Qualify-original.png\" alt=\"a diagram of a payment\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The options are broader than you might assume, too. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdownpaymentresource.com\u002Fprofessional-resource\u002Fdown-payment-assistance-continues-to-expand-in-q1-2026-reaching-2679-programs-nationwide\u002F\">According\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Cem>Down Payment Resource\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>There are more than \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdownpaymentresource.com\u002Fprofessional-resource\u002Fdown-payment-assistance-continues-to-expand-in-q1-2026-reaching-2679-programs-nationwide\u002F\">2,600\u003C\u002Fa> down payment assistance programs available\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>More than half (62%) are designed to help first-time buyers\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>38% have no first-time buyer requirement, so you may qualify even if you've owned before\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>62% are open to buyers earning $100,000 or more\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>A Boost from Loved Ones\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>For a growing number of buyers, help comes from closer to home. Research from \u003Cem>Veterans United \u003C\u002Fem>shows about 59% of parents have provided or plan to provide financial support to help their child buy a home.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That support most often goes toward the down payment, followed by help qualifying for a mortgage and covering closing costs. Chris Birk, VP of Mortgage Insight at \u003Cem>Veterans United\u003C\u002Fem>, puts it this way:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“For many families, helping a child buy a home has become less of an optional gesture and more of a practical response to today’s affordability challenges.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>If your loved ones are in a position to help, it can make a real difference in how soon you can buy.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Down payments are smaller than they’ve been in years, and that opens the door for more buyers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And with added help from assistance programs and a little help from loved ones, you may have more ways forward than you realized. Connect with a trusted lender to talk through your options.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260702-Down-Payments-original.png",[154,155,156,157],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2026-07-02T10:30:00Z","2026-06-30T17:41:58Z",{"id":161,"slug":162,"title":163,"description":164,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":165,"bannerImage":131,"body":166,"agentsBottomLine":167,"bodyImage":168,"isInfographic":137,"categories":169,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":176,"updatedAt":177},109374,"the-housing-market-is-stronger-than-you-think","The Housing Market Is Stronger Than You Think","\u003Cp>You've probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002FHeader-Image-Spring-2021-Buyer-Guide-3--original.png","\u003Cp>You've probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately. High rates. Stretched budgets. Headlines that make buying or selling sound like a terrible idea. But the data tells a very different story. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>This isn't 2020 or 2021. It was never going to be. Those were the \"unicorn years\" – historic low mortgage rates, bidding wars on everything, homes flying off the market in days. That kind of market was a once-in-a-generation anomaly, not a baseline. So, when people compare today to that, of course it looks rough.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But compared to almost any other housing market in modern history? This one is holding up remarkably well.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Homeowners Are Sitting on a Mountain of Equity\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>One of the biggest reasons this market hasn't cracked is the financial strength of the American homeowner. According to \u003Cem>Federal Reserve\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffred.stlouisfed.org\u002Ftags\u002Fseries?t=real+estate\">data\u003C\u002Fa>, homeowner equity and mortgage debt were nearly identical in 2008. That means, if someone hit a rough patch, they had almost nothing to fall back on. That’s what made that crash so bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Today? Total homeowner equity across the country sits at $35 trillion – dwarfing total mortgage debt (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-Why-2026-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a market\">That gap means most homeowners aren’t stretched thin or one bad month away from trouble. They own a meaningful chunk of their home and that gives them options. If they needed to sell, many could because they have a cushion. And that cushion grows over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fnews\u002Ftrends\u002Fhome-equity-millionaires-housing-market\u002F\">found\u003C\u002Fa> that homeowners who've been in their home just 5 years have built up around $180,000 in equity on average. Stick around 6-10 years, and that jumps to over $340,000.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Data from \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.attomdata.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-trends\u002Fhome-sales-prices\u002Fq1-2026-home-equity-and-underwater-report\u002F\">\u003Cem>ATTOM\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdata.census.gov\u002Ftable\u002FACSDT1Y2022.B25027?q=mortgage\">\u003Cem>Census\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> shows two-thirds of homeowners either own their home outright or have more than 50% equity.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>That's not a fragile market. That’s a population of homeowners who are financially positioned to sell, to stay, or to make their next move from a place of strength rather than pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Low Rates and Low Foreclosures\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>At the same time, \u003Cem>Federal Housing Finance Agency\u003C\u002Fem> (FHFA) \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fhfa.gov\u002Fdata\u002Fnmdb\">data\u003C\u002Fa> shows more than half of all active mortgages still carry a rate below 4% (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>): \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-The-Lock-In-Effect-original.png\" alt=\"a chart with text on it\">That's a big reason inventory stays tight. Those homeowners aren't in a rush to trade their rate for a higher one. They’re sitting comfortably in a strong financial position, not scrambling.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That comfort shows up in the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F13\u002Fwhat-the-foreclosure-headlines-arent-telling-you\u002F\">foreclosure\u003C\u002Fa> numbers, too. Despite a slight recent uptick, foreclosure volumes remain dramatically below historical norms, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.attomdata.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-trends\u002Fforeclosures\u002Fmay-2026-foreclosure-market-report\u002F\">according\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Cem>ATTOM\u003C\u002Fem>. Homeowners aren't losing their homes in droves. They have equity, they have breathing room, and most have options that keep them out of financial distress.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Prices Are Stabilizing, Not Crashing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Here’s another point on the resilience of the market. \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem> research shows home \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F17\u002Fthink-home-prices-will-crash-heres-what-the-experts-actually-expect\u002F\">prices\u003C\u002Fa> are still rising, but the pace has slowed, now closer to 2% year-over-year nationally (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-A-Resilient-Market-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a line graph\">That slowdown is good news, as Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem>, explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“We’re in the middle of a long-term housing market correction, \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>not a housing market crash.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem> After the pandemic-era frenzy sent prices soaring and inventory to historic lows, \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>the market needed a reset.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>","\u003Cp>This market isn't broken, and waiting for a crash that isn't coming has a cost. Every month spent on the sidelines is a month someone else is building equity, locking in a price, or getting ahead of what most experts expect to be a housing surge once broader economic conditions settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, a local real estate agent can help you figure out what this market means for your specific situation and what your next move could look like.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-Why-2026-original.png",[170,171,172,173,174,175],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":17,"name":18,"slug":19},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},"2026-07-01T10:30:00Z","2026-06-30T16:52:07Z",{"id":179,"slug":180,"title":181,"description":182,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":183,"bannerImage":131,"body":184,"agentsBottomLine":185,"bodyImage":186,"isInfographic":137,"categories":187,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":194,"updatedAt":195},109220,"the-1-factor-that-explains-everything-happening-with-home-prices-right-now","The 1 Factor That Explains Everything Happening with Home Prices Right Now","\u003Cp>You've probably heard that home prices are cooling off.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260625\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-2213672932-original.png","\u003Cp>You've probably heard that home prices are cooling off. And that's true – nationally. But zoom in on \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F18\u002Fis-it-still-a-sellers-market-heres-what-the-data-says\u002F\">individual markets\u003C\u002Fa> across the country, and the picture looks completely different depending on where you are.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Some areas are still seeing solid \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F17\u002Fthink-home-prices-will-crash-heres-what-the-experts-actually-expect\u002F\">price growth\u003C\u002Fa>. Others have gone flat. A few have actually dipped slightly negative. So, what's causing all of that variation?\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>It All Comes Down to Inventory\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Here's the simple version:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col style=\"list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>When there are more homes for sale, buyers have options.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>More options, means less competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Less competition means sellers can't push prices as high.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cp>On the flip side, when inventory is tight, buyers are competing over a small pool of homes, and that pushes prices up.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That dynamic is playing out right now in a really visible way across the country. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Markets where inventory has climbed back to, or above, normal pre-pandemic levels are seeing prices flatten or fall slightly. Markets where inventory is still well below those 2019 benchmarks are still seeing prices rise. As Lance Lambert, CEO of \u003Cem>ResiClub\u003C\u002Fem>, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.resiclubanalytics.com\u002Fp\u002Fmajor-housing-markets-with-falling-rising-home-prices-april-2026\">puts it\u003C\u002Fa>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\"Home prices are still climbing a little year-over-year in many regions where active inventory remains well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, such as pockets of the Northeast and Midwest.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>In contrast, some pockets in states like Texas, Florida, and Colorado — where active inventory exceeds pre-pandemic 2019 levels by a solid clip — are seeing modest home price pullbacks or flat pricing.\"\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>The Maps Say It All \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Take a look at where inventory stands today compared to 2019. In most places (\u003Cem>the states in gray below\u003C\u002Fem>), inventory still falls short of where we were back then. And that’s exactly why prices are climbing, albeit moderately, in the vast majority of states.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But you’re probably more interested in where prices are falling a bit, since that’s what is making headlines. So, let’s prove out how much inventory affects prices in those spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fdata\u002F\">According\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem>, 15 states and Washington, D.C. are now back above pre-pandemic inventory levels, and some by a wide margin (\u003Cem>see the orange in the map below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260625\u002F20260629-15-States-original.png\" alt=\"a map of the united states\">Now, let’s look at the latest \u003Cem>Federal Housing Finance Agency\u003C\u002Fem> (FHFA) \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fhfa.gov\u002Fdata\u002Fhpi\u002Fdatasets?tab=hpi-summary-table\">data\u003C\u002Fa> to see what's happened to home prices in those same states over the past year (\u003Cem>again,\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Cem>you’ll want to focus on the orange in the next map\u003C\u002Fem>). \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>See how those line up pretty closely with the areas seeing more homes for sale today?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The overlap isn't a coincidence. It's cause and effect.\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260625\u002F20260629-Price-Changes-original.png\" alt=\"a map of the united states\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The national average of 1.7% price growth is accurate, but it's an average of two very different stories happening at the same time – the few areas experiencing mild declines and the overwhelming majority that are still seeing \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F18\u002Fare-home-prices-going-to-fall\u002F\">prices rise\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What This Means If You’re Buying or Selling \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>If you're a buyer, the market you're shopping in matters a lot right now. In places like Texas, Colorado, or Florida, you may have real negotiating power – more choices, less competition, and sellers who are more motivated to make \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F10\u002Flower-asking-prices-are-a-win-for-todays-buyers\u002F\">a deal\u003C\u002Fa>. In tighter markets like much of the Northeast, you're still likely facing a lot of competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you're a seller, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F14\u002Fthe-pricing-mistake-that-could-cost-you-your-sale\u002F\">pricing strategy\u003C\u002Fa> is everything. In markets where inventory has risen, overpricing is one of the fastest ways to linger on the market and eventually sell for less than you would have with the right price from day one. In markets where inventory is still low, you're in a strong spot, but getting your price right still matters if you want to attract serious buyers quickly. Either way, that's where a local real estate agent earns their keep.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>When it comes to prices, where you are matters more than ever right now, and a local real estate agent is the best person to help you make sense of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Reach out today and let's build a plan that fits our market.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260625\u002F20260629-15-States-original.png",[188,189,190,191,192,193],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":81,"name":82,"slug":83},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},{"id":113,"name":114,"slug":115},"2026-06-29T10:30:00Z","2026-06-25T17:03:09Z",{"id":197,"slug":198,"title":199,"description":200,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":201,"bannerImage":131,"body":202,"agentsBottomLine":203,"bodyImage":204,"isInfographic":137,"categories":205,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":210,"updatedAt":211},109134,"more-sellers-are-taking-their-homes-off-the-market-heres-what-you-need-to-know","More Sellers Are Taking Their Homes off the Market. Here’s What You Need To Know.","\u003Cp>You may be hearing that a near-record number of homeowners are pulling their houses off the market.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260623\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-1388382721-original.png","\u003Cp>You may be hearing that a near-record number of homeowners are pulling their houses off the market. And if that headline has you thinking,\u003Cem> “Wait… is something bad about to happen?”\u003C\u002Fem> You’re not alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Because when people start stepping to the sidelines, it \u003Cem>sounds \u003C\u002Fem>like a warning sign that something’s coming – or that they realize something you don’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here’s the thing. This trend gets spun like it means the market is about to crash. But the data tells a more practical story.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What the Numbers Actually Say\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>According to the latest data from \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem>, \u003Cstrong>5.5% of all listings were taken off the market in May. \u003C\u002Fstrong>And it’s true that’s almost the highest it’s been since back in March 2020\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>(\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>): \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260623\u002F20260624-More-Sellers-original.png\" alt=\"a graph showing the price of a home\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That can sound scary. But a lot of the fear comes from how this story gets told. “\u003Cem>A near record number of sellers are pulling their listings\u003C\u002Fem>” makes a great clickbait headline – and that sort of thing spreads fast, especially online. \u003Cstrong>But sellers pull a house off the market for plenty of reasons that have nothing to do with a crash.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Redfin \u003C\u002Fem>points to four main forces driving this trend:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Homes are taking longer to sell. \u003C\u002Fstrong>When the pace slows down, some sellers get frustrated and decide to hold off.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The number of homes for sale is rising faster than demand.\u003C\u002Fstrong> That means buyers have more options. And sellers who don’t price or prep right may not get many eyes on their house.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Some sellers still have pandemic-era \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F14\u002Fthe-pricing-mistake-that-could-cost-you-your-sale\u002F\">\u003Cstrong>price expectations\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong>.\u003C\u002Fstrong> A price that would’ve worked a couple years ago may not match what today’s buyers will pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Economic uncertainty is making both buyers and sellers cautious. \u003C\u002Fstrong>Buyers pause. Sellers second-guess. And that has an impact on overall sales volume and pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Notice what’s missing from that list?\u003Cstrong> There isn’t a single mention of an impending market crash or \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F17\u002Fthink-home-prices-will-crash-heres-what-the-experts-actually-expect\u002F\">\u003Cstrong>price collapse\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong>.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>This is about a shifting pace, more competition, and sellers deciding how they want to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>One Detail Most Headlines Leave Out\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Want more peace of mind that this isn’t a crash? This next stat delivers. Yes, more sellers are taking their homes off the market. But \u003Cem>Redfin \u003C\u002Fem>also shows something you're not going to see in social posts...\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The number of re-listings is growing too. \u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While more sellers are pulling their listings, more are also deciding to give selling a second shot too. This is pretty much the highest re-listings have been since the pandemic hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>While 5.5% got pulled in May, 2.3% were also put back on the market \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>(see graph below):\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260623\u002F20260624-Sellers-Arent-Giving-Up-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of sales and prices\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That’s a signal sellers aren’t giving up or running away in large numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Some are simply stepping away briefly before deciding to try again. That tells you this often isn’t a permanent decision. In many cases, it’s a pause – and the seller comes back with a different approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>A lot of the time that change in the overall strategy is all that’s needed to finally get a house sold.\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And just in case you need more proof this isn’t a reason to worry, check this out. Buyer activity may be starting to pick back up – and that could bring more sellers back in or, at least, prevent some sellers from pulling back.\u003Cem> \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>The National Association of Realtors\u003C\u002Fem> (NAR) \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fnewsroom\u002Fnar-existing-home-sales-report-shows-3-2-increase-in-may\">reports\u003C\u002Fa> existing \u003Cstrong>home sales increased 3.2% in May. \u003C\u002Fstrong>That’s the biggest increase since December. As \u003Cem>the Wall Street Journal\u003C\u002Fem> puts it: \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“Home sales in May posted the biggest rise this year, a sign that the housing market’s crucial spring selling season may be showing signs of life after a sluggish start.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>That doesn’t sound like a market in trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>If you’re seeing headlines about how a record number of sellers are taking their homes off the market, don’t panic. It’s not a warning of an impending crash. It’s a market adjusting.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260623\u002F20260624-More-Sellers-original.png",[206,207,208,209],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},{"id":117,"name":118,"slug":119},"2026-06-24T10:30:00Z","2026-06-23T18:10:56Z",{"id":213,"slug":214,"title":215,"description":216,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":217,"bannerImage":131,"body":218,"agentsBottomLine":219,"bodyImage":220,"isInfographic":137,"categories":221,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":226,"updatedAt":227},108966,"that-house-thats-been-sitting-could-be-your-best-shot-at-a-deal","That House That’s Been Sitting Could Be Your Best Shot at a Deal","\u003Cp>Open up a home search and you'll see them. Listings that have been on the market for two months. Three. Some longer.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002FHeader-Image-Summer-2023-Guide-30--original.png","\u003Cp>Open up a home search and you'll see them. Listings that have been on the market for two months. Three. Some longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Most buyers scroll right past them, assuming something’s wrong with the house. But that instinct could be costing you, since the longer a home sits, the more motivated the seller usually gets.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Where Some Buyers Are Finding Better Deals\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>If \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F27\u002Fthe-truth-about-affordability-today\u002F\">affordability\u003C\u002Fa> has been your #1 hurdle to buying, here’s a surprisingly simple strategy that could help you finally get your foot in the door. Start with the homes that have been sitting the longest. That’s often where the best deals are.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here’s why. Data from \u003Cem>Realtor.com \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fdata\">shows\u003C\u002Fa> there’s a connection between longer time on the market and lower sales prices. \u003Cstrong>Basically, the longer a house sits, the more likely it is that the seller will reduce the price \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>(see graph below)\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260622-The-Longer-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with numbers and lines\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The blue line tracks how long homes stay on the market, while the green line tracks the share of homes getting a price reduction. As one climbs, so does the other.  \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And if you focus on these homes that are just sitting and waiting, the opportunity for you is bigger than you may think right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem> data shows there’s $347 billion worth of stale listings on the market right now – more than ever before for this time of year. So, ask your agent to filter listings for you from oldest to newest. The home that fits your budget might already be there. Just further down the list than you thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Lingering Doesn’t Always Mean Something’s Wrong \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Let’s say you do that and something catches your eye. Still, you might be questioning why the home has been sitting in the first place. Just remember, sometimes it has nothing to do with the home itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>According to \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem>, common causes are:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The asking price was set too high to start\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>The home didn’t show well online\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>There are a lot of homes for sale in the area, so it just got buried\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>So, nothing that’s necessarily a dealbreaker, or even anything that’s wrong with the home itself. If there’s a real issue, a thorough inspection will surface it. And that’s information you can use to negotiate. Not a reason to assume it’s a house worth skipping over.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>How To Turn a Lingering Listing into a Win\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>So how do you capitalize on a lingering listing? According to \u003Cem>USA Today\u003C\u002Fem>, you have \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.usatoday.com\u002Fstory\u002Fsponsor-story\u002Faddress-usa\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F22\u002Fa-home-thats-been-sitting-could-be-a-buyers-best-opportunity\u002F90164351007\">two main levers\u003C\u002Fa> to pull.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The first is \u003Cem>price\u003C\u002Fem>.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Work with your agent to study what comparable homes recently sold for, then build an offer around that. Coming in below asking price is fair game when a home has been sitting.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The second is \u003Cem>concessions\u003C\u002Fem>.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If a seller won’t budge much on price, they may still help in other ways, like covering some closing costs, repair credits, or even a mortgage rate buydown that lowers your monthly payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A local agent has the context to tell which homes are the real opportunities and which are skippable.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>A house sitting on the market isn’t always a glaring red flag. In today’s market, it may be your best opportunity yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For help deciding which lingering listings are actually worth a second look, let’s connect.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260622-The-Longer-original.png",[222,223,224,225],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2026-06-22T10:30:00Z","2026-06-16T17:32:01Z",{"id":229,"slug":230,"title":231,"description":232,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":233,"bannerImage":131,"body":234,"agentsBottomLine":235,"bodyImage":236,"isInfographic":137,"categories":237,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":243,"updatedAt":244},108960,"is-it-still-a-sellers-market-heres-what-the-data-says","Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.","\u003Cp>Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002FHeader-Image-Fall-2020-Buyer-Guide-9--original.png","\u003Cp>Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While it’s going to vary by area, more metros are slowly shifting to favor buyers, and the market is starting to look a lot more like a two-way street again.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>And that balance is something we haven’t had in a while.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Whether you're buying or selling, here's what you need to know about what's changing and what it means for your move.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>The Most Buyer-Friendly Market in Years\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>The national data tells an interesting story right now. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fmarket-clock-report-2026q1\">According\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\"The national housing market is balanced but \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>gradually loosening as the cycle moves in a more buyer-friendly direction . . .\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>\"\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>That’s because, over the past few years, more and more metros have been flipping back to more buyer-friendly terms as inventory’s grown. And when you zoom in on the latest \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fmarket-clock-report-2026q1\">data\u003C\u002Fa> for the top 50 metro markets over time, the trend becomes really clear (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Back in 2021, almost all major metros were seller's markets. By the end of 2025, only 1 in 3 still favored sellers. That's an obvious shift.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260618-Many-Metros-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of sales\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And that changes how the market is going to feel for everyone. Sellers shouldn’t still expect 2021 conditions, but neither should buyers. At least, not generally speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>It’s Not the Same Story Everywhere\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>That said, who has the power ultimately depends on where you live. \u003Cstrong>While more metros are leaning buyer-friendly lately, there are still plenty of strong seller's markets right now, too.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It really comes down to how much \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F22\u002Fmore-options-are-popping-up-this-spring\u002F\">housing supply\u003C\u002Fa> and demand there is in your area. And that varies enormously by region.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Sun Belt cities like Austin, Tampa, and San Antonio saw major \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F21\u002Fnewly-built-home-prices-hit-a-5-year-low\u002F\">building\u003C\u002Fa> booms in recent years, giving buyers more options and more negotiating room. Meanwhile, cities in the Northeast and Midwest – think Rochester, Hartford, and Buffalo – didn't see that same wave, so inventory stayed tight and competition stayed fierce. As Jeff Ostrowski, Housing Analyst at \u003Cem>Bankrate\u003C\u002Fem>, explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“The formerly hot Sun Belt markets have cooled, while the Northeast and Midwest have stayed hot. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>The big driver here is construction activity. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>The softest markets now [have] experienced big booms that spurred new building, and that has led to a large supply of new and existing homes on the market in those places.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Practical Advice for Your Move\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>To find out who has the power in your local market, talk to an agent. Because knowing what’s happening locally is going to be the key to setting the right strategy for your move.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If the market is working in your favor, great. Lean in and use it to your benefit. But if it’s not, all hope isn’t lost. Your agent can help you figure out how to approach any market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here's some practical advice if there’s a mismatch between your goal and local market conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If you're \u003Cem>buying \u003C\u002Fem>in a \u003Cem>seller's \u003C\u002Fem>market:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Get \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F02\u002Fbefore-you-fall-in-love-with-a-house-do-this-first\u002F\">pre-approved\u003C\u002Fa> before you start shopping. It shows sellers you're serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Be ready to act fast when the right home hits the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Consider offering a quick closing date or flexible terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Work closely with your agent to craft a competitive offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If you're \u003Cem>selling \u003C\u002Fem>in a \u003Cem>buyer's \u003C\u002Fem>market:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Price it right from day one. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F14\u002Fthe-pricing-mistake-that-could-cost-you-your-sale\u002F\">Overpricing\u003C\u002Fa> will cost you time and money.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Focus on curb appeal and \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F11\u002Fwhy-staging-your-house-could-pay-off-this-spring\u002F\">staging\u003C\u002Fa> to stand out in areas with more inventory.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Be open to offering incentives, like covering closing costs or a home warranty.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Expect buyers to negotiate and be ready to be flexible.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","\u003Cp>Right now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect \u003Cem>your\u003C\u002Fem> market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Want to know which way our local market is leaning and what that means for your move? Let's connect.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260618-Many-Metros-original.png",[238,239,240,241,242],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":85,"name":86,"slug":87},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},{"id":113,"name":114,"slug":115},"2026-06-18T10:30:00Z","2026-06-16T17:06:03Z",{"id":246,"slug":247,"title":248,"description":249,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":250,"bannerImage":131,"body":251,"agentsBottomLine":252,"bodyImage":253,"isInfographic":137,"categories":254,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":258,"updatedAt":259},108957,"think-home-prices-will-crash-heres-what-the-experts-actually-expect","Think Home Prices Will Crash? Here's What the Experts Actually Expect.","\u003Cp>One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002FHeader-Image-202303-SG-original.png","\u003Cp>One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Some believe a crash is coming and they'll get a better deal if they hold off.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Others worry they'll buy now and watch their home's value fall later.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>And nobody wants to overpay or buy right before values drop. But here's the question worth asking:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>What if the crash you're waiting for isn't actually coming?\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Because that's what the latest data suggests.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Experts Are Not Calling for a Crash\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>If you've spent any time online lately, you've seen posts claiming home prices are about to come crashing down. And it's true that some markets are seeing \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F01\u002Fdont-let-home-prices-headlines-fool-you\u002F\">small price declines\u003C\u002Fa> right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>But that's not the same thing as a nationwide crash.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While some places are going through a price adjustment, \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem> data shows home prices are still rising in \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fnews\u002Ftrends\u002Fhome-prices-rising-nar-q1-2026\u002F\">71%\u003C\u002Fa> of housing markets across the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The trouble is, since negative news sells, you’re seeing more coverage about how a handful of markets are seeing declines, than how the majority are still seeing \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F18\u002Fare-home-prices-going-to-fall\u002F\">prices rise\u003C\u002Fa>. And that's unfortunate.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It's exactly why a lot of buyers end up with the impression that prices are falling everywhere when they’re not. So how do you really know where prices are \u003Cem>really \u003C\u002Fem>headed from here?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That's where the \u003Cem>Home Price Expectations Survey\u003C\u002Fem> (HPES) from \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fanniemae.com\u002Fdata-and-insights\u002Fsurveys-indices\u002Fhome-price-expectations-survey-hpes​\">\u003Cem>Fannie Mae\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> \u003C\u002Fem>comes in.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Home Prices Will Rise for the Next 5 Years\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Every quarter, more than 100 economists, housing experts, and market analysts are asked where they think home prices are headed based on the latest data available.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And despite all the uncertainty in today's market, there’s one thing they largely agreed on:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>They don't think a crash is coming.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>In fact, the average of all of their forecasts calls for home prices to rise every year for at least the next 5 years (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260617-Home-Prices-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with green rectangles and numbers\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The point is that the overwhelming expectation isn't for prices to fall. It's for prices to rise at a more normal pace. And just in case you're looking at the forecasts and saying: “\u003Cem>of course they’d say that\u003C\u002Fem>” – know that this survey doesn't just include optimists. It includes pessimists too.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Even the Pessimists Aren't Predicting a Crash\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Researchers broke the panel into groups based on how bullish or bearish they were about housing. The result? Even the most pessimistic group still expects home prices to climb over the next five years.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Optimists think we’ll see prices go up roughly 4% a year. Pessimists say it’ll be closer to 1%. The reality may be somewhere in the middle.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260617-Even-the-Pessimist-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of growth rate for home prices\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Think about that for a second. The debate among experts \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>isn't \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>whether prices will crash. \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>It's \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>how much they'll rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That's a very different conversation than the one happening across social media.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>This Means Waiting Could Actually Cost You\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>So, if you're putting off your move until prices come down, you may be disappointed. According to the experts, a widespread crash isn’t in the cards.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>In fact, based on the HPES forecast, a buyer who purchased a $400,000 home this January would gain nearly $40,000 in equity over the next five years from appreciation alone, even in this more moderate market (\u003Cem>see below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260617-39692-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of growth in a chart\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Of course, this all depends on local market conditions. This forecast is a national average. But broadly speaking, if the experts are right, the bigger risk isn't that prices will crash. It may be waiting for a \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F23\u002F3-things-that-are-not-going-to-happen-in-todays-housing-market\u002F\">crash\u003C\u002Fa> that never comes.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Because depending on your market, if you wait, you could be missing out on $40k in equity or paying 40k more in 5 years for the same house.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>A lot of buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts are saying.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you're trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let's connect. That way you understand what's happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260616\u002F20260617-Home-Prices-original.png",[255,256,257],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":109,"name":110,"slug":111},"2026-06-17T10:30:00Z","2026-06-16T16:45:35Z",{"id":261,"slug":262,"title":263,"description":264,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":265,"bannerImage":131,"body":266,"agentsBottomLine":267,"bodyImage":268,"isInfographic":137,"categories":269,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":276,"updatedAt":277},108801,"two-big-reasons-to-move-this-summer","Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer","\u003Cp>A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: \u003Cem>\"Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down.\"\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260610\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-171021376-original.png","\u003Cp>A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: \u003Cem>\"Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down.\"\u003C\u002Fem> \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While waiting sounds like a good plan, there's something worth knowing before you decide. Rates \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F03\u002Fthe-mid-year-housing-market-update-why-forecasts-changed-in\u002F\">aren’t expected\u003C\u002Fa> to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F08\u002Fcould-moving-a-bit-further-out-change-everything-about-your-budget\u002F\">affordable options\u003C\u002Fa>. Maybe you’ve run into that yourself:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>You find a house you like, but it's out of your budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Historically, Summer helps with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Looking at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fdata\u002F\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fdata\u002F\">According\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem>, \u003Cstrong>any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260610\u002F202600611-Fresh-Listings-original.png\" alt=\"a graph showing a number of prices\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>With more newly listed homes, there’s a better chance of finding one you like where the numbers actually work.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Because all it really takes is one home to completely change your search. And if you’ve got more popping onto the market to choose from, maybe one of those is exactly what you need. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But keep in mind, this seasonal window isn’t open forever. Fresh inventory tends to slow down once Summer ends.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Many homeowners who planned to sell this year have already listed by then. Families who wanted to move before school starts have often already gotten it done, or at least, set it into motion. So, new listing activity usually cools as we head into Fall and Winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Of course, every year is different. But if finding the right home at the right price has been your biggest challenge, waiting until later in the year may not necessarily give you more options. In fact, \u003Cstrong>recent history suggests it may do just the opposite.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Sellers: Homes Usually Sell for More in the Summer\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>If you're thinking of selling, you may be considering holding off because you've seen headlines about lower asking prices, price cuts, and softer conditions in some markets. But those headlines don’t tell the whole story or convey just how much it varies by area.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here’s what you really need to know. Even though the market’s becoming more balanced and some pockets are experiencing price declines, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to sell.\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Seasonality can still work in your favor no matter where you are\u003C\u002Fstrong>. And this Summer could still give you the chance to sell for a good price.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>According to the \u003Cem>National Association of Realtors\u003C\u002Fem> (NAR), \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fresearch-and-statistics\u002Fhousing-statistics\u002Fexisting-home-sales​\">\u003Cstrong>homes sold\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> during a Summer month usually sell for about 4% more \u003C\u002Fstrong>than homes sold during the typical month from September-December:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260610\u002F20260611-Homes-Sell-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a sales report\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Why? \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fblogs\u002Feconomists-outlook\u002Fthe-market-dynamics-of-june-sales-inventory-and-buyer-trends\">Summer buyers\u003C\u002Fa> are usually operating on a set timeframe. They’re trying to move before the next school year or when they have more PTO and warmer weather to tour houses. That urgency can translate into better offers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Now, that doesn’t mean you should price your house 4% higher this Summer. That would actually be a \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F14\u002Fthe-pricing-mistake-that-could-cost-you-your-sale\u002F\">mistake\u003C\u002Fa> in today’s market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It just means if you’re looking to get as much for your house as you reasonably can, a Summer move could be a smarter play than waiting until later this year. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Because based on typical seasonality\u003C\u002Fstrong>, you may get more for your house than you would if you waited until the Fall or Winter (when there are typically fewer buyers active).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And if you're considering a move anyway, that’s worth factoring in.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260610\u002F202600611-Fresh-Listings-original.png",[270,271,272,273,274,275],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":81,"name":82,"slug":83},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},{"id":113,"name":114,"slug":115},"2026-06-11T10:30:00Z","2026-06-10T01:56:31Z",{"id":279,"slug":280,"title":281,"description":282,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":283,"bannerImage":131,"body":284,"agentsBottomLine":285,"bodyImage":286,"isInfographic":137,"categories":287,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":292,"updatedAt":293},108772,"lower-asking-prices-are-a-win-for-todays-buyers","Lower Asking Prices Are a Win for Today’s Buyers","\u003Cp>If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260609\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-83802508-original.png","\u003Cp>If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news.\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Asking prices have started to come down.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The typical seller listed their house for a median of $429,500 in May. That’s 2.4% lower than a year ago, according to \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002FMay-2026-data\u002F\">\u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>. On its own, that won't transform what you can afford, but in today’s market every little bit helps and it signals a broader shift taking place.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Buyers Are Finally Catching a Break\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Check out this \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002FMay-2026-data\u002F\">\u003Cstrong>data\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> from \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem> and you can see this is the first May in years where buyers have caught any sort of break price-wise.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Each May from 2022-2025, things held pretty steady. But this year? You can see that more noticeable shift in your favor \u003Cem>(see graph below)\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260609\u002F20260610-Asking-Prices-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of sales in different colors\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While the dip from $440,000 to $429,500 isn’t a big one, it gives you more breathing room. And that’s not a small thing when affordability has been this tough.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Now, lower asking prices don’t mean every home is suddenly within your range. But they do show buyers are gaining a little ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And in today’s market, a little ground can go a long way. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What That Means for the Housing Market\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>And just in case this crossed your mind, \u003Cstrong>this is good news for your move, not bad news for the market as a whole.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The subtle dip from last May to this one shows prices are easing, but they’re not dropping off a cliff. What this is actually a sign of is that the market’s \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F23\u002F3-things-that-are-not-going-to-happen-in-todays-housing-market\">rebalancing\u003C\u002Fa> now that the number of homes for sale \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F22\u002Fmore-options-are-popping-up-this-spring\">has grown\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Buyers have a bit more power again, and sellers know they can't name just any price and expect their house to sell. They either meet the market where it is, or face a price cut later. And in general, sellers would rather \u003Cem>avoid \u003C\u002Fem>a price cut. As the \u003Cem>New York Post\u003C\u002Fem> explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\"\u003Cem>Rather than swinging for the fences with pandemic-era price tags, sellers are increasingly coming to terms with a new reality. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>The share of listings featuring price cuts actually fell to 17.5% in May, suggesting homeowners are doing their homework before putting up a “For Sale” sign\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem> instead of chasing unrealistic numbers and cutting later.\u003C\u002Fem>\"\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>This signals a broader change in the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Seller expectations have been skewed a little high since the pandemic buying frenzy – you've probably felt that firsthand. But now, things are starting to normalize. It could mean less back-and-forth to land on a fair number. And homes should be priced a bit more realistically from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>If affordability has been your top concern, the recent dip in prices is an opening. Want to see what that looks like in our area? Let’s connect.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260609\u002F20260610-Asking-Prices-original.png",[288,289,290,291],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2026-06-10T10:30:00Z","2026-06-09T06:25:03Z",2148,true]