Category Archives: Buying Tips

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Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again.

October 30, 2025Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Inventory, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again. Simplifying The Market

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.

Why You Don’t Need To Be Afraid of Today’s Mortgage Rates

October 29, 2025Buying Tips, Downsize, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

Why You Don’t Need To Be Afraid of Today’s Mortgage Rates Simplifying The Market

Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later.

The Magic Number

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“. . . a 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 6% would make the median-priced home affordable for about 5.5 million more households—including 1.6 million renters. If rates were to hit that magic number, it’s likely that about 10%—or 550,000—of those additional households would buy a home over the next 12 or 18 months.”

When the market hits that mortgage rate sweet spot, as expert forecasters are starting to say is more likely in 2026, the psychological shift to lower rates will kick in for more of today’s hopeful buyers. That will unleash some pent-up demand that’s been waiting on the sidelines, and the increase in activity will cause prices to rise.

And while a 5.99% rate might sound like a big win, if you’re waiting for that number to make your move, it might not actually save you as much as you think. Here’s how the math looks when you run the numbers (see chart below):

On a $400,000 mortgage, the difference between today’s rate (around 6.2%) and 5.99% is roughly $50 a month. That’s less than many people spend on weekly coffee runs or occasional DoorDash orders. And as prices tick up with more buyers in the market, that could quickly negate any of your potential savings.

So, if you’re waiting for 5.99%, that difference might not be worth missing out on today’s opportunities, like having more homes to choose from, better negotiation leverage with today’s sellers, and fewer buyers out there looking for the same houses.

Because the reality is, those benefits start to slip away when more buyers begin to make their moves – and a rate under 6% is exactly they’re waiting for.

Why Acting Now Makes Sense

Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR, says:

“Over the last 5 weeks, mortgage rates have averaged 6.31%. This has provided savvy buyers a sweet spot to reexamine the home search process with more inventory, widening their choices.”

And like Matt Vernon, Head of Retail Lending at Bank of America, notes:

“Rather than waiting it out for a rate that they like better, hopeful homebuyers should assess their personal financial situation—if the house is right for them, and the upfront and monthly payments are affordable, it could be the right chance to make a move.”

Bottom Line

If moving at today’s rate scares you, remember, waiting doesn’t always pay off. Once rates dip below 6%, as some experts project they’ll do next year, more buyers (and higher prices) will be back.

So, don’t be afraid of today’s mortgage rates. Because if you’re ready, this might just be your chance to make a move before the market wakes up again.

The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know

October 16, 2025Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Sellers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know Simplifying The Market

If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that’s the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier.

Let’s break this down into real dollars, so you can see the difference this could make for you (and your move).

Monthly Payments Are Coming Down

One of the clearest signs of this shift is in monthly payments. The latest data from Redfin shows mortgage payments on a median-priced home are now $283 lower than they were just a few months ago (see graph below):

This kind of monthly savings adds up fast, and totals nearly $3,400 over the course of a year.

While this isn’t enough to completely change the affordability game overnight, think about it this way. When you’re putting together a homebuying budget, a few hundred dollars could be the difference between being comfortable buying and feeling like money’s a bit tight.

And from a home-search perspective, it could even be enough to change the price point you can look at. According to Redfin:

“A borrower with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford a $468,000 home, about $22,000 more than in June.”

And that’s a big deal if you haven’t found a home you love in your price range yet. It gives you a little more flexibility to find the one that’s right for you.

Either way, that’s a big win.

What’s Behind the Shift?

Two key factors are working in your favor right now:

Mortgage rates have eased from their high earlier this year
Home price growth is slowing in many markets

Both of those things help your bottom line and give you a bit of breathing room if you’re buying a home. As Andy Walden, Head of Mortgage and Housing Market Research at ICE Mortgage Technology, says:

“The recent pullback in rates has created a tailwind for both homebuyers and existing borrowers. We’re seeing affordability at a 2.5-year high . . .”

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone looking to move-up into a bigger house, the shifts happening this year could make your move possible. Connect with a trusted agent or lender to see what your monthly payment would look like at today’s rates.

For you, the savings could be the difference between “not yet” and “let’s go.”

Bottom Line

Affordability is improving in many markets. And that resets the math on your move.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, this is your cue to start looking again. Connect with a local agent or trusted lender to run the numbers together so you can get a rough estimate of how much more buying power you may have than you did just a few months ago.

Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year

October 13, 2025Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, New Construction, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year Simplifying The Market

There’s a trend taking hold in real estate right now: more buyers are choosing newly built homes. And it’s not just about getting the latest technology or modern floorplans. It’s because they may be able to get a better deal.

Builders are offering serious incentives today, and people are jumping on them. In fact, new home sales just hit their highest level in over two years (see graph below):

Why Builders Are Throwing in Perks

There are more newly built homes for sale right now than there have been in years. And as a buyer, that can help you in two big ways. It gives you more options to choose from on the market, and it motivates builders to sell their inventory before they build more.

That’s exactly why more buyers are scoring incentives like these:

Mortgage rate buydowns to shrink your monthly payment
Price cuts that make homeownership more attainable
Help with closing costs and even upgrades in some communities

The best part is, a lot of builders are offering these perks right now. According to Zonda, nearly 6 out of 10 new home communities are doing incentives on to-be-built homes. And over 75% are doing the same for quick move-ins, which are homes that are already built and ready to move into. As real estate analyst Nick Gerli explains:

“. . . builders are adjusting to the realities of the current housing market. They’ve cut prices 13 percent from peak, and are giving generous mortgage rate buydowns on top of that.”

The big takeaway is: builders are motivated to sell. So, you could snag a lower price and maybe even a lower mortgage rate if you buy new. If you’ve been feeling priced out, these offers might be your way back in.

You Have More Brand-New Options Than Normal

Since there are more new homes on the market than usual, that gives you more options than you’ve had in years. Whether you’re looking for something turnkey or want to personalize a build, odds are there’s more available near you than you may realize.

Even though the number of new homes for sale is up throughout the country, there are pockets where you have an even better chance to find a better price. According to Census data, here’s a high-level look at which parts of the country are seeing the biggest boost in newly built homes (see graph below):

Both the South and West have more new homes available, so you may find builders are even more willing to negotiate in these regions.

Just know that this opportunity won’t last forever. Recent data shows builders are slowing down their production efforts. And a lot of that is to avoid having too many homes for sale. As Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains:

“The slowdown in single-family home building has narrowed the home building pipeline. There are currently 621,000 single-family homes under construction, down 1% in July and 3.7% lower than a year ago. This is the lowest level since early 2021 as builders pull back on supply.”

Moving forward, the number of new options may start to shrink as builders focus more on selling what’s already built before they add more. So, the best time in years to buy a new home may actually be right now.

Bottom Line

With builders cutting prices and maybe even helping you score a lower monthly payment, that’s not something to overlook.

If you want to see how active builders are in your target area and what they’re offering, here’s your power move: before you even begin looking, connect with your own agent.

That way, you have someone to help you compare incentives from multiple builders and negotiate on your behalf, making sure you get the best deal possible.

Why October Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in 2025

October 2, 2025Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

Why October Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in 2025 Simplifying The Market

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now’s the time to lean in. It’s officially the best time to buy this year. According to Realtor.com, this October will have the most buyer-friendly conditions of any month in 2025:

“By mid-October, buyers across much of the country may finally find the combination of inventory, pricing, and negotiating power they’ve been waiting for—a rare opportunity in a market that has been tight for most of the past decade.”

So, if you’re ready and able to buy right now, shooting for this month means you should see:

More homes to choose from
Less competition from other buyers
More time to browse
Better home prices
Sellers who are more willing to negotiate

Just remember, every market is different. For most of the top 50 largest metros, that sweet spot falls in October. But the peak time to buy may be slightly earlier or later, depending on where you live. As Realtor.com explains:

“While Oct. 12–18 is the national “Best Week,” timing can shift depending on the local markets. . .”

Best Week To Buy for the Top 50 Largest Metro Areas

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA: September 28 – October 4
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX: September 28 – October 4
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD: October 12 – 18
Birmingham, AL: October 19 – 25
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH: October 26 – November 1
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY: October 12 – 18
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC: November 2 – 8
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN: September 28 – October 4
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN: October 12 – 18
Cleveland, OH: October 12 – 18
Columbus, OH: October 12 – 18
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: September 28 – October 4
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO: October 12 – 18
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI: October 12 – 18
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI: September 28 – October 4
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT: September 21 – 27
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX: October 12 – 18
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN: October 26 – November 1
Jacksonville, FL: October 26 – November 1
Kansas City, MO-KS: October 12 – 18
Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV: October 5 – 11
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: October 12 – 18
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN: November 2 – 8
Memphis, TN-MS-AR: September 21 – 27
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL: November 30 – December 6
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI: September 7 – 13
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI: October 26 – November 1
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN: October 12 – 18
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ: September 14 – 20
Oklahoma City, OK: October 12 – 18
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL: October 26 – November 1
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD: September 7 – 13
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ: November 2 – 8
Pittsburgh, PA: October 12 – 18
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA: October 26 – November 1
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA: October 19 – 25
Raleigh-Cary, NC: October 12 – 18
Richmond, VA: October 26 – November 1
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA: September 28 – October 4
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA: October 12 – 18
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX: October 12 – 18
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA: October 12 – 18
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: October 12 – 18
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: October 19 – 25
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA: October 19 – 25
St. Louis, MO-IL: October 12 – 18
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL: November 30 – December 6
Tucson, AZ: October 12 – 18
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC: September 21 – 27
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: October 12 – 18

What the Experts Are Saying

And Realtor.com isn’t the only one saying you’ve got an opportunity if you move now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“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.”

Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, puts it like this:

“Nationally, now is a good time to buy, if you can afford it . . . with falling mortgage rates and significantly more inventory, buyers have an upper hand in negotiations.”

And NerdWallet says:

“This fall just might be the best window for home buyers in the past five years.”

How To Get Ready for this Golden Window

To make sure you’re ready to jump in whenever your market’s best time to buy arrives, talk to a local agent now. They’ll be able to give you more information on your market’s peak time, why it’s good for you, and the steps you’ll need to take to get ready.

Bottom Line

If you’re serious about buying, getting prepped for this October window is a smart play.

Want help lining up your strategy? Have a quick conversation with a local agent so you’ve got the information you need to be ready for this prime buying time.

3 Reasons Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement This Fall

September 22, 2025Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

3 Reasons Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement This Fall Simplifying The Market

For the past couple of years, it’s been tough for a lot of homebuyers to make the numbers work. Home prices shot up. Mortgage rates too. And a number of people hit pause because it just didn’t feel possible. Maybe you were one of them.

But there’s some encouraging news. If you’ve been waiting for a better time to jump back in, affordability may finally be showing signs of improvement this fall.

The latest data from Redfin shows the typical monthly mortgage payment has been coming down, and is now about $290 lower than it was just a few months ago (see graph below):

And here’s why this is happening. The cost of buying a home really comes down to three things:

Mortgage rates
Home prices
Your wages

Right now, all three are finally moving in a better direction for you. While that doesn’t mean it’s suddenly easy to buy at today’s rates and prices, it does mean it’s not as challenging.

1. Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have come down compared to earlier this year. In May, they were roughly 7%. And now, they’re closer to 6.3% (see graph below):

That may not sound like a big deal, but it does matter. Even small changes in rates can make a difference in your future monthly payment. Compared to when rates were 7%, if you take out an average $400K mortgage now at 6.3%, it’ll cost about $190 less a month based on just rates alone.

And for some people, that’s been enough to make buying a home possible again. As Joel Kan, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explained on September 10^th:

“The downward rate movement spurred the strongest week of borrower demand since 2022 . . . Purchase applications increased to the highest level since July and continued to run more than 20 percent ahead of last year’s pace.”

2. Home Prices

After several years of prices rising very rapidly, price growth has finally slowed. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, puts it:

“National home price growth remains positive, but muted — low single digits — and we expect this trend to continue in the second half of the year.”

For buyers, that’s actually a big relief. That moderation makes it easier to plan your budget. And in some markets, prices have even dipped slightly. If you’re in one of the markets, you may be able to find something that’s more affordable than you’d expect.

3. Wages

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wages are up near 4% annually. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains why that number is so important right now:

“Wage growth is now comfortably outpacing home price growth, and buyers have more choices.”

In other words, the typical paycheck is rising faster than home prices right now, which helps make buying a little more affordable. Now, it’s not a big difference, but in a market like this, every bit counts.

What This Means for You

Lower rates, slower price growth, and stronger wages might be enough to make the numbers finally work for you this fall.

While affordability is still tight, it’s a little easier on your wallet to buy now than it was just few months ago. Remember, data from Redfin shows the typical monthly mortgage payment is already around $290 lower than it was earlier this year.

Bottom Line

Have you been wondering if it’s worth taking another look at buying?

Work with a professional to re-run the numbers. Together you can go over your budget, see what’s changed, and figure out if this fall is the time to turn window-shopping into key-turning.

Builder Incentives Reach 5-Year High

September 4, 2025Buying Tips, For Buyers, Move-Up, New Construction, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

Builder Incentives Reach 5-Year High Simplifying The Market

Even with more homes on the market right now, some buyers are still having a tough time finding the right one at the right price. Maybe the layout feels off. Maybe it still needs some updating. Or maybe it’s just more of the same.

That’s why more buyers are turning to new construction – and finding some of the best deals available today.

Why? Today, many builders have more homes that are finished and sitting on the market than normal. And that means they’re motivated to sell. They’re running a business, and they don’t want to sit on their inventory. They want to sell it before they build more homes. And that can definitely work in your favor.

As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, puts it:

“In housing markets where unsold completed inventory has built up, many homebuilders have pulled back on their spec builds—and many are doing bigger incentives or outright price cuts to move unsold inventory.”

Incentives Are the Highest They’ve Been in 5 Years

Data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows 66% of builders offered sales incentives in August. That’s the peak so far this year, and the highest percentage we’ve seen in 5 years.

That means 2 out of every 3 builders are offering something extra to get deals done. And when builders throw in incentives, it’s the buyers like you who win.

Price Cuts Are Back on the Table

One of the most common incentives they’re offering right now is adjusting the price. According to NAHB, almost 40% of builders are doing price cuts (see graph below):

On average they’re taking off about 5% off the purchase price of the house. For a buyer, 5% could be the difference between reluctantly settling and finally getting a home that works for you.

Take a $500,000 house as an example. If builders reduce the price by 5%, you’re saving $25,000.

And even if the builder you’re interested in won’t budge on price, they’ve got plenty of other levers to pull. As Realtor.com explains:

“. . . there are deals to be found in the market for new homes, with builders increasingly willing to negotiate on price or offer incentives such as rate buydowns and closing cost assistance.”

Why This Matters for You

As a buyer, you probably have a clear vision for your ideal home. Because you’re not just buying any house. You’re buying your house. The one with the space, features, and lifestyle you’ve been hoping for. New builds can check those boxes since they usually have:

Bigger kitchens and open layouts
Energy efficiency (hello lower utility bills)
Smart-home upgrades
Fewer repair headaches on day one

And today’s incentives make buying a new home more attainable than it’s been in years.

One Word of Advice: Don’t Go At It Alone

If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, just be sure to use your own agent. Builder reps aren’t there to save you money. They protect the builder’s bottom line. That’s why you need to bring your agent with you. Your agent will:

Cut through the sales pitch and run the cold hard numbers
Spot which incentives are actually worth it (and which ones are fluff)
Handle negotiations so you walk away with the best deal possible
Keep your best interest as their top priority

Bottom Line

If you’re not finding a home you love, the new home market is buzzing with opportunity. With record-high incentives, price cuts in play, and builders itching to move inventory, this is the best time in years to buy new construction.

Curious how far today’s incentives could stretch your budget? Connect with an agent to see what builders are offering in your area.

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

August 21, 2025Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again Simplifying The Market

If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next. Sometimes it only took hours. You had to drop everything to go and see the house, and if you hesitated even slightly, someone else swooped in and bought it – sometimes even sight unseen.

That kind of intensity pushed a lot of buyers to the sidelines. It was stressful, chaotic, and for many, really discouraging.

But here’s what you need to know: those days are behind us.

Today’s market is moving slower, in the best possible way. And that’s creating more opportunity for buyers who felt shut out in recent years.

The Stat That Changes Everything

According to the latest data, homes are spending an average of 58 days on the market. That’s much more normal. And it’s a big improvement compared to the height of the pandemic, when homes were flying off the shelves in a matter of days (see graph below):

That means you now have more time to make decisions than you have at any point in the past five years. And that’s a big deal. Now, you’ve got:

Time to think.

Time to negotiate.

Time to make a smart move without all the pressure.

More Time Means Less Stress (and More Leverage)

Based on the data in the graph above, you have an extra week to decide compared to last year. And nearly double the time you would have had at the market’s peak.

Back then, fear of missing out drove buyers to act fast, sometimes too fast. Today, the pace is slower, which means you’re in control. As Bankrate puts it:

“For years, buyers have been racing to snag homes because of the fierce competition. But the market’s cooled off a bit now, and that gives buyers some breathing room. Homes are staying listed longer, so buyers can slow down, weigh their options and make more confident decisions.”

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers racing to grab them, the balance has shifted. Bidding wars aren’t as common, and that means you may have room to negotiate. And you can actually take a breath before you make your decision.

More listings + a slower pace = less stress and more opportunity

But, and this is important, it still depends on where you’re buying. Nationally, homes are moving slower. But your local market sets your real pace. Some states are moving faster than others. It may even vary down to the specific zip code or neighborhood you’re looking at. And that’s why working with an agent to know what’s happening in your area is more important than ever.

To see how your state compares to the national average (58 days), check out the map below:

As Realtor.com explains:

“While national headlines might suggest a buyer’s market is taking hold, the reality on the ground depends heavily on where and what you’re trying to buy. Local trends can diverge sharply from national averages, especially when you factor in price range, property type, and post-pandemic market dynamics.”

A smart local agent can tell you exactly when to move fast and when you can take your time, so you never miss the right home for you.

Bottom Line

If the chaos of the past few years drove you to hit pause, this is your green light. The market’s pace has shifted. You have more time. More options. More power.

And with the right agent guiding you, you’re in the best position you’ve been in for years.

Connect with a local agent to talk about what the pace looks like in your area, and if now could be the right time for you to re-enter the market.

Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers

August 20, 2025Affordability, Buying Tips, Downsize, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers Simplifying The Market

Not every homebuyer wants the biggest house on the block. Some want something simpler, more affordable, and easier to maintain, especially in a market where every dollar counts. That’s where condos come in.

For first-time buyers, they can be a smart way to get into homeownership without stretching your budget. For downsizers, they offer less space to maintain with the flexibility to stay in a great location.

And right now, condos are one of the most buyer-friendly parts of the market.

Condo Inventory Is Up, And That Means More Choice

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there are 194,000 condos for sale right now. That’s the second highest amount we’ve seen in the last three years (see graph below):

Just remember, this is the national figure. The exact number is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. But, generally speaking, you have more options and less competition.

You’re not stuck waiting for something to pop up or rushing into an offer just to beat someone else to it. You’ve got plenty to choose from. And if you’re particular about layout, location, or amenities, this is your chance to be selective.

That’s a big shift from the market frenzy of just a few years ago. Compared to early 2022, we’ve got nearly double the condos available now. That gives you more breathing room to find the right fit.

Prices Are Cooling, and Buyers Hold More Negotiating Power

And since there are more for sale, many sellers are more open to negotiating right now. So, you may be able to get a better price. As Redfin explains:

“. . . condo buyers in many cities may be able to find sellers who are willing to give concessions and/or sell for less than their asking price.”

Condo prices are starting to ease in many markets. According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), condo prices dipped 1.3% in June compared to last year. And over half of the top 100 U.S. metros saw condo prices drop slightly year-over-year.

Data from Redfin shows what the recent dip in prices looks like (see graph below):

That doesn’t just help with affordability, it also shifts the power dynamic. Condo buyers in many markets are now in a position to negotiate on price and ask for concessions, like help with closing costs.

Bottom Line

Condos aren’t just a fallback option. In today’s market, they’re one of the most strategic ways to buy. With more options, softening prices, and more room to negotiate, now could be the right time to make your move.

Could a condo check more boxes than you expected? Talk through your options with a local real estate agent and find out.

3 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today

August 5, 2025Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Rates, New Construction, Real EstateBennington, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Realty, Southern VermontBrenda Jones

Some Highlights

Prices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes.
There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people who buy new homes tend to get lower rates in this market thanks to the incentives builders can offer.
Connect with an agent if you want to see the new builds available in and around your area.