Category Archives: Home Prices

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Data Centers Are Moving Closer to Homes. What Does That Mean for You?

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Data Centers Are Moving Closer to Homes. What Does That Mean for You? Simplifying The Market

Data centers probably weren’t on your list of things to think about when buying or selling a home.

School districts? Sure. How close you are to family? Absolutely. A large building full of computer servers down the road? Probably not.

But that may be changing.

Data centers are popping up in more communities across the country. And as they do, buyers and homeowners are starting to wonder what having one nearby could mean for everything from home values to utility bills. So, let’s get into what the data actually says. Because there’s a lot more nuance here than if they’re “good” or “bad.”

Data Centers Are Showing Up in a Lot More ZIP Codes

According to Realtor.com, back in 2015, only about a dozen ZIP codes had a large data center. But by the first half of 2026, that number had climbed to more than 100 – and it’s projected to rise even further by the end of the year (see graph below):

a graph of growth in blueThat’s a pretty dramatic increase in just over a decade. HousingWire shows a lot of that growth is in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada. 

And that ramp up explains why this is becoming a real estate conversation. More buyers are going to encounter a data center during their search. More homeowners are going to hear about one being proposed nearby. 

And both groups are going to want to know what that could mean for them.

The Big Question: What About Home Values?

One of the first concerns homeowners and buyers may have is: could a nearby data center hurt home values? So far, there’s no evidence that says it automatically will.

Researchers compared communities that have large data centers to similar communities without them. A recent HousingWire article reports:

“. . . home values in data center ZIP codes generally tracked their matched communities — with no statistically meaningful gains or losses. Listing prices showed a modest initial increase around openings . . .”

That’s important context. Historically, simply having a data center nearby hasn’t been enough to send home values dramatically higher or lower.

That doesn’t mean every property will react the same way. Proximity, the surrounding development, and the specific facility can all matter. But for the typical homeowner or buyer, the data so far doesn’t point to an automatic impact on home values.

Living Near a Data Center Can Come with Tradeoffs

Like any major development coming to town, data centers can bring benefits along with things buyers and homeowners will want to consider.

On the plus side:

  • They may be part of a bigger growth story. A data center can usher in broader development in an area and substantial property tax revenue that can be used to improve the community. 

  • Infrastructure may get an upgrade. New roads, fiber, power infrastructure, and other improvements can come along with major development. 

  • They can generate economic activity. A data center can generate jobs which in turn fuels local housing demand and supports local businesses. 

On the flip side:

  • They’re not exactly invisible. Large facilities, transmission lines, substations, and construction can change the look and feel of an area. 

  • Noise can matter. Cooling equipment, generators, construction, and truck traffic may be noticeable depending on how close you are. 

  • They use more resources. These facilities can require significant electricity and, depending on the cooling system, water. That can raise questions about local infrastructure and whether growing electricity demand could affect what residents pay. 

On that last point, J.P. Blackwood, Public Affairs Liaison and Media Spokesperson for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), explained his take on what consumers need to know about data centers and their potential to impact utility costs to HousingWire:

“Utility rate increases tend to be gradual, and so that’s what I would expect here. Again, a number of factors can drive electricity prices higher and are driving them higher, and this is one of them. There are steps being taken around the country to mitigate the effects of data centers.”

Basically, they’re just one factor that can have an impact. And the key word there is “can” because it depends on where you live and what rules are in place in your area.

So, What Should Buyers and Homeowners Do?

If you’re buying, find out what’s already there – and what’s approved or proposed nearby. Consider the facility’s proximity, potential noise, future development, and whether utility costs are something you want to factor into your budget.

If you’re selling, don’t assume a nearby data center automatically hurts your home’s value. But buyers may have questions. Knowing the facts about the facility, construction timeline, noise, and future plans can help you address those concerns upfront.

Bottom Line

As more data centers pop up, they’re becoming another piece of the puzzle buyers and homeowners need to understand.

Have a data center nearby or one coming soon? Talk to a local real estate agent about what it could mean for your home or your next move.

The Housing Market Split in 2. Which Side Is Your House On?

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The Housing Market Split in 2. Which Side Is Your House On? Simplifying The Market

Ask a couple people how the housing market is doing and you’ll probably get a couple different answers. That’s because right now, the market runs on 2 very different tracks, split by price point.

Knowing which track your house is on changes everything about your sale, from your asking price to how long you can expect to wait before an offer comes in. Here’s what you need to know.

Home Sales Are Picking Up Speed at the Top of the Market

Rates and buyer competition are shaping this market differently depending on price point. Look at recent sales data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the pattern jumps right out. 

Homes priced under $250,000 saw sales drop 2-3% compared to last year, while homes priced above $750,000 saw sales climb by double digits (see graph below):

a graph of salesWhat’s behind the divide? Due to higher rates and the last few years of home price appreciation, fewer buyers can comfortably afford homes at the entry-level price point right now – especially first-time buyers. So, demand in that segment has slowed down. 

On the flip side, buyers looking for higher-priced homes have less sensitivity to high-rate environments and more room in their budgets, thanks in part to a strong stock market and their equity in their current home. 

That’s the real differentiator. Lower-priced homes are still selling, just not as quickly since today’s rates have shrunk the pool of buyers who can afford to buy their first place right now.

This is exactly why pricing strategy and presentation carry more weight than they used to, especially if you’re selling in that range. Price it right from the start instead of testing a high number, make sure it shows well online and in person, and lean on an agent who can get your listing in front of every buyer shopping in your range. That’s the best way to make sure you catch the attention of one of the buyers who are still looking – and it’s how you prove your home is worth it’s price.

Why Some Homes Sit While Others Get Snapped Up

How fast a home sells is shifting by price point too, and the split is just as sharp. For years, luxury homes sat on the market a lot longer than starter homes. That gap has nearly closed, according to Redfin (see chart below):

a graph of salesBuyers with deep pockets are moving fast when a well-priced home in their range comes up. As Zillow puts it:

“The U.S. housing market is splitting in two. Luxury homes are selling at a faster pace than a year ago, with shrinking supply and growing bidding wars.”

If you’re in that range, your house may sell faster than you’d expect. You may even get multiple offers. That kind of competition changes how a listing should be marketed and priced from day 1. 

And no matter which side you’re on, that’s information you’re going to want up front if you want to have the smoothest sale possible.

What This Means for Your Sale

If you’re thinking about selling an entry-level home, don’t panic. Homes at your price point are still selling, just at a slower pace than last year. That slower pace means pricing and presentation matter even more right now. 

If you’re selling a move-up or luxury house, you’re in a good spot right now. Buyers looking in your price point usually aren’t as affected by today’s rates, so they’re more active, and good listings are drawing real competition.

Either way, your price point is the biggest factor in how fast your house sells and what it sells for.

Bottom Line

Your home’s price point is the real story right now, more than anything you’re hearing in national headlines. Connect with a local real estate agent to map out exactly where your house fits in this split market and build a pricing strategy that gets you the speed and price you’re after.

Why Buyers Shouldn’t Overlook a Fall Move

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Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move Simplifying The Market

You’ve been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates, only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor. 

Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October.”

And that’s exactly why, if you’ve been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are.

1. There Are More Homes To Choose From

One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that.

Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November than during any other season of the year (see graph below):

a graph of a number of homesWhy does this happen? Homes that hit the market in spring and summer don’t all close right away. Some sit. New listings keep coming. And inventory builds as the year goes on.

By fall, you’re looking at the largest pool of available homes all year. That makes it easier to find one that works for your needs and your budget. And if anything, this should be more true this year. Rates that are higher for longer tend to help inventory grow even more.

More choices can mean fewer compromises. You’re more likely to find the right home, not just the one that happens to be available.

2. Asking Prices Start To Drop

Having more choices is great. But if every home is still priced too high, that only gets you so far. That’s where fall’s second advantage kicks in: asking prices start their seasonal decline. 

HousingWire data shows this trend over time (see graph below):

a graph of a number of blue and green barsIt works like this. Spring and early summer are when sellers feel the most confident because that’s when demand is typically strongest. So, many homeowners price their homes higher during those periods because of the uptick in demand.

But every year, like clockwork, that dynamic starts to change by fall. Buyer activity slows down as the weather cools off. So, sellers have to price a bit lower to try to draw buyers in. And that’s good for your bottom line.

3. More Sellers Are Willing To Negotiate

But fall doesn’t just bring more choices and lower asking prices. It also brings more sellers who are increasingly motivated to get a deal done. 

You can see it in the data. Most years, fall is when price cuts peak according to Realtor.com data (see graph below):

a graph of sales with numbers and text

While it’s not a big difference from summer, this fall you’ll have more negotiation power than you’d have if you wait until the first half of 2027. Here’s why. 

If a home is on the market in the fall, many sellers are eager to get it sold before the holidays. And since there are usually fewer buyers active in the fall, that often leads to another opportunity to snag a better deal. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Less competition can lead to better deals. While homes are not selling as fast as during the summer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate.”

Even a small seller compromise here can make a meaningful difference for you. 

As an example, a 5% price drop on a $500,000 home is $25,000. That could mean you end up borrowing less, keeping more money in savings, having room in the budget for updates after you move in, or simply making the monthly payment feel more manageable.

Bottom Line

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here’s what doesn’t change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers. 

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Have a quick conversation with a local agent about what’s happening in your market. That way you can find out whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.

Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now.

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Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now. Simplifying The Market

Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards. Newly built homes are more affordable than existing ones in a lot of markets. And that’s because builders are cutting prices and stacking on incentives to try to keep their inventory moving.

Here’s why that’s really important for any would-be homebuyer to know.

Newly Built Homes Are the Better Deal Right Now

According to the latest data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a newly built home now typically costs about $40,000 less than an existing one (see graph below):

a graph of a house costBuilders aren’t like homeowners who can wait for the right offer. Unsold homes cost them money as long as they sit empty. So, builders cut prices and add incentives to keep them moving. That trend has carried into August. NAHB’s latest numbers:

  • 35% of builders cut prices, with an average reduction of 6%. 

  • 63% offered incentives like covering closing costs or buying down your mortgage rate. 

And those incentives can make a real dent in what you pay upfront and every month after. Plus, since everything is new and many builders offer warranties, you could save on home maintenance costs too. And with affordability where it is, every dollar counts.

So, don’t cross new builds off your list just yet. Yes, you may think they cost more, but that’s not always the case. 

If you can get brand-new everything for less than buying an existing home, isn’t that at least worth looking into? 

Don’t Let the Builder Pick Your Teammate

But before you tour a single model home, there’s one thing worth figuring out first – who’s actually working for you once you walk through that door.

That friendly rep in the builder’s sales office works for the builder, not you. Their job is to protect the builder’s bottom line, not yours. Your own agent flips that. 

They know the local market, so they can tell you if the builder’s price and upgrades stack up against other options nearby. They’ll negotiate on your behalf, whether that’s a lower price, free upgrades, or a rate buydown. 

A good agent will also push for a home inspection. Builders won’t always bring it up, but it’s a step you shouldn’t skip, even on a new build. And your agent will be in your corner, so you know what you’re buying and get the best deal possible. 

Bottom Line

New homes may actually cost less than an existing home right now. And that’s opening up a window for you to get brand-new for less.

If you want a list of new home communities near you that are currently offering incentives or doing price cuts, reach out to a local agent. When you have your own agent, you’ll have someone in your corner helping you get the best deal possible.  

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They’re At

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Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At Simplifying The Market

You’re scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. 

Because even if you love the house, the numbers feel impossible. But here’s the thing.

Nationally, there are more homes sitting on the market than there are people out there looking. And when sellers need buyers more than buyers need sellers, that shows up in the price.

Lower asking prices. More price cuts. And homes priced for what buyers can actually afford – not what sellers hope someone might pay.

And it may be enough to make buying more doable than you’d think. 

4 Out of 10 Sellers Are Cutting Their Price 

One of the clearest signs sellers are adjusting? Price cuts. HousingWire Data shows more than 40% of sellers are dropping this price.

That’s just slightly behind the volume we saw last year (see graph below):

a graph of a price reduction

That’s more than 4 out of every 10 homes listed. Think about what that means. That’s thousands of sellers deciding they’d rather lower their asking price than keep waiting for someone willing to stretch their budget. 

They know that to sell, they have to be willing to do some give and take. And when no buyers are biting, they’re pulling their biggest lever to draw buyers back in – their price. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“This is a market where people are adjusting and showing up rather than giving up. Sellers are meeting the market with more realistic asking prices, which is helping deals get done.”

This July Saw the Lowest Median List Price for Any July in Five Years

What about the other 6 in 10 sellers? A lot of them started with a lower asking price to begin with rather than test the higher price and get crickets from buyers.

That may be why July 2026 had the lowest median list price of any July in the past five years, according to Realtor.com (see the white line in the graph below):

a graph of sales and prices

Now, that doesn’t mean home values are falling or that everything’s suddenly a steal. Prices are still above where they were before the pandemic. But what it does mean is this.

Sellers no longer banking on bidding wars or expecting buyers to pay whatever they ask. Instead, many are listing at prices that better reflect today’s market from the very beginning. 

And honestly, whether they’re pricing competitively from day one or adjusting after a few weeks on the market, the message for you is the same:

Sellers are more willing to meet you where you’re at.

Because in many markets throughout the country, you’re not fighting over a house anymore. Sellers are fighting over you. And that’s information you can use to get a better deal.

Yes, affordability can be a real challenge. And the monthly payment you take on definitely does matter. But if you’ve been assuming everything is out of budget, there may be more wiggle room than you think.

Bottom Line

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren’t before. Reach out to a local agent to take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what’s available – and how willing today’s sellers are to work with buyers.

Worried About a Housing Crash? The Numbers Tell a Calmer Story.

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Worried About a Housing Crash? The Numbers Tell a Calmer Story. Simplifying The Market

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

So, it’s understandable if you’ve been putting off buying or selling a home until things settle down. But you may be waiting on something that’s already happened. While everything else has felt shaky, the housing market has become one of the steadiest things out there. Look at the data.

Home Prices Have Leveled Out

After years of fast increases, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows home prices have been remarkably steady for the past 4 years (see graph below):

a graph of blue linesAnd experts say that’s what to expect going forward, too. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, explains:

“In 2026, we expect home prices to remain broadly stable, with modest appreciation at a national level.”

No wild swings. Just slow, steady growth. That’s a healthy market. Of course, that pace can vary a bit depending on where you live. But nationally, steady growth like this makes it easier to plan your budget, whether you’re buying or selling.

The Supply of Homes for Sale Has Steadied

For years, the supply of homes for sale was a moving target. It dropped fast during the pandemic and has been climbing pretty reliably ever since. Now, that pace of growth has slowed down. According to Realtor.com, inventory today is very close to where it was this time last year (see graph below): 

a graph of blue linesThat’s helpful no matter which side you’re on. When the number of homes for sale isn’t changing much, you know what you’re walking into – how many options you’ll have as a buyer, and how much competition you’ll face as a seller.

Mortgage Rates Found Their Range

Yes, rates jumped dramatically back in 2022. But since then, Freddie Mac data shows they’ve stayed between 6% and 7% for the better part of the last 3 or so years (see graph below):

a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph of a graph ofYes, there was one brief spike above that threshold, but overall, rates have stayed in that range for a while now. That predictability helps when you’re planning a move. 

And now that this seems to be a longer-term trend, people have accepted it as the new normal. Buyers have gotten comfortable purchasing in that range, and sellers have gotten just as comfortable listing in it.

That comfort’s important because when both sides know what to expect, they keep making moves. In other words, the market isn’t frozen waiting for something to change. It’s moving calmly.

Bottom Line

The rest of the world may feel unpredictable right now, but the housing market doesn’t have to. Prices, inventory, and rates have all found solid ground.

If stability is what you’ve been waiting for, it’s already here. Connect with a local real estate agent if you want to talk through what that means for your move.

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

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The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For Simplifying The Market

That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you’ve been using for storage.

To you, it’s extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it’s the reason they’d pick your house. Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise.

Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally

The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com.

And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs.

While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area (see map below):

a map of the united states

Where does your state fall? Depending on where you are, the pool of buyers looking for a house like yours could be even bigger than you’d think. But the overall bottom line is this.

There’s a real market out there for larger homes with room for multiple generations under one roof, especially since affordability is still so tight. And if you own a house like that, it’s in demand.

Multi-Generational Houses Sell at a Premium

And that extra room carries real value with the right buyer. According to Realtor.com, in 2025 the median asking price for a multi-generational house was $709,000 – roughly 65% higher than the $429,900 median for a standard house.

Some of that is simply size. But compare multi-generational homes to regular homes with the same amount of square footage, and they still come out on top – $262 per square foot versus $215.

That’s a 22% premium you could command for special features like in-law suites, second kitchens, and separate entries (see graph below):

a graph of a home sales

When you sell, this could help you walk away with more money in your pocket, especially when your agent highlights your home’s multi-generational-friendly features in your listing.

And Buyers Aren’t Getting Sticker Shock

And even with slightly higher price tags, buyers aren’t flinching. Multi-generational houses drew 13.5% more online views than standard ones, and they still sold just as fast – in about 59 days – per the same Realtor.com report.

Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

“The strong demand and steep premiums we are seeing in inventory-constrained markets point to a real mismatch between what buyers are looking for and what is actually available. For sellers in these markets, this type of home can be a significant asset.”

Basically, when buyers want something that’s very specific, the house that checks the box tends to stand out.

Bottom Line

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can’t find in a standard one. That’s what gets attention. And offers. So, talk to a local real estate agent about what it could get you in your market right now.

Home Price Growth Slowed Down. That May Be Changing.

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Home Price Growth Slowed Down. That May Be Changing. Simplifying The Market

After more than a year of headlines talking about how home prices are going to crash, the latest data shows that price growth may be starting to pick back up again. And depending on whether you’re buying or selling, that shift means something different for you.

The Numbers May Be Starting To Turn

For the past couple of years, home price growth has been moderating – cooling from around 7% in mid-2024, according to Redfin (see graph below). But look at the right side of that graph. The pace of that growth appears to have hit its low point and started to turn.

a graph of growth in a number of years

While a couple months of data doesn’t necessarily mean this will be a lasting trend, there are some other signs that this could continue.

For example, fewer markets are seeing prices decline. According to ResiClub and Zillow, about 36% of the 300 largest housing markets had falling prices as of the middle of last year. Since the start of this year, that share has been shrinking. Now? Only 23% are experiencing those mild dips (see graph below):

a graph of the price of a house

When fewer markets see prices falling, that means more markets are seeing prices rise again.

And forecasts suggest this shift has room to run. On average, experts project home prices will rise about 2.3% nationally this year. And for that to happen, price growth would have to pick up a bit in the second half of 2026.

But Remember, Real Estate Is Local

While it looks like national prices may be starting to pick back up a tiny bit, that doesn’t mean that’s what’s happening in your neighborhood.

National home prices are really just an average of hundreds of local markets. Some are climbing faster. Others are still cooling. But one reason the national average may be looking up is because a growing number of metros may actually be net positive for prices this year.

Not long ago, the major metros were split about 50/50 – half seeing prices rise and half seeing them fall. Now, that balance looks like it’s starting to tip in a more positive direction. Just last month, more than half of the major metros saw prices go up, according to Redfin (see graph below):

a graph of prices on a dark background

As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, explains:

“. . . local markets continue to tell very different stories. Annual home price growth has changed little since the start of the year, but some markets, especially those supported by strong job and income growth in the West and more affordable Midwest markets, have seen notable acceleration in price gains.”

What This Means for You

Home price headlines can be confusing because they don’t always tell the full picture. Lean on an agent to understand what’s happening in your local market and what the early signs say for where prices may go from here.

That’s the best way to stay one step ahead of the market.

If you’re buying: slower price growth has worked in your favor. You’ve had more room to negotiate and a budget you could plan around. If price growth is picking up in your area, buying now may mean paying less than you would later this year.

If you own a home: you’ve been gaining equity all along, even while growth moderated. If growth keeps picking up, those gains could speed up, too. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), projects the typical homeowner will gain roughly $16,000 in housing wealth this year. And if you’re thinking about selling, this shift is a good early sign for you. Just remember, the market is still pretty balanced and buyer-friendly in a lot of areas right now.

Home price growth slowed way down, and now it’s showing early signs of picking back up. Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s connect so you can see exactly what prices are doing in our local market and what that means for your plans.

Bottom Line

Home price growth slowed way down, and now it’s showing early signs of picking back up. Whether you’re buying or selling, connect with a local real estate agent so you can see exactly what prices are doing in your local market and what that means for your plans.

Selling a Luxury House? Here’s Why Now Is a Good Time

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Selling a Luxury House? Here’s Why Now Is a Good Time Simplifying The Market

If you own a luxury house, you’re in a stronger spot than most sellers right now. While much of the market has cooled, the high-end tier hasn’t. Sale prices and buyer demand are both up. So if you’re considering selling, now could be a great time to make your move.

Luxury Is Leading on Price

Let’s start with prices. But before we get into it – what actually counts as a luxury home? Generally, these are homes in the top 5% price range for the area, so it varies depending on where you live.

But what’s interesting is that according to the latest data from Redfin, sale prices for luxury houses have risen about three times faster than for non-luxury.

Right now, the typical home’s sale price is up about 1.5% year-over-year. But high-end homes? Their sale prices have gone up nearly 5% since last year (see graph below):

a graph of sales

That’s a bigger deal than it sounds like.

Despite all the talk about slowing price growth lately, sale prices in this segment of the market may be rising faster than you’d expect based on the headlines. That’s going to be a good thing if you’re thinking about selling. And rising sale prices are only half the story.

Buyers Are Showing Up, Too

While so many headlines are talking about how buyers are pulling back, that’s not necessarily true when it comes to luxury homes. In fact, right now, it looks like the higher the price point, the more active the buyers.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“The luxury market has really performed better compared to the lower price point. . . . if we look at price points, any home priced under $250,000, virtually no change in unit sales from one year ago. Then you go into the upper price category, and home sales are up about 10% from one year ago. But the million dollar-plus homes, it is up by 18% from one year ago.“

Basically, more homes are selling on the upper end of the market. A big reason is that high-end buyers tend to feel less of the affordability pressure weighing on many households today, so they keep buying even when the wider market slows.

That demand also means that luxury houses don’t stay on the market as long as they used to.

Luxury Houses Are Selling Relatively Quickly

According to the most recent data from Redfin, for luxury homes the median number of days on market is under 50. That’s much faster than pre-pandemic norms going even as far back as 2014 (see graph below):

a graph of sales in a market

That means you probably won’t spend a ton of time sitting in limbo wondering when you’ll get an offer.

Bottom Line

Selling a high-end house is a big decision, and you deserve to feel confident going in. With sale prices climbing and buyers active at the top, this is a strong window to make your move.

When you’re ready to cash in, connect with a local real estate agent to talk strategy.

More Homes, Better Prices: A Buyer’s Summer

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More Homes, Better Prices: A Buyer’s Summer Simplifying The Market

If you’ve thought about buying a home in the past few years, you may have run into two frustrations: asking prices that kept climbing and too few homes to choose from.

In many places, both sticking points are letting up this summer, with lower asking prices and more homes for sale. Let’s look at the trends, and what they mean for your search.

Sellers Are Pricing To Attract Buyers

According to Realtor.com, the national median asking price was $430,000 in June, nearly $11,000 under what it was the year before (see graph below):

a graph of sales

That’s the eighth month in a row that the typical asking price has dipped below where they were the previous year, according to the same Realtor.com report.

And while falling prices can sound worrying, this isn’t a sign of an impending crash. We’re talking about asking prices, not sold prices. This is a sign that today’s sellers are meeting the market where it is and pricing to draw buyers. And that’s actually something normal we’d expect from the market. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, puts it:

“Sellers are reading market conditions and are pricing accordingly from the start rather than listing high and cutting later, and buyers are taking note and making bids. This is a welcome sign that we are in a functioning market.”

Asking prices were never going to climb forever – now they’re just settling closer to what buyers can actually pay. That signals a healthier market, and sellers re-adjusting their expectations. 

More Homes Are Available Now

If you’ve spent the past few years watching homes disappear before you could even schedule a tour, this is for you.

Supply is starting to catch up. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes listed for sale in June was the highest June number we’ve seen in three years (see graph below):

a graph with numbers and a number of blue bars

This means more options for you and less competition for each one.

Now, supply is not back to normal everywhere. As you can see, we’re still down from where we were back in 2017-2019. But in many places, it’s better than it’s been in a while. Here’s how that helps you.

You don’t have to rush an offer just to stay in the running, and you have better odds of finding and landing the right home, not just the one that’s available. Plus, you’ll have more room to negotiate, so you’re searching from a stronger position than buyers had even a year ago.

Why This Is Encouraging if You’re Buying Your First Home

For first-time buyers looking for lower-priced homes, these trends line up especially well. Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow, explains:

“The lowest price tiers are exhibiting some softness in terms of price, they also had the most listing-activity growth, the first time since 2022 that’s been the case.”

So, if you’re searching for your first place or your next house, there’s a little more to choose from and a little more give on price.

Bottom Line

If a tight budget or a thin selection has kept you from buying a home, now might be the time to restart your search.

Connect with a local real estate agent to see what’s available where you’re looking.