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Keeping Current Matters

Keep up with the latest real estate news.
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For Sellers

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September 17, 2026

Selling This Fall? You Want To Get These 4 Things Right.

Selling your house this fall is absolutely doable. But there’s something you need to know about this time of year. Buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climb – and you need the right strategy to get attention in this type of market. The good news? There’s a lot you can control. From how you price and present your house to how you negotiate and respond to feedback. Here are four things you’ll want to get right this fall. #1: Price To Get Buyers’ Attention In the fall, there are typically fewer buyers looking and more homes for them to choose from. So, you want to make the most of every buyer who comes across your house. And your price is one of the first things that can make them stop and take a closer look – or keep scrolling. That’s why this isn’t the time to start high “just to see what happens.” If buyers think your house is overpriced, they have plenty of other options to move on to. And that could leave you sitting and waiting. So, if you want to sell before year-end, work with your agent to find the right price for your house and today’s market. That may mean listing at market value – or even slightly below it – to grab buyers’ attention. Redfin explains how a seemingly small difference can change your buyer pool: “Buyers often search in round-number price brackets, so pricing at $499,000 instead of $505,000 can make your home appear in more searches and feel like a better deal.” #2: Make a Great First Impression When buyers had very few homes to choose from, they were often more willing to overlook dated finishes or a house that needed some work. That’s harder to count on now. With more choices, how your house looks online and in person can determine whether it makes a buyer’s shortlist at all. That doesn’t mean you need a full renovation before you sell, but you should take care of essential repairs, do what you can to boost curb appeal, and make sure your house photographs well. Maybe that’s some light staging, maybe it’s swapping out faucets or lights, or maybe a fresh coat of paint. Small details can help a lot. After all, you only get one chance to make that first impression. Make it count. #3: Stay Open To Negotiating Some sellers are still expecting the kind of leverage they had a few years ago. But in many markets, buyers have more negotiating power today and there’s a lot more give and take. The latest data from Redfin shows 46.2% of sellers gave buyers some type of concession. So, consider throwing in a little help with closing costs or covering a repair. Almost half of sellers are. The takeaway? Playing hard ball may not get you what you want. But being flexible might. The key is not getting so focused on “winning” every individual negotiation that you lose sight of the bigger goal: making your move happen. Sometimes a small concession is what gets you to the closing table. #4: Know When It’s Time To Adjust Sometimes your house tells you when something isn’t working. Maybe you’re getting plenty of online views but very few showings. Or buyers are coming through, but you’re not getting offers. Or maybe buyer feedback has one recurring theme. Pay attention to those signals. They can help you figure out what needs to change. Let’s say your price is the most common point of feedback. Talk to your agent about a price drop. It doesn’t have to be a big change to make a big difference. The average price cut right now is 4% according to HousingWire Data. That’s normal. Now, that doesn’t mean you should panic and slash your price after a week. It means you and your agent should pay attention to what buyers are telling you and adjust if you need to. Sometimes the smartest move isn’t waiting for the right buyer. It’s making sure you’re giving that buyer a reason to act. Bottom Line Selling this fall is absolutely doable. And now you know four of the biggest things to get right. If you want to sell before the end of the year, connect with a local agent to make sure you have the right strategy from day one.

By KCM Crew

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For Buyers

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September 16, 2026

The Best Time To Buy a Home in 2026 Is Almost Here

Want to buy a house this year, but not sure if the timing’s right? Seasonally, it may actually be a better time to buy than you expect. Yes, mortgage rates have been ticking up lately – and that’s creating some real challenges with affordability. No one’s arguing that. But there are also predictable trends that happen this time every year that can put some wind back in your sails. According to research coming out of Realtor.com, nationally, the week of September 27 – October 3 will be the best time to buy this year for this very reason: “The week of September 27–October 3 brings together the market conditions buyers value most—elevated inventory, less competition and prices that have eased from their seasonal high—giving prepared buyers a way to offset high rates with savings on price and room to negotiate with confidence." But that’s the national best week. Depending on where you live, your local sweet spot may come a little earlier or later (see map below): It all depends on local trends and how inventory and buyer demand ebbs and flows seasonally where you want to live. But no matter when your market hits its peak, here are some of the perks you can expect this time of year. More Choices, Better Prices, and Less Competition For starters, there are more homes to choose from. In fact, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the number of homes for sale recently reached its highest level in more than 10 years: “NAR’s data does show a strong uptick in for-sale inventory at the end of the summer, reaching the highest level in more than 10 years.” That means you may have a better shot at finding something you love and can afford without making as many compromises. And that’s not the only advantage. Realtor.com says buyers during this window could see home prices about $14,000 lower than the summer peak, along with 30% less competition from other buyers. Plus, homes tend to stay on the market almost 2 weeks longer (13 days), giving you a little more breathing room to make a decision. More choices. Better pricing. Less competition. That combination could be enough to ease some of the pressure higher mortgage rates are putting on your budget. The Window Doesn’t Close After This One Week But you certainly don’t have to buy during that very specific window. This isn’t a one-week-only opportunity. History tells us conditions should be tipped in your favor for the entire month of October: In fact, Realtor.com says 42 of the 50 largest metros see their best week to buy fall sometime during October. So, don’t feel like you have to rush to hit one specific date. Use the time now to get things lined up, then jump in when the timing is right for you. As Guaranteed Rate explains: “The best time to buy a home depends on your needs. Certain seasons can give you an advantage when starting your homebuying journey.” Bottom Line If you want to buy a house this year, there’s still a way to make it happen, even with today’s rates. This fall gives you the chance to get some of the best seasonal perks the market has to offer. Want help figuring out when those advantages typically show up in your market? Have a quick conversation with a lender and a local agent about how your market works and the steps you’ll need to take to get ready.

By KCM Crew

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For Sellers

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September 14, 2026

Selling This Fall? You Haven't Missed Your Window

Summer's winding down, and if you've been thinking about selling, you might be wondering if you missed your chance. Better to wait until next year or even next spring, right? Not so fast. About one in three of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year. Fall Is Busier than You Think Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows around a third of existing home sales happen in the final four months of the year. And that share has grown every year since 2023 (see graph below): Here's What That Means for You According to forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), NAR, and Wells Fargo, there will be about 4.16 million existing home sales this year. Based on how many sales have happened so far, that means roughly 1.4 million sales are expected between now and December. That's about 11,800 houses selling every single day this fall. So, the market isn't frozen and you don’t need to put your plans on ice either. Yes, higher rates are keeping some buyers on the sidelines. But hold out for next spring, and you'll sit out months when other serious buyers are ready to move before the new year. How do you get in front of those buyers who are still out there looking right now? Getting your house sold this season comes down to how well it's priced and presented, and that's where a local agent shines. A good agent knows what buyers in your area want right now, prices your house to match this fall's market, and positions it to stand out to the serious buyers shopping before year-end. From the first photo to the final offer, they handle the details that turn your house on the market into one of the 11,800 selling every day. Bottom Line Listing this fall doesn't mean your house will sit on the market until spring. Buyers are out there right now, ready to make a move before the new year – and your window is still open. To make yours one of the homes that sells this season, connect with a local real estate agent.

By KCM Crew

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For Buyers

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September 10, 2026

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

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): That'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.

By KCM Crew

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For Sellers

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September 9, 2026

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

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): What’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): Buyers 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.

By KCM Crew

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For Buyers

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September 7, 2026

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away. But your salary is only half the equation. Where you live shapes what you can afford just as much. And if you can work remotely, you have an advantage a lot of buyers don't. You're not tied to living where the jobs are, so you can look where your money goes further. Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You Live Remote job openings are on the rise. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings climbed 22% from the quarter before. That’s the second quarter in a row of double-digit growth. More remote roles mean more people can choose a home base around the life they want to build. As Forbes puts it: “Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and business owners have the flexibility to choose a home base based on the life they want to build, whether that means more space, a lower cost of living, better access to nature, or simply somewhere new." And you can use that freedom to look somewhere more affordable. Your Paycheck Goes Much Further in Some States Your cost of living – what you spend on housing, groceries, utilities, and the rest of daily life – varies a lot from one state to the next. In some, according to data from Extra Space, it runs far enough below the national average to change what you can afford (see map below): Take Mississippi, for example, where the cost of living sits about 17% below average, or West Virginia at roughly 15% below. When day-to-day life costs less, you can put more of your income toward your goals, homeownership included. Relocate Right describes it this way: "Remote work has fundamentally changed the calculus of where to live. When your employer is in San Francisco, but you can work from anywhere, the question is no longer 'where are the jobs' but 'where does my salary go furthest and what kind of life can I build.'" For a first-time buyer, working remotely could be a chance to put down roots and finally buy. Because with that kind of flexibility, you get to choose where to live and which places work best for your life and goals. What To Weigh Before You Go A lower cost of living is a great start. But it’s also important to consider the things a budget spreadsheet won't show you, because a place can look like a great fit on paper and still not feel like home. Is the internet fast and steady enough to do your job without interruptions? Will it be easy to make friends and settle into a routine once you arrive? Does it have the amenities you want, like public transportation or decent takeout? This is where a local real estate agent comes in. They can help you weigh a big move against a nearby one, because every state has more affordable pockets. Sometimes they’re closer than you think. An agent will know which neighborhoods fit your budget and have the features you're after, whether that’s walkability, good restaurants, parks, or a nearby farmer’s market. Bottom Line With remote work, where you live can be your decision instead of your employer's. And that puts more affordable places within reach. Want to explore where that could take you? Connect with a local real estate agent to see what's possible.

By KCM Crew

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For Buyers

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September 3, 2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

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): Why 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): It 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): 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.

By KCM Crew

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For Buyers

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September 2, 2026

Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now.

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): Builders 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.

By KCM Crew

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September 1, 2026

The Market Changed. Your Reason for Moving Didn’t.

You may be telling yourself you’re going to wait to move – maybe you’re hoping mortgage rates will come down, prices will fall, or the market will feel a little easier. And honestly? A lot of people feel that way right now. But here’s what some are starting to realize. Waiting doesn’t usually fix the thing that made you want to move in the first place. Your family still desperately needs more room. Your empty nest still feels too...empty. Your parents or grandparents still need you to live closer. You just got married... or divorced. Your vision of retirement has you living somewhere else. Eventually, life can reach a point where waiting feels harder than moving. That’s why some people are still deciding to buy right now, even in today’s market. Not because conditions are perfect. But because the life changes behind their move never really went away. And maybe that’s exactly where you are too. If so, you’re certainly not alone. The Real Reasons People Move Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 1 in 5 buyers in 2025 said they felt like they had to purchase a home at that time, no matter the market. That's an important reminder right now. Sure, the dollars and cents of your move have to make sense for you. But big life changes happen whether mortgage rates and home prices are high, low, or somewhere in between. And those big life events happen more than you may think. NAR says roughly 22.5 million people experience major life changes in a typical two-year span (see graph below): These are exactly the kinds of things that can change how much space you need, where you want to live, or what kind of lifestyle makes sense now. Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at Redfin, explains: “Life doesn’t stand still—people get new jobs, grow their families, downsize after retirement, or simply want to live in a different neighborhood.” And that’s what makes waiting so hard. Every month you spend hoping the market changes is another month living in a house that no longer works for your life. It’s stressful to feel stuck. And that feeling usually doesn’t disappear. There May Be More Opportunity Than You Think But while affordability is still a challenge, there may still be a way for you to make your move. HousingWire Data shows the number of homes for sale has been growing for years (see graph below). That means more homes to choose from and, in some markets, more room to negotiate than buyers had just a few years ago. That doesn’t mean moving is suddenly easy. But it does mean some buyers are finding ways to make a move work. So, if you’ve been putting your plans on hold, maybe the question isn’t just: “What’s the market doing?” or “When will it get better?” Maybe ask yourself this, too: “Can I still live where I'm at right now and make it work?” If the answer to that second question is “no,” it may be worth having a conversation about what your options look like today – despite where rates or prices are. You could find your move is still possible after all. With more homes for sale, there’s a better chance to find one that fits your life (and your budget) right now. Bottom Line Life changes. Priorities shift. Families grow. Kids move out. Careers evolve. And eventually, the house you’re in may stop fitting the life you’re living. If that’s been weighing on you lately, talk to an agent about what your options could realistically look like today, no matter where rates or prices are. Life can’t always wait for perfect market conditions. Maybe you don’t have to either.

By KCM Crew

Work With Sueanne

Buying or selling a home is an important business decision, but it’s also a time of meaningful transition in your life. From your first home to downsizing for retirement, and all the changes life brings in between, every client deserves a knowledgeable and caring agent who appreciates what this move means to you and helps you achieve your goals and dreams.

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