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March 11, 2026

The Housing Market Is Showing Signs of Improvement Heading Into Spring

 

After a slow start to the year, the housing market is beginning to show some encouraging signs for buyers. According to the latest report from the National Association of REALTORS®, existing-home sales saw a slight increase in February as improving affordability and lower mortgage rates started bringing buyers back into the market.

Existing-Home Sales Edge Up

Existing-home sales—which include single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and co-ops—rose 1.7% in February compared to January. While sales are still 1.4% lower than they were a year ago, the increase is a positive signal as the spring homebuying season approaches.

One of the biggest factors helping buyers right now is lower mortgage rates. Rates have dropped from around 7% earlier in the year to about 6%, which can make a meaningful difference in monthly payments. In fact, that 1% drop could save buyers roughly $2,000 per year on mortgage costs.

More Buyers May Now Qualify

Lower rates are also expanding the pool of eligible buyers. Data suggests that a 1% decline in mortgage rates could allow about 5.5 million additional households to qualify for a mortgage, including approximately 1.6 million renters who could potentially become first-time homebuyers.

That shift may already be happening. First-time buyers accounted for 34% of purchases in February, up from 31% at the same time last year.

Housing Affordability Is Improving

Another factor helping buyers is that wage growth is currently outpacing home price growth by nearly four percentage points. Combined with lower mortgage rates, this is helping ease affordability pressures that many buyers faced over the past few years.

Home prices are also showing signs of stabilizing. The median existing-home price in February was $398,000, which is only 0.3% higher than a year ago. This slower pace of price growth may help more buyers enter the market.

More Inventory Is Slowly Returning

Housing inventory is also gradually improving. The number of homes for sale increased 2.4% from January and about 5% compared to last year, giving buyers more options than they had during the tight inventory conditions of recent years.

At the same time, homes are staying on the market slightly longer. The median time a home spent on the market was 47 days in February, compared to 42 days a year ago. This gives buyers a little more time to make decisions and potentially negotiate.

Buyers May Have More Negotiating Power

While competition still exists, buyers may find themselves in a better negotiating position than they were a year ago. About 14% of homes sold above asking price in February, down from 21% last year. Some sellers are also making price adjustments to attract buyers as the market shifts.

However, competition remains—especially from cash buyers. All-cash purchases accounted for 31% of sales in February, highlighting the continued presence of investors and equity-rich buyers in the market.

What This Means for the Spring Market

Although the housing market hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels of activity, the overall outlook is improving. Lower mortgage rates, moderating price growth, and increasing inventory are creating a more balanced environment for buyers and sellers alike.

As we head into the spring market—the busiest time of year for real estate—these trends suggest that more buyers may re-enter the market as affordability continues to improve.

For both buyers and sellers, staying informed about market conditions will be key to making confident decisions in the months ahead.

Read more from the National Association of Realtors HERE.

Posted in Good to know info, Home Affordability, Home Value, Life, Market Updates, Mortgage Info, Realtors, Thinking about buying??, Thinking about selling??
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March 5, 2026

Is It Finally a Buyer’s Market?

 

The U.S. housing market is gradually shifting from a strong seller’s market toward a more balanced and slightly buyer-friendly market. Inventory has increased for the 27th straight month, homes are taking longer to sell, and price reductions and seller concessions are becoming more common. Mortgage rates dipping below 6% have also helped boost buyer activity.

A buyer’s market occurs when the number of homes for sale exceeds the number of buyers, giving buyers more negotiating power, more choices, and more time to make decisions. However, the shift isn’t uniform. Conditions vary widely by location, price range, and property type. Some segments, such as condos or higher-priced homes, may favor buyers more than others, while desirable single-family homes can still be competitive.

For buyers, the current market offers opportunities to negotiate, use contingencies again, and consider homes that have been on the market longer. For sellers, success now requires realistic pricing, strong home presentation, and awareness of local market conditions.

Overall, experts describe today’s housing market not as a full buyer’s market, but as a market in transition, where buyers are gaining some leverage while well-priced homes in strong locations can still sell quickly.

Click HERE for the full article by Realtor.com

Posted in Curb Appeal, Good to know info, Home Affordability, Home Value, Market Updates, Realtors, Thinking about buying??, Thinking about selling??
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March 2, 2026

Anti-Money Laundering Rule Aimed at All-Cash Buyers Goes Into Effect March 1

 

A new federal rule aimed at preventing money laundering in residential real estate is now in effect.

Under the rule, when a trust or legal entity purchases residential property without financing (including all-cash sales or transactions involving non-regulated lenders), closing or settlement agents must submit a report to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The report must include identifying information about the entity’s beneficial owners, such as names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, and must be filed within 30–60 days after closing. If no closing agent is involved, responsibility follows a designated line of succession.

Real estate agents and brokers are not responsible for filing the reports, but they will be educating their clients about the new requirements. Title companies and closing attorneys are unlikely to close affected transactions without the required information.

FinCEN says the reports will be stored securely and not made public. The goal is to prevent illicit actors from using entities, trusts, and all-cash purchases to conceal identities and launder money.

FinCEN estimates the rule will apply to approximately 800,000–850,000 transactions annually. The rule was originally set to take effect in December 2025 but was delayed to allow for industry preparation. It recently survived a legal challenge, with a federal judge ruling that FinCEN acted within its authority.

For more info, visit the FinCEN FAQ page HERE.

Posted in Good to know info, Life, Realtors
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Feb. 26, 2026

The One Decision That Can Make or Break Your Home Sale

 

 

When it comes to selling your home, there’s one decision that has the power to determine everything: your asking price.

It affects how quickly your home sells, whether buyers make an offer or scroll past your listing, and ultimately how much money you walk away with. Price it right, and you create momentum and demand. Price it wrong, and you risk price reductions, extended time on market, and leaving money behind.

The #1 Mistake Sellers Are Making

Many homeowners start their pricing journey with an online home value estimator. It’s quick, convenient, and doesn’t require a conversation. But here’s the reality: those tools don’t actually know your home.

Online estimates rely on public data and past sales. They can’t account for:

  • Your home’s condition

  • Renovations or upgrades you’ve made

  • Unique features that set your property apart

  • Current buyer demand in your specific neighborhood

In a shifting market — especially one where buyers have more choices — even a small pricing mistake can cost you thousands of dollars or weeks of valuable market time.

Why Local Expertise Matters

While online tools can offer a rough starting point, they simply can’t replace the insight of a knowledgeable local agent.

A skilled real estate professional brings:

  • Real-time knowledge of what buyers are paying right now

  • A deep understanding of your neighborhood and competition

  • Insight into which features truly add value in today’s market

  • A strategic pricing approach designed to create urgency

An experienced agent doesn’t just pull comparable sales. They walk through your home, evaluate its condition, assess its strengths, and position it competitively based on current demand — not outdated data.

In some cases, sellers who rely solely on online estimates may actually undervalue their home and leave money on the table. And no one wants that.

The Bottom Line

If you want to sell for top dollar and in the least amount of time, the goal isn’t to find the fastest price — it’s to find the right one.

Online tools can provide a starting point. But when it’s time to make one of your biggest financial decisions, a trusted local real estate expert can give you the clarity and confidence you need to price your home strategically and successfully.

Posted in Good to know info, Home Affordability, Home Value, Realtors, Thinking about selling??
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Feb. 24, 2026

Real Estate Housing Dynamics in March

 

As winter fades and spring begins, the real estate market typically sees a predictable seasonal uptick in activity.

March marks a major turning point, with existing-home sales jumping an average of 33.5% from February — the largest month-to-month increase of the year. Warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and families planning moves around the school calendar all contribute to increased buyer demand. Some buyers also try to purchase before summer competition drives up prices and moving costs.

Inventory, however, only rises slightly in March, often creating a short-term supply shortage just as buyer interest spikes. While sellers may benefit from more offers and stronger pricing after winter, some hold off until summer when prices traditionally peak. Additionally, listing in March can mean moving before the school year ends, which may be challenging for families.

The month of March serves as the launch point for the busy spring and summer real estate season, shaped by consistent seasonal trends in buyer and seller behavior.

In March, rising demand and limited supply typically push home prices up about 2.9%, marking the start of a tighter spring market. Even with this increase, prices remain lower than peak summer levels, with only January and February averaging less.

Homes also sell faster in March, spending about 9 fewer days on the market compared to February — the largest monthly drop of the year — as increased buyer competition leads to quicker offers.

First-time buyers make up 31% of purchases in March, beginning to re-enter the market as weather improves and prices remain relatively affordable. Meanwhile, cash buyers decline sharply from February, as investors tend to buy earlier in the year when prices are lowest.

Overall, March represents a clear market shift: more buyers, limited inventory, rising prices, and faster sales as the spring season gains momentum.

Read the full article from the National Association of Realtors® HERE

Posted in Good to know info, Holiday & Seasonal, Home Affordability, Market Updates, Realtors
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Feb. 16, 2026

Why More Buyers Are Choosing New Construction

Is It Time for a Fresh Start? 

At some point, the home that once felt perfect just… doesn’t anymore.

Maybe you need more space.
Maybe your dining room has permanently turned into a home office.
Maybe the layout simply doesn’t match how you live today.

If your current home feels like it’s holding you back instead of supporting your lifestyle, you’re not alone. And if you’re thinking about selling, the next big question becomes: Where do you go from here?

For a growing number of buyers, the answer is simple — new construction.

New Construction Is on the Rise

According to the National Association of Realtors, 16% of recently purchased homes were newly built — the highest percentage in nearly two decades.

That’s a big shift.

More buyers, especially move-up buyers, are seriously considering brand-new homes instead of existing ones. And it’s not just about shiny finishes — it’s about lifestyle, convenience, and peace of mind.

Why Buyers Are Making the Move to Brand-New Homes

1. Everything Is Brand New

No mystery roof age.
No HVAC surprises.
No inherited DIY projects.

When you’ve spent years updating and maintaining your current home, the idea of starting fresh — with everything under warranty — can feel like a major relief.

2. Personalization Before You Move In

If you purchase a home that’s still under construction, you may get the opportunity to choose:

  • Flooring

  • Countertops

  • Cabinets

  • Lighting

  • Fixtures and finishes

Instead of remodeling later, you can design it right from the start.

3. Designed for How We Live Today

New construction homes are built with modern living in mind. That often means:

  • Open floor plans

  • Dedicated office space

  • Smart home technology

  • Energy-efficient systems (which can help lower utility bills)

If your current layout just isn’t working anymore, a newer home might already have exactly what you’ve been wishing for.

4. Built-In Community Amenities

Many new developments offer shared spaces like:

  • Walking trails

  • Parks and playgrounds

  • Pools

  • Fitness centers

For active households or families, having those amenities just steps away can be a huge bonus.

5. Builder Incentives

With more new homes on the market right now, builders are motivated to sell. That can mean:

  • Negotiation on price

  • Closing cost assistance

  • Upgrade incentives

  • Rate buy-down options

In today’s market, that flexibility can make new construction even more appealing.

The Bottom Line

If your current home no longer fits your needs, don’t assume your only option is another resale property.

New construction is becoming a strong contender — especially for move-up buyers who want more space, modern features, and a home that truly works for how they live today.

 

If you’re curious whether building new might be the right move for you, let’s talk through your options and see what makes the most sense for your next chapter.

Posted in Finding the right neighborhood, Good to know info, Home Value, Realtors, Thinking about buying??
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Feb. 11, 2026

Advice for Buying or Selling a Home in 2026

Mortgage rates are expected to decline somewhat over the next several quarters, which has implications for prospective homebuyers and sellers. But regardless of current mortgage rate trends, Americans will still have reasons to move, whether they want to downsize in retirement or need to relocate for a better job.

Here's what you should consider if you're planning on buying or selling a home in 2026.

What Buyers Should Know: Waiting for Lower Rates Comes at a Price

Good things may come to those who wait, but patience doesn't always pay off in the housing market. Four in five homebuyers are waiting for mortgage rates to fall this year before buying a home, according to a March 2025 U.S. News survey. A quarter of them (25%) want to see rates below 5% before entering the market, which isn't expected to happen in the near future.

In the time that homebuyers have been holding out for lower rates, home values have continued to rise. Home prices have appreciated by about 16% since the beginning of 2022, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index – despite mortgage rates doubling in that time frame.

Housing price increases have slowed, but buyers shouldn't expect prices to come crashing down, at least not on a national level. Here are a few home price forecasts from top U.S. housing groups:

  • Fannie Mae: Home prices will rise 2.4% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027.
  • MBA: Home prices will increase by 0.6% in 2026 and increase by 0.5% in 2027.
  • NAR: The median home price will rise by 4% in 2026.
  • Realtor.com: Existing home sales prices will increase by 2.2% in 2026.

Although home values aren't likely to drop, it's still positive that they probably won't keep rising at the double-digit pace seen in 2021 and 2022. Without over-the-top bidding wars to drive home prices through the roof, buyers can expect more properties to choose from.  

Buyers may also be able to close the deal without waiving important protections, such as home inspections and appraisal contingencies. What's more, existing home inventory is forecast to improve – at least marginally – as rates drift lower and some previously rate-locked homeowners decide to sell.

Finally, buyers may find less competition in the new home construction market. Homeowners may be reluctant to sell and risk losing their low mortgage rates, but homebuilders remain eager to close the deal, especially as new home inventory rises. Although new construction homes are typically more expensive than resale homes, builders may be willing to offer other concessions, such as price reductions or temporary interest-rate buydowns.

What Sellers Should Know: Remember That You're a Buyer, Too

Perhaps the biggest hurdle facing sellers is finding a place to live once they've sold their current home. For many, that means overcoming the lock-in gap to buy a new home at today's rates and home prices.

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the average interest rate on existing mortgages is 4.4% – far lower than the current prevailing rate available to new homebuyers. In fact, more than three-quarters of homeowners have a rate below 6%, and rates aren't expected to dip below that threshold anytime within the next few years.

Although many prospective sellers would be hard-pressed to give up their sub-3% mortgage rate, experts predict that the rate lock-in effect will eventually wear off somewhat as homeowners grow tired of waiting.
Plus, a 2023 Fannie Mae survey suggests that low rates aren't the only factor keeping people from selling. While a fifth of mortgage borrowers (21%) say their low mortgage rate is causing them to stay in their home longer, nearly as many said they simply like their current home (19%). Perhaps unsurprisingly, 13% say they're staying put because home prices are too high.

However, there is a silver lining for sellers who are also buyers: Many homeowners are sitting on a mountain of equity thanks to double-digit home price appreciation since 2020. Successful sellers can tap into that equity to put toward their next home purchase.

Want more details? Read more about the 2026 mortgage rate forecast HERE.

 

 

Posted in Finding the right neighborhood, Good to know info, Home Affordability, Life, Mortgage Info, Realtors, Thinking about buying??, Thinking about selling??
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Feb. 6, 2026

It’s Getting More Affordable To Buy a Home

There’s finally a little good news for anyone who’s been priced out or sitting on the sidelines.

Buying a home is getting more affordable.

Monthly payments have started to come down, and the squeeze buyers have been feeling for the past few years is slowly loosening. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone can suddenly afford a home, but with how tough the market’s been, the improvement we’re seeing matters.

Affordability Is Finally Moving in the Right Direction

One of the best ways to see this shift is by looking at how much of a household’s income it takes to buy a home.

According to Zillow, housing is typically considered affordable when it takes 30% or less of your monthly income to cover your expenses. That includes your mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, and basic maintenance.

For the past few years, the math was well above that threshold, and it made buying a home unachievable for many. But now, we’re slowly moving back toward a balance. Zillow research shows it’s taking less of a typical household’s income to buy a home than it did just a few years ago

Now, we’re not all the way back to Zillow’s threshold of 30% of your income or less, so affordability is still tight. But things are trending in the right direction.

Why Affordability Is Improving

So, what’s driving the change? A lot of the focus lately has been on mortgage rates and how much they’ve come down over the course of the past year. But that’s not the only factor working in favor of buyers right now. Here are three trends benefiting buyers today: 

 

1. Mortgage rates have eased. Rates are near their lowest level in more than three years, which helps lower monthly payments.

2. Home price growth has cooled. Prices aren’t falling nationally, but they’re growing much more slowly than they were a few years ago. That means buyers today aren’t facing the same sharp jumps in purchase prices, which helps keep monthly payments more manageable – and buying more predictable. 

3. Wages are growing faster than home prices. This one matters a lot. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“When income growth exceeds house price growth, house-buying power improves—even if mortgage rates don’t decline meaningfully.”

None of this makes buying cheap, but it does explain why the math is starting to work a little better for buyers than it did even a just a year ago. Put simply, the forces that hurt affordability over the past few years are finally easing. Fleming again explains it well:

“Affordability remains challenging, but for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”

These three factors combined are why economists expect affordability to keep improving in 2026.

Where Homes Are Becoming Affordable First

But how much is affordability really going to improve? In some places, noticeably. Zillow says some markets are expected to fall back under their affordability threshold (30% of your income or less) by the end of the year:

But that doesn’t mean you have to be in one of these markets or wait until year-end to buy. Other places are already seeing big improvements in affordability. So, talk to a local agent about what’s happening in your market. You may find you’re able to buy after all.

Bottom Line

For the first time in quite a while, affordability is easing. That’s a meaningful shift.

And because this improvement isn’t happening everywhere at the same speed, understanding what’s changing locally is what really makes a difference. If you want to see how these trends show up in our area, let’s talk it through.

Posted in Good to know info, Home Affordability, Home Value, Life, Market Updates, Mortgage Info, Realtors, Thinking about selling??
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Feb. 5, 2026

8 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter

 

         

The months of December through February see less robust real estate activity in many areas due to the holidays and the cold weather, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. But if you need to sell your home during winter, you can capitalize on certain advantages that seasonal selling provides. For one thing, winter buyers are typically motivated, whether it’s due to a work relocation, expanding family or other pressing need. And because there are generally fewer homes on the market during this time, sellers can benefit from less competition when negotiating offers.

Here are ways to maximize the appeal of your home during the winter:

  1. Focus on curb appeal. Clean up fallen leaves and dead branches. Make the front door inviting with planted topiaries, a festive door wreath and a fresh welcome mat.
  2. Make the exterior safe. If you’re in an area with ice and snow, clear the driveway and walking paths. Spread rock salt or sand to prevent slips and falls.
  3. Spruce up the interior. Declutter and clean all the rooms. Then, add warmth with fuzzy throw pillows and blankets. If you have a fireplace, fire it up for open houses—but never when the home is unattended for any period. Set your dining table as if you’re hosting a holiday get-together.
  4. Add potted indoor plants. Flowering plants or an indoor herb garden can add additional warmth and liven up the interior of your home.
  5. Light it up. Clean windows to allow more natural light to shine through. Replace burned out lightbulbs, add standing lamps to darker spaces, and turn on all the lights for showings to ensure the home is bright and cheerful.
  6. Warm it up. Keep the temperature at a comfortable level for showings. Turning down the thermostat will make your home feel cold and uninviting.
  7. Accommodate showing requests. Allowing showings during the holiday season can be difficult, but the answer to showing requests should almost always be yes. Don’t miss out on showing your beautiful home to motivated buyers.
  8. Pay attention to the senses. Buyers may be sensitive to strong perfumes and scented candles. Opt first for a “clean” smell, and then consider adding a touch of vanilla, citrus or cinnamon.

These adjustments can yield a quicker sale with a greater net during winter months.

Bonus Tip: Should holiday decorations come down? Some decorations can add a festive mood to your home. But avoid going overboard. If you have a Christmas tree, consider removing ornaments that are too personal. Save them to put up next year in your new home.

See the full article by the National Association of Realtors HERE.

Posted in Curb Appeal, Good to know info, Holiday & Seasonal, Home Improvement, Mini-Makeovers, Realtors, Thinking about selling??
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Jan. 29, 2026

ADU's - A Step Toward Inclusive Housing?

Asheville Eases Rules for Accessory Dwelling Units: A Step Toward Inclusive Housing?

Accessory dwelling units — small, secondary homes on the same lot as a primary house — have become a topic of interest in communities across the country looking for creative ways to ease housing shortages. On January 27, 2026, the Asheville City Council unanimously voted to relax some rules around ADUs, making it easier for homeowners to convert existing structures into livable space.

What’s Changing?

Under the new policy, homeowners in Asheville can now convert pre-existing accessory structures — like detached garages, sheds, or pool houses built before current zoning regulations — into independent dwelling units without first seeking approval from the city’s Board of Adjustment. Previously, those owners had to go through a variance process if a building didn’t meet strict zoning distance requirements.

The goal of this change is straightforward: reduce time, cost, and uncertainty so that more housing options can be created more efficiently. While Asheville’s ADU regulations still enforce limits on unit size and parking, the automatic approval for conversions removes a procedural hurdle that has slowed or discouraged some homeowners.

Rules Still Matter

Even with this simplification, ADUs must comply with existing city standards around:

  • Size: Up to 800 square feet on lots less than one acre; up to 1,200 square feet on lots between one and three acres.

  • Parking and height requirements: Still in effect and monitored by the city’s planning department.

  • Use restrictions: Units created under this new rule cannot operate as short-term vacation rentals or homestays — they must serve as long-term dwelling spaces.

These conditions reflect Asheville’s broader zoning framework, which allows one ADU per single-family lot while seeking to manage neighborhood scale and infrastructure impacts.

What This Means for Asheville

To many housing advocates, simplifying the ADU process is a positive step. ADUs — sometimes called “granny flats,” “in-law suites,” or “carriage houses” — can:

  • Expand housing options in established neighborhoods without large developments.

  • Offer homeowners supplemental income through long-term rentals.

  • Provide more affordable, flexible living spaces for seniors, students, and small households.

Yet the changes are not without community concerns. Discussions leading up to the vote noted anxieties among residents — especially in historically underserved areas — about predatory investment and displacement. People in legacy neighborhoods like Emma, Shiloh, and Burton Street raised the alarm that outside investors might use easier ADU construction as a way to profit and accelerate gentrification pressures.

Local groups like the Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition did not oppose the rule change outright but urged the city to pair zoning flexibility with anti-displacement strategies that protect community character. Ideas like “legacy neighborhood preservation districts” were proposed as one possible approach to managing that balance.

A Broader Housing Puzzle

This update is just one piece of Asheville’s ongoing housing policy conversation. The city has been exploring a range of tools — from density reforms to affordable housing funding — to respond to rising costs, limited supply, and community equity concerns. ADUs are one of the more accessible bottom-up strategies, letting homeowners take part in housing production without large scale construction or new subdivisions.

Final Thoughts

For homeowners and neighbors alike, the ADU rule change simplifies a specific part of Asheville’s zoning code and potentially opens the door for more creative housing in our community. The real test will be how many of these converted units actually get built — and whether accompanying policies can ensure that increased housing options benefit existing residents rather than displacing them.

 

As Asheville continues to tackle housing challenges, this decision reflects a broader shift toward flexibility — but also highlights the need for intentional strategies that protect neighborhood stability and inclusiveness.

 

See full article HERE from BPR!

Posted in Good to know info
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