Kim Decker, Realtor - Fathom Realty

10/09/2026

Are the Scales Tipping Toward Buyers? Reports Say Maybe
Interesting shifts are unfolding in the housing market: seller concessions reached 44.7% in August—the highest level since 2020. That’s a key signal, reflecting sellers’ growing willingness to negotiate as buyer demand strengthens and lock-in effects start to loosen their grip. We’re also seeing a decrease in delistings, with a 12.6% drop compared to last year, while 15.8% of sales now involve both price reductions and concessions. Atlanta leads the Sun Belt markets, with a remarkable 72.8% of sales including seller concessions.

With my background rooted in residential real estate, construction, and property management, these numbers catch my eye—not just for what they say about negotiation, but also about timing and opportunity. Understanding how and when to leverage concessions can make a real difference, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. Having grown up hands-on in this business, I always look for these market signals to guide clients through every phase of the transaction.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kimberly-decker/2091814-Are-the-Scales-Tipping-Toward-Buyers%3F-Reports-Say-Maybe

10/08/2026

You can decorate with pumpkins throughout the fall to give your home a warm, cozy look. Check out these ideas.

Pumpkins can add a warm and homey touch to your decor throughout the fall, not just Halloween. Here are ideas for decorating with pumpkins.

10/08/2026

2026 N.C. State Fair
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kimberly-decker/2133579-2026-N.C.-State-Fair

10/08/2026

North Carolina Real Estate Favours Buyers
We're seeing a notable shift in the North Carolina real estate landscape: it's now a buyer's market. Inflation, higher mortgage rates, and many boomers choosing to stay put are all combining to tip the balance in favor of buyers. For those looking to buy or sell, these changes have a real impact on how negotiations play out—timing, price expectations, and even deal structure all look different than they did just a year or two ago.

Another point that’s been coming up in recent discussions: the importance of understanding the latest condo sale requirements. There’s more to a successful transaction than price alone—rules and paperwork continue to play a big role in today’s deals. Appraisals are also getting extra scrutiny, with valuation standards shaping outcomes in ways that can surprise even experienced clients. And don’t overlook the details—measuring square footage accurately remains essential for buyers, sellers, and the professionals guiding them.

With my background in construction and property management, I know firsthand how these seemingly small details—accurate measurements, compliance, and realistic valuations—can make or break a transaction. Navigating this new market calls for experience that goes beyond the surface, and I’m always here to help clients weigh their options with eyes wide open.

10/07/2026

Raleigh New Homes Offer Better Value
Having grown up immersed in North Carolina’s construction and real estate world, I pay close attention to shifts in value between new and existing homes. Right now in Raleigh, newly built properties are actually offering more value per square foot than many existing homes—an interesting reversal, especially for buyers keeping a close eye on their budget. For years, new construction always meant paying a premium, but with builders holding more inventory, there’s room for negotiation and some compelling incentives on the table. This is the kind of supply-driven opportunity that experienced buyers often look for, but it’s easy to overlook if you assume new homes are always out of reach. My background in both construction and property management has shown me that timing and market dynamics can make all the difference. If mortgage rates continue to soften, I wouldn’t be surprised to see even more interest in Raleigh’s new construction, especially with current pricing making it such a strong contender. For those weighing their options, it’s worth a closer look at what new builds can offer in this unique market moment.

10/06/2026

Best Purchase Markets Pair Affordability With New Construction
Drawing from both my background in residential construction and hands-on property management, I find it telling that Des Moines and Raleigh are currently leading the way as purchase markets—offering the rare combination of affordability and robust new construction. It's clear how these factors can expand homeownership opportunities for buyers, especially when you compare them to coastal markets like Los Angeles, where high prices and limited building permits make entry far more challenging. From years spent working alongside my father, a North Carolina contractor, I've seen firsthand how the pace and quality of new builds can shape a community's accessibility and long-term value. Understanding the fundamentals of how homes are constructed and maintained really helps put market trends like these into perspective.

10/06/2026

It's crucial to understand the roles of an appraiser and an inspector when buying a home. While an inspector focuses on the home's condition and functionality, it's the appraiser who determines the property's market value.

How much is a home worth? That’s the crucial question asked by home buyers and their lenders in a sales transaction. It’s up to a professional real estate appraiser to analyze the property and market data to come up with the market value, which can dramatically change the outcome of a deal. What...

10/05/2026

Raleigh Buyers Gain Leverage Through Concessions
Over the past quarter, I’ve noticed a marked shift in Raleigh’s real estate landscape—one that’s giving buyers more leverage at the negotiating table. Around 66% of Raleigh buyers secured some form of seller concession in mid-Q3, making our metro one of the most flexible in the nation right now. What we’re seeing is pent-up demand finally meeting sellers who are more open to negotiations, which means there’s real opportunity for buyers to find terms that actually work for them.

This is what economists are calling 'pricing realism'—instead of sticking stubbornly to old price points, sellers are adapting to today’s changing conditions. Not only are there fewer delistings (a sure sign that sellers are meeting the market rather than pulling back when asked to negotiate), but these shifts also point to a healthier, more active spring and summer ahead in 2026.

With my background in construction and property management, I know how important it is for buyers to recognize when the market is ready to work with them—not against them. Right now in Raleigh, there’s a clear opening: sellers are more receptive to concessions, making it a great time to have meaningful conversations about price and terms.

10/04/2026

The Average Down Payment On A House, Explained
Having grown up immersed in residential real estate and construction, I’ve seen firsthand how the journey to homeownership often starts with understanding your down payment options. In 2025, the typical U.S. homebuyer put down 19%—with first-time buyers coming in around 10%, and repeat buyers averaging 23%. The type of loan you choose will influence your down payment, and putting down 20% or more lets you skip private mortgage insurance (PMI). There are also a range of assistance programs and budgeting tools available to help buyers take those first steps. Drawing on my experience managing renovation projects from the ground up, I know that the right foundation—both literally and financially—sets the stage for a successful move into your new home.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kimberly-decker/1995467-The-Average-Down-Payment-On-A-House%2C-Explained

10/04/2026

🐞 Invite beneficial insects like ladybugs into your garden with pollen-rich blooms to naturally control unwanted pests. It's a bug's life in the best way!