Marty Switzer Merriam, Associate Broker, MBA

06/19/2026

The number of homes available for sale is measured not only by the number but also by time. Understanding how housing inventory is calculated will help you determine the supply and demand in a real estate market.

Housing inventory is calculated by the number of homes currently listed for sale in a particular market, then expressed as the number of months it would take to sell all of those homes. The result is known as the "months of supply."

06/18/2026

High-end homes often sell on lifestyle as much as square footage, and this listing leans hard into privacy, security, and standout design.

Sutton Stracke has listed her Los Angeles mansion, offering a glimpse into the luxury market where design, privacy, and lifestyle all carry serious value. Celebrity homes are always fun to browse, but they also show what buyers at the top end of the market prioritize beyond size alone. From custom i...

06/17/2026

From furniture pieces to plants to paint colors, here are a few staples of the eternally chic.

06/16/2026

Where you live can shape how much room you have to build wealth, especially when income, taxes, and housing costs all pull together.

This ranking looks at states through a financial lens, including income, taxes, job opportunities, and cost of living. It’s useful relocation context because building wealth isn’t only about earning more — it’s also about what housing, taxes, and everyday expenses leave in your budget. Lists...

06/15/2026

A buyer's market doesn't happen overnight, but knowing the signals can help you understand what kind of leverage you may have.

Real estate markets are always changing, and it can be difficult to know when conditions are starting to favor buyers. This article walks through some of the common signs, including rising inventory, slower sales, price reductions, and increased negotiating room. Every market is different, but under...

06/14/2026

Builder incentives aren’t always simple price cuts, and knowing what to ask for can make a real difference when you’re shopping new homes.

New construction can come with more room to negotiate than buyers sometimes expect. This article breaks down common builder incentives, including mortgage rate buydowns, closing-cost help, upgrade credits, and other perks that may be available at different stages of a project. The big takeaway is si...

06/13/2026

Learn about key insights on cabinet colors, layouts, budgets and more from the 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study

Kitchen remodels are revealing clear shifts in priorities for the home. Wood cabinets are dethroning white, and aging-in-place design is on the rise. Renovating homeowners are rethinking layouts, planning for the long term and investing in smarter, more functional spaces, often without making kitche...

06/11/2026

Experts encourage homebuyers to understand the various types of incentives, when and why they're offered, and how to make the most of these deals before buying a new-construction home.

Builder incentives are promotions offered by developers that, much like a coupon, cut the cost of purchasing property in that community. Incentives are increasingly common today to entice cash-strapped buyers to make an offer, yet these discounts aren't always as simple as a straight price cut.

06/10/2026

Former "Today" show host Kathie Lee Gifford has put her enormous Connecticut estate on the market for the staggering price of $100 million—32 years after she purchased the expansive abode with her late husband, Frank Gifford.

The TV personality—who left "Today" in 2019—also built an in-home recording studio where she was able to pursue her music career from the comfort of her own house, which is known as Cedar Cliff and is listed with Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby’s International Realty.

06/09/2026

Eco-friendly patio materials like reclaimed brick or permeable pavers add charm while reducing environmental impact.

Small yards demand intentional design to balance function and beauty. Techniques like square-foot gardening, vertical planting, and using tiered or stackable planters help maximize growing potential without overcrowding. Even narrow areas, such as side yards, can become lush pathways or compact seat...