05/31/2026
I was listening to Ryan Serhant and Jared James discussing today's housing market, and one observation stuck with me.
Ryan described it as "Nobody's Market."
They weren't debating whether this is a buyer's market or a seller's market.
They were talking about affordability.
One point Jared raised was that many households have two incomes today, yet wages haven't kept pace with rising costs. Childcare, transportation, insurance, healthcare, and everyday expenses all take a larger share of the family budget than they once did.
That resonated with me because I hear a version of that conversation right here in Northeastern Kentucky.
Many buyers aren't asking, "Can I qualify?"
They're asking, "Will I still be comfortable after I buy?"
That's a different question.
The housing market isn't just competing with rent anymore.
It's competing with every other bill that arrives each month.
At the same time, buyers today have more choices, more time to think, and more room to negotiate than they did just a few years ago.
Maybe that's why "Nobody's Market" feels like such an accurate description of where we are today. There are challenges on all sides, but there are opportunities too for those who understand the market they're in.
What do you think is putting the most pressure on family budgets right now?
