J&S Real Estate Team

08/01/2026

If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're definitely not the only one.

Mortgage rates stayed higher than people hoped. Affordability was still tough. And every time it felt like things might improve, something else got in the way. But here's the good news.

A lot of housing experts think the second half of the year could start heading in a better direction. Not because everything magically gets fixed overnight...

But because if inflation cools off and things settle down overseas, mortgage rates could ease, more buyers could jump back in, and the market could finally start feeling a little less stuck.

Will everything suddenly be easy? Probably not. But after the first half we've had, "better" is a pretty good place to start.

If you're wondering what that could mean for your plans (or for our local market), send me a message.

I’ve got the latest forecasts on rates, prices, and more. And I'd be happy to walk you through what to expect.

07/31/2026

Affordability is a real challenge, but it's not an unsolvable one. The key is being open to places you might not have considered before. A local real estate agent can help you find them.

Ready to find out which areas have the best affordability right now? Reach out today.

Whether you're dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you're in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind.

07/30/2026

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.

07/28/2026

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there’s a little bit of good news.

Asking prices have started to ease – the typical asking price this May came in under where it was a year ago.

And these lower prices are good news for your move – not a sign the market’s in trouble. It points to a market that’s rebalancing with more realistic seller expectations and a little more breathing room for buyers again.

So, if you’ve been waiting for an opening, let’s connect. I’ll help you see what that looks like in our area.

07/24/2026

Wondering if buyers ever catch a break in this market? Look at this. 39% of sellers say they expect to make concessions this year. That’s up from 30% in 2025. So, you may have more room to negotiate than you think. Want to know what you can ask for as a buyer? Let’s chat.

07/23/2026

Moving this Summer? Whether you're buying or selling, you probably have questions.

My new Summer Buyer & Seller Guides have the answers.

Inside, you'll find out what higher inventory means for you, what’s going on with affordability right now, what strategies for buying or selling are actually working this season, and more.

Stop guessing and start moving forward with confidence. DM or drop a comment with "BUYER" or "SELLER" below to get your free digital copy.

07/21/2026

Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet?

Because if you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved.

While you may be tempted to wait until you’re really serious about a house, that actually puts you behind the game.

The better bet is getting pre-approved before you fall in love with something.

It’ll give you clarity on what you can borrow, your ideal price point, and what your monthly payment could look like. That’s information you’re going to want up front, so you don’t fall for something outside of your range.

Plus, when a house you love hits the market, you’ll be ready to go – not scrambling to figure it out.

If you’re about to start looking or just casually browsing, let’s talk about where to start.

07/20/2026

🏡 OPEN HOUSE | Saturday, 7/25 from 11 AM–1 PM
📍102 McCoy Circle | The Colony | Bastrop, TX

Looking for a home with room to spread out inside and a backyard that actually makes you want to be outside? This one is worth the stop! Set on a 0.601-acre corner lot, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers 3,369 sq ft, a main-level primary suite, downstairs Jack-and-Jill bedrooms with bonus flex space, two upstairs bedrooms, a small loft, multiple living and dining areas, and a 3-car side-entry garage.

The backyard is the showstopper with a covered patio, pergola, outdoor kitchen, mature trees, lush lawn, peaceful water feature, and plenty of room to relax, entertain, or enjoy a slow Saturday morning with coffee in hand. It has space, function, charm, and just enough “we should host the cookout here” energy.

Come see it in person Saturday from 11–1!

06/29/2026

$10,000 in seller concessions now available at 102 McCoy Circle in Bastrop.

05/29/2026

The sellers who succeed in this market aren’t doing anything extreme. They’re pricing their house right, making strategic repairs, getting local guidance, and making decisions based on how buyers actually behave today. Those small but mighty mindset shifts could make or break your sale.

Want a real plan tailored to your home and your neighborhood? Let’s talk.

Let’s be clear: selling your house is absolutely possible right now. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 11k homes sell every day in this country.