Carrissa Wells, Realtor Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty

10/04/2026

Starter-home market cools, buyers gain leverage
We're seeing some shifts in the starter-home market across our Kansas and Oklahoma communities—more affordable listings are coming up, price cuts are happening, and the days of intense bidding wars seem to be easing. This has led to a 5.4% drop in sales for starter homes, while luxury sales have actually climbed by 6.2%. With mortgage rates hovering around 6.8%, affordability remains a challenge, but buyers now have more leverage and less competition to contend with. As someone who closely tracks neighborhood trends and leverages creative pricing strategies, I know how important it is to understand these changes when planning your next step. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or explore new opportunities, having a partner who truly understands the local market can make all the difference in navigating these evolving conditions.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/carrissa-wells/1975432-Starter-home-market-cools%2C-buyers-gain-leverage

10/03/2026

Top destinations for Gen Z and millennial movers revealed
It’s fascinating to watch how Gen Z and Millennials are shaping the real estate landscape in 2024. This year, Gen Z has gravitated toward Sun Belt cities, drawn by strong job markets and vibrant urban energy. Millennials, on the other hand, are focusing on affordable metro areas—specifically those with homes under $450K. Most young adults are still choosing to move within their own regions, though New York stands out with the highest rate of people moving away. Interestingly, there’s been a decline in the overall number of young adult moves, with remote work playing a significant role in this shift. As someone who specializes in understanding neighborhood trends across Kansas and Oklahoma, I keep a close eye on these national patterns because they influence our local market too. My approach is rooted in transparency and a deep commitment to helping you navigate every twist and turn of your home search, so you can move ahead with confidence—no matter where your journey takes you.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/carrissa-wells/2063858-Top-destinations-for-Gen-Z-and-millennial-movers-revealed

10/02/2026

Value of Household Real Estate Assets Approaches $50 Trillion
It’s remarkable to see the collective value of household real estate assets reaching $49.8 trillion in Q2—a 2.3% increase from the previous quarter. Mortgages and home equity loans now total $14 trillion, while owners’ equity stands strong at 71.9%, or $35.8 trillion. For many families in our communities—from Derby and Wichita to Belle Plaine and Kaw City—this translates into meaningful household wealth. The 50-90% wealth group alone holds $22.7 trillion, illustrating how real estate remains a cornerstone for financial security, not just for the ultra-wealthy (the top 0.1% own $1.9 trillion), but for everyday homeowners as well. My focus has always been to help you understand how these national numbers connect back to your neighborhood and your property’s value. By staying on top of market shifts and offering personalized guidance, I aim to ensure you can navigate these trends with clarity and confidence.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/carrissa-wells/2057919-Value-of-Household-Real-Estate-Assets-Approaches-%2450-Trillio

10/01/2026

U.S. School-Zone Homes Cost $150K More
Did you know that homes in highly rated school zones across the U.S. carried a $150,000 premium from early Q1 to late Q2 2026? The typical price in these areas reached $580K—a 35% jump over the $430K median for all homes. For many families, that meant needing $159K in household income (about $41K more than what’s required for the average home). These numbers show why only 13% of listings in top school zones were affordable for median-income buyers, compared to about 28% of homes overall. Choosing a home is always about more than just price. As someone who’s deeply familiar with how neighborhood factors shape home values in communities like Derby, Wichita, and beyond, I see every day how school ratings, commute times, and local resources play into the bigger picture. Whether you’re weighing a move for your family or thinking about future resale value, it’s important to look at the full landscape—not just the numbers. My goal is to help you navigate these complexities with clarity and a strategy tailored to your needs.

10/01/2026

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09/30/2026

Could U.S. Rates Stay Higher in 2027?
As someone who keeps a close eye on the economic trends impacting our local real estate markets in Kansas and Oklahoma, I’m watching the ongoing discussion around interest rates with particular interest. Persistent inflation and higher long-term Treasury yields are making it less likely that we’ll see a quick drop in interest rates anytime soon. The Federal Reserve is in a challenging spot—balancing the risk of inflation with signs that economic growth may be slowing. For those of us navigating home purchases, sales, or investments, this environment could mean that borrowing costs remain elevated for a while, affecting everything from monthly payments to the overall affordability of housing. In times like these, it’s essential to take a balanced and informed approach as interest-rate uncertainty and fiscal pressures continue to shape the market. My focus is always on helping you understand how these shifts might influence your options, so you can make confident, well-timed decisions about your next move.

09/29/2026

We hope to see you there! Come check out the vendors and food trucks that will be set up that day as well!

09/29/2026

US housing inventory reaches 6-year high
Housing inventory across the US has reached its highest point in six years, with new listings up 2.6% to 393,178—the most we’ve seen since 2020. Buyer activity, however, remains subdued: pending sales are flat and closed sales have dipped by 0.5%. The median home price sits at $398,596, while mortgage rates have edged up to 6.67%. For those exploring real estate in Kansas or Oklahoma, this shift means buyers are gaining valuable negotiating power in certain markets. My commitment is to help you interpret what these numbers mean for your unique situation. With my focus on local trends and creative pricing strategies, I work to ensure you’re equipped to make confident, informed decisions—whether you’re looking to buy or sell.

09/28/2026

Kansas Markets Rank Among 2026's Strongest
Wichita continues to stand out in national comparisons—recently ranking No.135 out of 300 US cities in a comprehensive 2026 market scorecard that looks well beyond just home prices. When measured against cities of similar size, Wichita came in at No.29 among 69 large markets serving populations over 300,000, reflecting the city’s resilience and appeal. The study considered 17 indicators—like median days on market, foreclosure rates, affordability, and population growth—to paint a fuller picture of how our local market is performing. Wichita’s scores were mixed: No.159 for Real Estate Market but a much stronger No.83 for Affordability & Economic Environment, highlighting the importance of taking a holistic view. For those considering a move or investment here, these findings underscore why I place such emphasis on cost of living, job stability, and value-growth potential when advising clients. My role is to help you see beyond the headlines, offering the local insight and guidance you need to confidently navigate the nuances of the Wichita market.