Real Estate by Matt Ebbighausen

07/17/2026

For the 14th year in a row, Americans say real estate is the best long-term investment.

Think about that. Through rising rates, market swings, and all the noise, real estate keeps taking the top spot. That kind of staying power is hard to argue with.

And it makes sense. A home is the one investment that grows your wealth and gives you a place to build your life.

So, what would you pick as the best long-term investment? Drop it in the comments.

And if buying a home is on your mind, send me a message. Let’s talk about what that first step could look like.

07/16/2026

Think Nobody's Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.

This year's housing market may be moving slower than many of us hoped. But, buyer demand is more resilient than the headlines suggest.

If you're wondering whether there are enough buyers for your house, let's connect. I'll show you what's happening in our local market and build a strategy that helps you take advantage of the momentum that's already here.

If you've been thinking about selling, you've probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting buyers have just about disappeared.

07/15/2026

One of the biggest seller myths floating around right now is that buyers have disappeared.
The headlines certainly make it feel that way.

But here's what the data actually says.

More homes are going under contract right now than they were at this point the last two years.

And here's how that's possible. Life doesn't wait for perfect mortgage rates. People still get married. Families grow. Jobs change.

At some point, waiting becomes harder than moving. So serious buyers still take the plunge.

So, if you've been wondering whether there are still buyers out there...

There are.

The key is knowing how to position your house to stand out in today's market. Send me a message if you want some advice on what it would take to get your house sold right now.

07/13/2026

The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You

Sellers and builders are both giving buyers more to work with this year. Want to know what’s realistic to expect in concessions and incentives in our market? Let’s connect.

Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too.

07/09/2026

If your student loans have you wondering whether buying a home is even possible, keep reading.

33% of first-time homebuyers have student loan debt. That's roughly a third. And if they're making it happen, maybe you can too. Here’s why.

Lenders look at your whole financial picture – your income, your credit, your overall debt – not just your loans. So, if your finances are in decent shape, you might be a lot closer to owning than you think.

Don't count yourself out before you even try. Connect with a lender and talk about your options.

07/08/2026

Student Loans Are Back in the News. Don't Let It Put Your Homeownership Plans on Hold.

Student loans don't have to be the thing standing between you and owning a home. If you've been putting off your homebuying plans because of that debt, talk to a lender about your options. It may not be the barrier you think it is.

Student loans are back in the spotlight. And whether you've been following the headlines closely or just catching bits and pieces here and there, there's a good chance they've been on your mind lately.

07/07/2026

What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your Community

Moving is both a personal milestone and an investment in your community. So, if the time is right for you, let's connect. You'll make a difference for more people than you know.

Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger.

07/06/2026

A lot of buyers and sellers are holding back right now because they're worried we're headed for another 2008. But look at the numbers.

In 2008, homeowner equity and mortgage debt were nearly identical. That means, if someone hit a rough patch, they had almost nothing to fall back on. That's part of what made that crash so bad.

Today? Home equity is at $34.9 trillion. Debt is at $14.4 trillion. So, homeowners aren't stuck. They have equity built up in their homes – which means if they needed to sell, many could and they’d still come out ahead. They have a cushion.

This isn’t a crash. Today’s market still has a solid foundation.

And if worries about a crash have been keeping you on the sidelines, it might be worth having a conversation about what a move could look like for you right now.

07/03/2026

More homeowners are pulling their houses off the market right now. But don’t let that rattle your own plans to sell.

Yes, delistings are up. But relistings are climbing right alongside them. So, most of those sellers are simply taking a short pause to reset before putting the house back on the market.

That usually means stepping back to do a few repairs, taking fresh photos, bringing in staging, or adjusting to a better price. It’s a regroup, not a retreat.

So, if your house is sitting (not selling), treat it as your cue to listen to buyer feedback and adjust.

Because this isn’t a sign of broader housing market trouble. It just shows that sellers need to meet the market where it is.

07/02/2026

Down Payments Are Smaller Than They’ve Been Since 2021

Down payments are smaller than they’ve been in years, and that opens the door for more buyers.

And with added help from assistance programs and a little help from loved ones, you may have more ways forward than you realized. Connect with a trusted lender to talk through your options.

Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home.