Marlene Newell - Realtor Serving Northern California

06/17/2026

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts are saying.

If you're trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let's connect. That way you understand what's happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.

One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.

06/17/2026

Here’s what to look out for—and how to avoid surprises:

🚗 Traffic patterns
👉 Visit during rush hour and school pick-up times, not just on weekends.

🔊 Noise levels
👉 Drive by in the evening and on weekends to get a feel for the area.

🅿️ Parking
👉 Check whether guests can easily park and if streets are consistently crowded.

📶 Cell service & internet
👉 Test your phone signal and research internet providers before making an offer.

🏘️ Neighborhood upkeep
👉 Look for signs of deferred maintenance, excessive vacancies, or neglected common areas.

🛒 Nearby amenities
👉 Consider how close you are to grocery stores, parks, schools, and the places you’ll frequent most.

⏰ The overall vibe
👉 Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to see what life is really like.

🏡 You’re not just buying a house—you’re choosing where you’ll do life.

Save this post for your home search and follow for more buyer tips! ✨

06/17/2026

POV: Your wife is a REALTOR®

The in-laws have the kids, we’re sneaking in a lunch date at our favorite coffee shop in Galt before Home Depot, and I’m on the phone helping a buyer go from “just looking” to getting pre-approved. 🏡🙌

Date? Sort of.
Errands? Definitely.
Helping clients achieve their goals? Always.

My husband knew what he signed up for. 😂❤️

06/15/2026

Official cause of death: this transaction. 😂

Just kidding… but this one definitely kept us on our toes.

We went pending in 5 days, only to have the first deal fall apart through no fault of my sellers. Then the market slowed, open houses came and went, and we started discussing Plan B.

And if Plan B meant keeping the home as a rental and pulling equity to buy the next home? Great. My job is to help my clients do what’s best for their family—not just what’s best for my paycheck.

Then I felt prompted to reach back out to the original buyers… and they were still interested.

At the same time, another potential buyer was interested and we ended up with TWO offers. We negotiated the strongest terms, closed in 17 days, and even secured a rent-back so my clients—who are expecting a baby’s arrival at the end of June—won’t have to move twice (their brand new home won’t be ready until mid-July). 🙌

A lot of moving parts. A lot of prayers. A lot to be thankful for.

Now excuse me while I grab my sign and run to the next one. 🏃‍♀️🏡🙏

06/15/2026

The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is.

Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for our local market.

If you’re wondering what's normal in our area, what's worth negotiating, and where it makes sense to stand firm, let’s connect.

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

06/12/2026

✨ SOLD in Galt for $500,000! ✨

This 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offered the perfect blend of comfort and functionality with a brand-new roof, newer HVAC system, stylish kitchen and bathroom finishes, tile flooring, carpeted bedrooms, and a dedicated laundry room.

Every home has a story, and it was an honor helping my clients close this chapter and begin the next. 🏡

Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or selling, having a plan makes all the difference.

💬 Comment “PLAN” below, and I’ll send you my FREE step-by-step guide to help you make your next move with confidence.

06/12/2026

Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down."

06/12/2026

🏡 Choosing a REALTOR® is about so much more than finding someone to open doors and write contracts.

Look for someone who:

✨ Educates you, so you can make confident decisions.
✨ Advocates for your best interests—not just the transaction.
✨ Is honest, even when it’s not what you want to hear.
✨ Communicates well, because keeping you informed matters.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. You deserve someone who will guide you with honesty, keep you in the loop, and help you navigate the process with confidence.

Because who you work with matters.

And if you get this one decision right, a lot of the other pieces tend to fall into place. 🤍

06/10/2026

If affordability has been your top concern, the recent dip in prices is an opening. Want to see what that looks like in our area? Let’s connect.

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