Brenda Richert, Park Co. Realtors

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Brenda Richert, Park Co. Realtors For over 40 years, I have helped people move. So much fun, so many wonderful clients.

New home sales rebound as builders chase buyers' budgetsAfter nearly four decades in real estate with Park Company Realt...
10/16/2026

New home sales rebound as builders chase buyers' budgets
After nearly four decades in real estate with Park Company Realtors, I've seen firsthand how the market ebbs and flows. August brought an encouraging uptick in US new home sales—the fastest in eight months—driven by builders adjusting prices and offering incentives to better align with buyers’ budgets. The median price settled at $393,700, and while this energy is promising, sales are still 2% lower than a year ago. High inventory and cautious builder sentiment, shaped by rising financing costs, are key factors I keep a close eye on for my clients. It’s a reminder of how important adaptability and long-term relationships are in navigating shifting markets—something I’ve valued since my own early days buying a home through the mentorship of Rita Berg, and continue to value within our Park family.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/brenda-richert/2102023-New-home-sales-rebound-as-builders-chase-buyers%27-budgets

10/15/2026

Refinancing Fades as Home Equity Surges
Watching the latest shifts in the mortgage landscape, I’m reminded of how resilience and adaptability are key—both in athletics and in real estate. As mortgage rates approached 7% late in Q3, following a central bank hike to about 4%, the environment grew challenging for those considering refinancing, especially if they had previously secured lower rates. The numbers tell the story: refinance applications dropped around 9% over the prior week, purchases dipped by about 1%, and overall mortgage demand slipped 4%. In fact, over the three months through mid-Q3 2026, refinance inquiries fell to just 2% from roughly 39% last year, while home-equity products surged to 76% of inquiries. That’s a stark change in homeowner behavior, with home-equity demand up 11% month-over-month and more than 150% year-over-year. For context, the gap on a 30-year loan now exceeds a full percent, or about $333 more each month on a $400,000 mortgage. Builder sentiment also softened, hitting its lowest point since 2025, as the 10-year Treasury topped 5%—keeping those mortgage rate swings front and center. Having navigated many market cycles since 1985, I see just how critical it is to stay informed and lean on trusted guidance—much like the support I found with my Park Company family. The market evolves, but the power of teamwork and experience remains steady.

10/14/2026

U.S. Builder Sentiment Hits 12-Month Low
Having spent nearly four decades with Park Company Realtors, I've seen the ebbs and flows of builder confidence and the impact it has on both buyers and sellers. In late Q3, the builder-confidence index dipped to 32, marking a 12-month low. Current sales conditions also softened to 35, and expectations for the next six months slid to 37. Even though prospective buyer traffic stayed steady at 23, it’s clear that the market is adjusting—38% of builders across the nation cut prices, and incentives have become more common, now used by two-thirds of builders (up from 63% just a few months ago).

For those keeping an eye on the numbers, mortgage applications for new homes have declined for the fifth straight month as average 30-year rates hover in the high-6% range. Larger builders are stepping up with builder-paid rate buydowns, offering buyers the opportunity to secure below-market mortgages—an important strategy to maintain sales momentum without relying solely on price reductions. With 30-year rates near 7% in late Q3, housing forecasters are now expecting these higher rates to persist through at least 2027.

This is the kind of market that calls for teamwork and adaptability, qualities I’ve valued since my days as a coach and track athlete in Fargo. Navigating these shifts takes experience and a strong support system, both of which I’m proud to offer as part of the Park family.

10/13/2026

Spring Buyers Lay Groundwork for Future Home Closings
As someone who’s been part of the real estate world since 1985, I’ve witnessed many spring markets—each with its own rhythm and surprises. This year, spring brought a 21% increase in engaged homebuyers per listing, yet actual existing-home sales nudged up just 4.5%. For those tracking the numbers, mortgage rates slipped just below 6.5% for a moment. What stands out to me is the contrast across regions: the Northeast is bustling with eager buyers but faces a serious shortage of homes, while the Sun Belt presents more options for those searching. Through the ups and downs, I’m continually reminded how much finding the right fit—both in a home and a community—matters. It’s a lesson I first learned from my own home-buying experience years ago, and it still guides me today as part of the Park Company family.

10/12/2026

US Inventory Growth Slows Stays Soft
After more than four decades in real estate, I’ve witnessed countless market cycles, but the current inventory landscape stands out for its unique rhythm. Nationally, active listings reached 1.14 million by mid-Q3 2026—a modest 4% increase from last year’s 1.1 million. That’s a far cry from the brisk 21% jump we saw a year prior, yet still an improvement from the near standstill of late Q2’s 2% rise. By the close of mid-Q3, 18 states and DC had surpassed their pre-pandemic 2019 inventory levels, even as the national total remained 8% below mid-Q3 2019 (1.14M today vs. 1.24M then). This tells me we’re still rebuilding the foundation beneath our market. The dramatic post-boom cooling has softened, leaving us in a quieter market with flat prices—while higher yields and mortgage rates may challenge the progress we’ve made. At Park Company Realtors, we lean on our collective experience and unwavering support for one another, helping clients navigate every twist in the path with confidence and care. That’s the Power of Park.

10/12/2026

Discover this property for $345,000—a great opportunity that truly stands out.

10/11/2026

Brenda has been invaluable in helping us both buy and sell our houses. We have had to make a number...
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United States Real Estate Market 2026: Industry Size to Reach USD 2.30 Trillion by 2034, at a CAGR of 2.98%Reflecting on...
10/11/2026

United States Real Estate Market 2026: Industry Size to Reach USD 2.30 Trillion by 2034, at a CAGR of 2.98%
Reflecting on the evolution of real estate over my four decades with Park Company Realtors, it’s remarkable to see the industry’s forward momentum. The latest projections indicate that the U.S. real estate market is set to reach $2.30 trillion by 2034, with a steady CAGR of 2.98%. This growth is fueled by ongoing urbanization, strong property demand, smart infrastructure investments, and policies that support buyers and sellers alike. The increasing integration of smart technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability are shaping the landscape in ways that would have seemed visionary when I started in 1985. Through all these changes, I’m reminded of the value of community and collaboration—qualities that define our approach at Park. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the real estate journey will continue to offer new opportunities for growth, innovation, and connection.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/brenda-richert/2076978-United-States-Real-Estate-Market-2026%3A-Industry-Size-to-Reac

10/11/2026

Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day

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Fargo, ND
58104

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