Homes On Water

10/18/2026

Same time of year. 2 very different stories. And mortgage rates are a big reason why.

Last fall, mortgage rates came down and the number of homes for sale barely budged. This fall, rates have climbed above 7%. Some buyers have pulled back, homes are taking longer to sell, and instead of coming off the market, more listings are sticking around.

Since August, the number of homes for sale has grown by about 25,000. So, what does that mean for you?

Buying? You’ve got more homes to choose from and potentially more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.
Selling? Buyers have more options, so you’ve got to give them a reason to choose your house. That means getting the price right from day one and making sure your house stands out from the competition.

Want to know what this shift looks like where you live? Drop a comment or send me a DM, and let’s look at the local numbers together.

10/17/2026

Falling leaves may look great around the yard, but they can quickly collect in gutters and around drainage areas. A simple exterior check can help prepare the home for wetter and colder weather ahead.

Look for leaves and debris in gutters, loose sections, and downspouts that may not be directing water far enough away from the home. It is also worth checking areas where water appears to collect after rainfall.

Seasonal maintenance does not always require a major project. Paying attention to smaller exterior details throughout the year can make it easier to identify areas that may need professional attention.

Add gutters and drainage to your fall home checklist, especially if mature trees surround your property. What’s one fall maintenance task still on your list? Let me know in the comments.

10/17/2026

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/16/2026

Fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures can make a renovated home feel immediately appealing. But when touring an updated property, take a little extra time to look beyond the overall presentation.

Notice cabinetry alignment, flooring transitions, doors, trim, plumbing fixtures, outlets, and other finishing details. Ask when larger improvements were completed and whether documentation, warranties, or permits are available when applicable.

A renovation should improve how a home functions as much as how it looks. Understanding the quality and scope of the work can help you form a more complete impression before making a decision.

If an updated home has caught your attention, reach out and let’s talk about the questions worth asking before you move forward.

10/16/2026

Hoping mortgage rates will come down soon? The latest inflation report just made that outlook a little more complicated.

Inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, higher than economists expected. And while rising gas prices were a big driver, costs increased across several other categories too.

Why does that matter for housing? Because stubborn inflation makes it harder for the Fed to justify lowering their Federal Funds Rate. It could even increase the chances of another hike.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. But inflation and Fed expectations influence them, which means there's no guarantee mortgage rates will move lower anytime soon.

If you're planning to buy or sell, don't let a hoped-for rate drop be the only thing driving your timeline.

Let's look at what today's market means for your move and build a plan around the numbers you can actually work with.

10/16/2026

Today's Real Estate Update!

The Biggest Credit Hurdle for Renters Who Want To Buy

The credit landscape is changing, but action is required on your part. You have to take credit for what you do. And the sooner you get started, the better.

Ready to see where you stand? A quick conversation with a loan officer costs you nothing and could show you you're closer to owning a home than you think.

Contact Me First!

What's the biggest payment you make every month? If you’re a renter, it's probably your rent.

10/15/2026

Today's Real Estate Update!

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.

Contact Me First!

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/15/2026

I love a beautiful kitchen, but I think the best designs do more than look good. They make everyday life easier.

When planning an update, think about how you actually use the room. Where do groceries land when you walk in? Is everyday cookware easy to reach? Is there enough task lighting for food preparation? Can people move comfortably through the space when someone is cooking?

Thoughtful storage, practical lighting, durable materials, and an efficient layout can make a kitchen more enjoyable without relying solely on appearance.

Whether you are planning a full renovation or a few smaller improvements, start with function and build the design around it.

If you could change one thing about your kitchen, what would it be? Let me know in the comments. And if a new kitchen is part of your next move, let’s connect.

10/15/2026

Home sales may be slower than last year. But that doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

At the current pace, almost 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. That's about 11,000 each day, 450 an hour, and nearly 8 every minute.

Why? Because even in this market, there are still buyers out there who have a reason to move.

People get new jobs, families grow, people retire, downsize, and move closer to the people they love. And those changes create buyers and sellers in every kind of market.

In fact, the latest report from NAR shows sales actually ticked up slightly in September, even though they're still below last year's pace.

So, don't let a headline convince you no one is buying. You don't need every buyer. You just need the right one – and a strategy that helps your house get their attention.

If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to make yours one of the homes that sells.

10/14/2026

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

In many places right now, inventory is growing and homes are taking a bit longer to sell. And that’s information that should shape the strategy you use going in.

Whether you're buying or selling, let's look at how long homes are taking to sell in your neighborhood, so your offer, or your price, fits today's market.

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.