Chris Gage - Realtor

09/04/2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here's what doesn't change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Let’s have a quick conversation about what's happening in our market and see whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

09/02/2026

Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

There are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. That means a lot of sellers know they’ll have to compromise a bit to get their house sold, which leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, exactly how much room you have depends on where you’re looking. But more and more markets are trending in favor of buyers, so let’s chat about what’s going on in our area.

Send a DM, and we’ll turn your negotiating power into a set of keys.

08/31/2026

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/29/2026

Think every home on the market is out of reach? Not necessarily.

More than 40% of sellers are dropping their asking price right now. And the median list price this July was the lowest for any July in 5 years.

That means sellers aren’t banking on bidding wars or expecting buyers to pay whatever they ask. They’re more willing to meet you where you’re at.

And that could work in your favor. Want to find out how much wiggle room you have on price in our market? DM me.

08/28/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.

08/28/2026

Thoughts on a Full Moon:

Today is National Just Because Day.

So, just because… I've been thinking about money.

Not “How can I sell more houses?”

More like…

How can I help people build a better financial future for themselves?

I've been thinking a lot lately about how easy it is to get caught up in the idea that making more money is the answer.

Maybe it isn't.

Maybe the first step is learning how to manage the money you already make.

Get out of debt.
Build an emergency fund.
Stop living paycheck to paycheck.
Spend less than you make.
Start saving.
Make a plan.

And then, when you're financially ready, start thinking about how your money can work for you.

That's where I think real estate can become really interesting.

I'm not talking about buying the biggest house a bank says you can afford.

I'm talking about buying a home that fits into your financial plan.

A home you can comfortably afford.
A mortgage you can eventually pay off.
A property that can build equity over time.

Because every time you make a mortgage payment, you're not simply paying for a place to live. A portion of that payment is reducing the balance you owe and increasing the portion of the home you actually own.

And historically, that equity has become a significant source of household wealth. In fact, Census data shows that home equity was the largest-value commonly held asset among U.S. households in 2022.

That's why I don't think buying a home should be viewed simply as:

“I need a place to live.”

I think it can also be viewed as:

“I'm going to build something I own.”

Imagine starting with a modest home.

You buy it responsibly.

You live within your means.

You continue saving and investing.

You pay down the mortgage.

The home appreciates over the years.

Eventually, you have an asset that may be worth substantially more than what you originally paid for it — and you've built equity along the way.

Maybe someday you sell it and use that equity to buy your next home.

Maybe you pay it off and enter retirement without a mortgage.

Maybe you keep it and turn it into a rental.

The point isn't that real estate is guaranteed to make you wealthy. It isn't.

The point is that homeownership, when approached responsibly, can be a powerful tool in a much bigger financial plan.

And that's something I wish more people thought about when they were buying their first home.

Don't ask:

“How much house will the bank let me buy?”

Ask:

“What kind of home can I comfortably afford while still building the life I want?”

That's a very different question.

And honestly, that's the kind of Realtor I want to be.

Not the guy trying to get you into the most expensive house you qualify for.

The guy helping you figure out how real estate fits into the bigger picture of your financial life.

So, just because it's National Just Because Day…

Maybe today is a good day to start thinking about your plan.

Not necessarily to buy a house.

Just to start.

Get your finances in order. Make a plan. And when the time is right, make your money work toward the future you want.

08/24/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.

08/22/2026

One of the biggest stories in the housing market these past few years has been how much the supply of homes for sale has grown. It’s the #1 bright spot for buyers in this market.

But you may have heard that growth has been slowing down.

It’s true it went from +31% a year ago to just +2% now. But that’s no reason to worry about your move.

Because nationally, inventory has been up year-over-year for 33 straight months. And the latest data shows the slowdown may have already hit its floor.

Plus, since rates aren't expected to come down much anytime soon, inventory growth may be about to pick back up.

The bottom line? Inventory is still better than it was last year – and that gives you options. And even more choices may be coming soon.

Wondering what this means for your plans? Send me a DM and let's talk through what’s available right here, right now.

08/21/2026

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?

Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbor's place sold for. What your house is actually worth today.

If you're like most people, it's been years. And that number is worth a second look, especially now because it also tells you how much equity you have.

Data shows homeowners have an average of about $311k of equity today. That’s six figures. Once you sell, you can use that to put more money down or even buy your next house in cash.

So, today’s rates and prices may not be holding you back as much as you think.

If you're even thinking about what's next, let's talk. I’d be happy to do a free equity assessment and show you exactly what you're working with.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

08/19/2026

Higher Rates Could Actually Help Housing Supply – Here’s How.

The number of homes for sale is growing slowly but surely, and that means more options for your move. Want to see what’s available in our area? Reach out, and let's take a look together.

You may have heard the number of homes for sale isn’t growing like it was. And maybe that has you worried you won’t find a home you love when it’s time to make your move.