Sommer Barlow-Realtor, The Property Shop

08/26/2026

2026 Forecasts for Rates and Prices

Still waiting for mortgage rates and home prices to come down? Here’s what the forecasts shows. Expect more of the same. Rates likely won’t change much – and prices will likely rise. Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's finding out what's still possible right now. Let’s talk it over.

08/24/2026

Thinking about selling, but worried your deal could fall apart before closing? Here's some perspective.

Most home sales still make it to the finish. And when one doesn't, the top reason is almost always inspection or repair issues. They play a part in more than 70% of deals that fall through.

But, luckily for you, inspection/repair issues are what you have the most power to prevent ahead of time. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and handle problems before a buyer's inspector ever does.

Ready to list? Let's talk about whether getting a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house in our market.

08/23/2026

Own a house with room for multiple generations, with features like an in-law suite or a finished basement with a separate entrance? Buyers are looking for that right now.
These houses tend to get 13.5% more online views than standard homes. They also command a higher list price per square foot – 22% higher, thanks to the extra square footage and special features.
Thinking about moving and want to know what buyers would pay for your house? Reach out and let’s chat about it.

08/22/2026

One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

If it's been a while since you've gotten a professional look at your home's value, let's change that.

Reach out for a free, personalized Home Equity Assessment that estimates what your house could sell for, how much equity you've likely built, and what that could mean for your next move.

You may have six figures of equity without even realizing it. And that’s enough to change everything about your next move.

-UpHomebuyer

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now.

08/21/2026

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.

08/20/2026

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.

08/19/2026

The latest home price data just made one thing clear.

More markets are seeing prices rise. And fewer are seeing them fall.

Just one quarter ago, home prices were rising in 71% of markets. Today, it's 80%. That’s a pretty big shift in just 3 months.

Now, that doesn't mean prices are climbing everywhere. But it does mean there’s no widespread crash happening. If anything, prices may have turned a corner.

Thinking about making a move? Send me a DM, and let's look at what's happening in our market before you decide what to do.

And don’t buy into every headline you see about prices falling. The data clearly tells a different story.

08/18/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 80% of Markets

Still waiting for home prices to come down? That's becoming less likely. Home prices are now rising in 80% of housing markets. That’s up from 71% last quarter. In other words, more markets are seeing prices go up — not down. Before you put your plans on hold, let's look at what's happening in our market. Waiting may not save you as much as you think.

08/17/2026

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can't find in a standard one. That's what gets attention. And offers. So, let’s chat about what it could get you in our market right now.

That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house.

08/16/2026

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?

This market isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you're wondering who has the upper hand where we live, let's talk. I'll show you exactly what the numbers look like in our market – and what strategy gives you the best shot at getting what you want.

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar.