Tara Barber, Realtor- REMAX Alliance

06/24/2026

More Sellers Are Taking Their Homes off the Market. Here’s What You Need To Know.

If you’re seeing headlines about how a record number of sellers are taking their homes off the market, don’t panic. It’s not a warning of an impending crash. It’s a market adjusting.

You may be hearing that a near-record number of homeowners are pulling their houses off the market.

06/23/2026

Only 5% of Sellers Sell Without an Agent – Here's Why

There’s a reason only 5% of sellers sell without an agent. The ones who tried it on their own say this is where things went sideways: getting the price right, knowing how to prep, and selling on time. And these aren’t small details. They’re what determines how much you walk away with. Skip the guesswork. Let’s connect.

06/23/2026

The home that’s been sitting on the market for a few weeks? Maybe even a month? Don’t scroll past it just yet.

Your first instinct might be to assume there’s something wrong, but you could be missing out. Especially if finding a house in your budget has been your #1 challenge.

Homes that have been on the market longest are the ones you should be looking at first.

Because the longer a house sits, the more open the seller usually is to dropping the price or negotiating.

So, before you write off a listing that’s been around for a while, let’s connect. I can help you decide which homes are worth a second glance.

06/22/2026

My newest listing in Bethalto is absolutely adorable and truly a labor of love for my sweet sellers. This home has been in their family for many years, and I know his mom would be so proud of all the care, updates and love that have gone into it.
Now it’s ready for its next chapter and the next family to make memories here for years to come. Featuring 3 bedrooms, a full unfinished basement with endless potential for additional living space, plus a non-conforming second bathroom already in place. Outside, the pool is ready for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or simply relaxing on a warm afternoon.
Homes like this don’t come along often—filled with character, memories, and so much opportunity. I can’t wait for the next owners to make it their own. 🏡❤️☀️🏊‍♀️

06/18/2026

Putting off buying a home? Maybe you're waiting for a crash to get a better deal – or afraid you'll buy now and watch your home's value fall later.

Either way, the widespread drop you're bracing for may not be coming.

Yes, a few markets are seeing mild declines. But more than 100 economists and housing experts expect home prices will actually rise nationally over the next five years – not fall.

And waiting for a deal that never comes could mean passing up the chance to gain thousands in equity or paying more in a few years for the same home.

So before you decide to wait, let's talk about your options and what prices are really doing in our area.

06/18/2026

Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.

Right now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect your market.

Want to know which way our local market is leaning and what that means for your move? Let's connect.

Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.

06/17/2026

Think Home Prices Will Crash? Here's What the Experts Actually Expect.

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.

06/16/2026

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

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.