Josh Steinke, Grand Forks ND Realtor

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.

06/18/2026

A few years ago, sellers could say "no" to just about everything a buyer asked for.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.

Today? The market looks a little different.

Zillow says 67% of sellers pay some or all of their buyer's closing costs.

That doesn't mean every seller should do it. But it does mean the most successful sellers today understand something important:

The market has shifted. And that's means negotiation is back on the table.

Sometimes helping with closing costs makes sense. Sometimes another concession is the better move. But it’s normal for today’s market to require some give and take.

The key is knowing what buyers are asking for in your area, and which compromises are actually worth making.

Want to know what sellers in our area are negotiating right now? Send a message or drop a comment below.

06/18/2026

If you spend enough time online, you'd probably think home prices are crashing or they’re about too.

But the data tells a different story.

According to Realtor.com, home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country.

That's the majority of markets.

Yes, some areas are seeing slight price declines. But they're the exception, not the rule.
That's why it's important to be careful about where you're getting your housing market information.

The internet loves dramatic headlines. The data usually tells a more complete story.

Want to know what's actually happening with home prices in our area? Send over a message.

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

Home Prices Are Rising in 71% of Markets

Even though you may be hearing talk about prices crashing online, it’s not true nationally. While some areas are seeing slight declines, prices are still going up in 71% of markets. That means the majority are seeing prices rise, not fall. So, don’t believe everything you hear online. If you want the truth, lean on the pros.

06/15/2026

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is.

Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for our local market.

If you’re wondering what's normal in our area, what's worth negotiating, and where it makes sense to stand firm, let’s connect.

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

06/14/2026

Moving this Summer? Whether you're buying or selling, you probably have questions.

My new Summer Buyer & Seller Guides have the answers.

Inside, you'll find out what higher inventory means for you, what’s going on with affordability right now, what strategies for buying or selling are actually working this season, and more.

Stop guessing and start moving forward with confidence. DM or drop a comment with "BUYER" or "SELLER" below to get your free digital copy.

06/13/2026

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there’s a little bit of good news.

Asking prices have started to ease – the typical asking price this May came in under where it was a year ago.

And these lower prices are good news for your move – not a sign the market’s in trouble. It points to a market that’s rebalancing with more realistic seller expectations and a little more breathing room for buyers again.

So, if you’ve been waiting for an opening, let’s connect. I’ll help you see what that looks like in our area.

06/12/2026

🏡 OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 2913 125th Street, Lengby, MN

🌊 Price Reduced to $629,250!

Come experience one of Island Lake's most private and breathtaking retreats — in person! Nestled on 1.58 wooded acres with 230 feet of shoreline, this stunning log home is the ultimate Up North escape.

✅ 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,352 sq ft
✅ Open-concept living with panoramic lake views
✅ Wraparound deck + private sandy beach + lakeside fire pit
✅ Massive 40x37 heated garage with guest suite above
✅ Custom cedar barrel sauna
✅ Seller financing available!

Whether you're dreaming of a weekend getaway or year-round living, this one-of-a-kind lakefront compound is worth the drive. Come see it Sunday! 🌲☀️

📞 Questions? Call/text Josh Steinke, REALTOR® at 701-741-1335
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The Ultimate Private Up North Retreat - Now Offered at $6...