Rachael Richardson, Grand Valley Real Estate Group

06/11/2026

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.

Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501

06/10/2026

One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: “What’s going to happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?”

And it makes sense why everyone is asking.

Affordability is tight. Rates feel high. Prices do too.

And people want to know if the second half of the year is going to be better.

Here's the honest answer. A lot of it depends on what happens with inflation – and the lingering uncertainty overseas. But even in today’s market, there’s opportunity, if you know where to look.

Want a breakdown of what’s impacting the market, where experts think things could go from here, and what you can actually do about it?

Send a DM or drop a comment below and I can send you over an article that breaks it all down.

Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501

06/02/2026

After a year or more of rates coming down, things have changed. And lately, mortgage rates have been climbing again.

And if that's made you wonder whether you should delay your move until they drop, you're not the only one.

The honest truth is that rates probably won't come down much until inflation cools off and some of the global uncertainty settles. And no one knows exactly when that'll be.

But what most headlines won't tell you is that rates aren't the only thing that affects affordability. Sure, they’re a big factor, but not all of the affordability news is bad.

Wages, home prices, and inventory are all trending in a direction that could still help make your move possible.

Want to know what that actually looks like for your situation? Drop a comment or send me a DM.

Because even though rates are higher, there are pockets of opportunity in any market, if you know where to look.

Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501

06/01/2026

FOR SALE!!!
1005 Pritchard Mesa Ct
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Welcome to this exceptional ranch-style home with a fully finished walk-out basement in highly sought-after Pritchard Mesa Estates. Perfectly situated on 2 beautifully manicured and fully fenced acres with breathtaking panoramic views in every direction. Designed for both comfort and entertaining, this spacious stucco home offers incredible indoor and outdoor living spaces, including a covered front deck and covered back patio where you can enjoy unforgettable sunrises and sunsets year-round. Inside, the thoughtfully designed floor plan showcases vaulted ceilings and expansive windows throughout, perfectly framing stunning Monument views and filling the home with natural light. The beautifully appointed kitchen features rich hickory cabinetry, granite countertops, and ample space for gathering and entertaining. New luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main level and new carpet add stylish, updated finishes throughout the home. The main-level primary suite is a private retreat complete with stunning views and a beautifully remodeled ensuite bathroom and spacious walk-in closet featuring custom built-ins for exceptional organization and storage. Also on the main level, you’ll find two additional bedrooms along with a full guest bath and convenient half bath, as well as a mudroom off the garage, providing ample space for family and visitors alike. The expansive walkout basement offers endless versatility with a massive family room, two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, office, workout room, and flexible bonus space ideal for hobbies, guests, or multi-generational living. Car enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those needing extra storage will appreciate the attached 3-car garage featuring durable epoxy floors (2025),plus an impressive 70ft x 30ft detached garage/shop with tandem space for up to 6 additional vehicles. There is also ample RV parking and room for all your recreational toys. Additional recent upgrades include new furnace and AC unit for main level (2021), new glass in windows (2025), new baseboards and paint in basement, new exterior sconce lighting, and new roofs on both the home and shop (May 2026), and septic serviced/cleaned in July 2025, offering peace of mind for years to come.
Listed by Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Listed at $1,225,000

05/27/2026

Now might be a smart time to look at newly built homes.

Builders are motivated to keep their inventory moving, so they’re offering incentives like mortgage rate buydowns and closing cost help to draw in buyers.

It also means they may be more flexible on price. In fact, the median price for newly built homes just hit a five-year low for this exact reason.

Builder perks and lower prices? That’s a combo worth paying attention to.

Call, Text or DM me to talk through what’s available in our area and which builders are offering the best incentives today.

Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501

05/26/2026

You’ve probably heard of the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan. But do you know what it offers?

In a recent survey, 68% of Veterans didn’t know they may be able to buy a home with zero money down. 77% didn’t know PMI isn’t always required.

Many also have no idea they may be able to count their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as income.

Any of those VA loan benefits could make homeownership more achievable than you realize.

If you’ve served (or know someone who has), get in touch with a trusted lender for more information on VA home loan options and what you may qualify for.

Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501

05/20/2026

“What if I buy… and home prices go down?” It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now.

And honestly, with everything in the news lately, it's easy to see where that's coming from.

No one wants to make a big financial decision at the wrong time.

But here’s the part buyers need to see.

When you look at home prices over the last several decades, data proves prices usually go up, not down.

Yes, there are a few dips in there. But they’re typically small and short-lived. So, while a few markets are seeing slight declines right now, the bigger trend is clear.

Over time, home prices almost always rise.

That’s why buying a home is generally considered a safe long-term investment (especially if you plan to live there for 5+ years).

So, try not to get too caught up in what might happen with home prices next month or next year. Focus on the bigger picture.

Want to talk through what prices are doing in our market? Call, Text, or Send over a DM.

Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501

05/19/2026

Thinking about selling your house soon? Don't skip staging.

With more houses on the market now, anything you can do to help yours stand out counts. And while staging costs vary, whatever you spend could pay you back big time.

For example, if you invest the typical $4k for mid-level staging on a $400k home, that can turn into roughly $18k in added value when you sell.

That gives you the potential to net about $14k more at closing – about a 350% return on your investment.

But staging doesn’t have to mean hiring a full crew. There’s an option for almost every budget, from professional staging to virtual staging to simple DIY updates.

Call, Text or DM me if you're getting ready to sell and let's talk about what level of staging makes sense for your house and your budget.

Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501

05/17/2026

JUST LISTED!!!
1005 Pritchard Mesa Ct
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Welcome to this exceptional ranch-style home with a fully finished walk-out basement in highly sought-after Pritchard Mesa Estates. Perfectly situated on 2 beautifully manicured and fully fenced acres with breathtaking panoramic views in every direction. Designed for both comfort and entertaining, this spacious stucco home offers incredible indoor and outdoor living spaces, including a covered front deck and covered back patio where you can enjoy unforgettable sunrises and sunsets year-round. Inside, the thoughtfully designed floor plan showcases vaulted ceilings and expansive windows throughout, perfectly framing stunning Monument views and filling the home with natural light. The beautifully appointed kitchen features rich hickory cabinetry, granite countertops, and ample space for gathering and entertaining. New luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main level and new carpet add stylish, updated finishes throughout the home. The main-level primary suite is a private retreat complete with stunning views and a beautifully remodeled ensuite bathroom and spacious walk-in closet featuring custom built-ins for exceptional organization and storage. Also on the main level, you’ll find two additional bedrooms along with a full guest bath and convenient half bath, as well as a mudroom off the garage, providing ample space for family and visitors alike. The expansive walkout basement offers endless versatility with a massive family room, two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, office, workout room, and flexible bonus space ideal for hobbies, guests, or multi-generational living. Car enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those needing extra storage will appreciate the attached 3-car garage featuring durable epoxy floors (2025),plus an impressive 70ft x 30ft detached garage/shop with tandem space for up to 6 additional vehicles. There is also ample RV parking and room for all your recreational toys. Additional recent upgrades include new furnace and AC unit for main level(2021), new glass in windows (2025), new baseboards and paint in basement, new exterior sconce lighting, and new roofs on both the home and shop (May 2026), and septic serviced/cleaned in July 2025, offering peace of mind for years to come.
Listed by Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Listed at $1,225,000

This is "1005 Pritchard Mesa Grand Junction CO" by Blue Spruce Media on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/16/2026

JUST LISTED!!!
1005 Pritchard Mesa Ct
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Listed at $1,225,000
Welcome to this exceptional ranch-style home with a fully finished walk-out basement on just over 2 acres in highly sought-after Pritchard Mesa Estates. Perfectly situated on 2 beautifully manicured and fully fenced acres with breathtaking panoramic views in every direction. Designed for both comfort and entertaining, this spacious stucco home offers incredible indoor and outdoor living spaces, including a covered front deck and covered back patio where you can enjoy unforgettable sunrises and sunsets year-round. Inside, the thoughtfully designed floor plan showcases vaulted ceilings and expansive windows throughout, perfectly framing stunning Monument views and filling the home with natural light. The beautifully appointed kitchen features rich hickory cabinetry, granite countertops, and ample space for gathering and entertaining. New luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main level and new carpet add stylish, updated finishes throughout the home. The main-level primary suite is a private retreat complete with stunning views and a beautifully remodeled ensuite bathroom and spacious walk-in closet featuring custom built-ins for exceptional organization and storage. Also on the main level, you’ll find two additional bedrooms along with a full guest bath and convenient half bath, as well as a mudroom off the garage, providing ample space for family and visitors alike. The expansive walkout basement offers endless versatility with a massive family room, two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, office, workout room, and flexible bonus space ideal for hobbies, guests, or multi-generational living. Car enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those needing extra storage will appreciate the attached 3-car garage featuring durable epoxy floors (2025), plus an impressive 70ft x 30ft detached garage/shop with tandem space for up to 6 additional vehicles. There is also ample RV parking and room for all your recreational toys. Additional recent upgrades include new furnace and AC unit for main level(2021), new baseboards and paint in basement, new glass in windows (2025), new exterior sconce lighting, and new roofs on both the home and shop (May 2026), offering peace of mind for years to come.
Listed By Rachael Richardson, REALTOR (970) 773-1001
Grand Valley Real Estate Group
1114 N. 1st St, Suite 103-112
Grand Junction, CO 81501