Kelly Marks, Realtor

09/24/2026

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A visually well-designed home is more than its colors and patterns. It’s also about balancing textur...

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
After more than three decades in real estate here in the Greensboro and Triad area, I’ve seen the market shift in countless ways, but today’s housing landscape feels particularly unique. With higher mortgage rates, many buyers are finding it tough to justify monthly payments, so they’re hitting pause on their home search. At the same time, pending sales have slowed down—fewer folks are moving from just looking to actually making offers. On the other side, homeowners who secured lower-rate mortgages in the past are understandably reluctant to give up those favorable terms. This creates a true stalemate: buyers are holding out for more affordable payments, while sellers are hesitant to list and lose their great rates. It’s a standstill that’s keeping transaction activity slower than usual. Having helped hundreds of clients navigate changing markets, I know how challenging it can be to balance these competing pressures. Personalized service and experience are more important than ever when the market stands still.

09/24/2026

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09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
As someone who’s seen the ebb and flow of the Triad real estate market for over three decades, I’m keeping a close eye on the latest national trends. In the four weeks ending August 23, we saw a modest 0.4% increase in new US listings and a 0.5% rise in total homes for sale—marking the highest inventory since early second quarter. Yet, pending home sales dipped 1.1%, hitting a six-month low as many buyers hesitated, likely due to housing costs and mortgage rates hovering near 7%, a 13-month high. The median sale price rose 1.9% year-over-year, now topping $400,000. For buyers, this changing landscape means more choices and greater leverage—especially with homes that have been on the market a bit longer, where there’s often room to negotiate on price or concessions. Sellers who price realistically, rather than chasing last year’s peaks, are seeing the best results. In times like these, experience and a tailored approach are essential to navigating both opportunity and challenge.

09/22/2026

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09/22/2026

Homebuyers Remain Active Despite Rising Mortgage Rates
As someone who’s spent more than three decades guiding clients through the ins and outs of real estate here in the Greensboro and Triad area, I always keep a close eye on market shifts that can impact your next move. This week, mortgage application demand slipped again—down 2.9% overall, with purchase applications falling 4% and refinances dropping 2%. With the 30-year fixed mortgage rate now at 6.81%, it’s no surprise we’re seeing the Mortgage Intent Index hit its lowest non-holiday level since December 2025. In times like these, having a seasoned perspective can make all the difference. My commitment remains to provide truly personal service as we navigate these changes together.

09/21/2026

US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
After more than three decades helping folks navigate the Triad’s real estate landscape, I’ve seen home values weather many ups and downs—and right now, we’re in a period that really demands perspective. In Q2 2026, we saw US home prices continue to rise on paper, but one key federal index didn’t budge much from mid- to late-quarter once seasonal factors were accounted for. Nationally, prices appreciated about 1.5% year-over-year by late Q2, ticking up from 1% earlier in the quarter. Still, that’s about 2 points shy of the 3.5% inflation rate, so in real terms, home values have actually slipped for the 13th straight month. The silver lining: with inflation easing and nominal gains holding steadier, that erosion is slowing down. Since early 2012, one federal measure has shown annual price appreciation every single quarter, underscoring how resilient the market has been even when the numbers get complicated. As we move into the second half of the year, affordability remains the big hurdle—rising monthly payments on existing single-family homes are making things especially tough for first-time buyers. Having guided hundreds of clients through challenging markets, I know how important it is to look beyond the headlines and focus on what these shifts mean for real people.

09/20/2026

Greensboro Inventory Surges as Prices Soften for Buyers
In my three decades of serving Greensboro and the Triad, I’ve seen the market shift in many ways—but the current landscape stands out. The median list price in Greensboro-High Point has dipped 2.1% to $330,000, now sitting below the national median. Meanwhile, active listings have surged 21.9%, with new listings up 2.8%, and 22.4% of properties seeing price reductions. Homes are taking longer to sell—averaging 58 days on the market, which is 13.7% longer than last year. These numbers paint a picture of increased options and more negotiating room for buyers, making this an interesting time for both buyers and sellers. My approach has always been to provide clients with tailored advice based on the realities of our local market, and right now, understanding these trends is more important than ever.

09/19/2026

Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.5% year-over-year in June
With more than three decades spent guiding clients through the Triad’s shifting real estate landscape, I’ve seen how market numbers tell a deeper story. According to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller report, the National Home Price Index edged up 0.13% in June, marking a 1.5% increase over the past year. However, with inflation running at 3.5%, the real impact on home values feels different for many buyers and sellers. For context, cities like Chicago experienced a notable 6.9% annual price rise, while Seattle saw a 2.0% dip—all while mortgage rates remain at 6.5%. It’s moments like these that remind me why tailored, experienced guidance matters so much when navigating your next move in the Greensboro and Triad area.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kelly-marks-1/1946291-Case-Shiller%3A-National-House-Price-Index-Up-1.5%25-year-over-y

09/18/2026

MBA says July mortgage payments dipped, affordability improved
July brought a bit of relief for homebuyers—the median mortgage payment dropped to $2,175, thanks in part to wage growth pulling ahead of payment increases. While this shift means affordability has inched up, the reality is that it still looks very different depending on where you live, the type of loan you’re seeking, and even your background. Having spent over 30 years helping buyers and sellers navigate the Triad real estate market, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly these trends can shift. Keeping a close eye on rates, prices, and inventory is essential—each factor plays a role in shaping your path to homeownership.