Tom Flynn, Real Estate Salesperson

09/24/2026

Waiting for mortgage rates to hit 5%? So is everyone else.

A recent Neighbors Bank survey found that 72% of potential homebuyers have delayed or paused their search waiting for rates to improve.

But two things really stood out:

Only 35% of buyers could correctly identify where mortgage rates actually were.

And when asked what rate would bring them back into the market, the average answer was 5%.

Think about that for a second.

If you’re waiting for 5%, a lot of other buyers are waiting for the same thing. If rates eventually get there, you may get the rate you wanted, but you could also be competing against a much larger pool of buyers for the same homes.

And waiting hasn’t necessarily worked out so far. In the same survey 41% of buyers who delayed because of rates said they regret not buying before rates or home prices moved higher.

This doesn’t mean you should buy today. It means it’s worth knowing what today’s numbers actually look like for you before deciding to wait.

If buying a home is on your radar, let’s talk. I can help you understand what’s happening in our local market and connect you with our friends at OriginPoint to walk through the financing options and numbers.

Knowledge is power.

09/21/2026

08/24/2026

Buyers are finally seeing something they haven’t had much of over the past few years, more choices and more negotiating power.

Active listings have climbed from the historic lows of recent years and are now approaching pre pandemic levels.

Interestingly, mortgage rates may be part of the reason.

As Mike Simonsen, Chief Economist at Compass, explains:

💬 “When rates rise, inventory rises. When rates fall, inventory falls.”

That relationship is something savvy home buyers are paying attention to.

When rates are higher, there may be fewer buyers competing for homes, more inventory to choose from, and greater opportunity to negotiate on price, seller concessions, closing costs, and other terms.

If rates eventually move lower, buyers may have an opportunity to refinance and reduce their monthly payment. But the purchase price and terms you negotiate today are locked into the transaction.

In other words, waiting for a lower mortgage rate could also mean shopping in a market with less inventory and more competition.

🏠 More inventory today
🤝 More negotiating leverage
💰 Potentially better purchase terms
📉 Opportunity to refinance if rates improve down the road

The best opportunity isn’t always when rates are at their lowest. Sometimes it’s when buyers have the most leverage.

And that’s where having the right real estate and mortgage strategy working together matters.

As a Compass agent, I can connect my clients directly with OriginPoint, the in-house mortgage lender for Compass, to help evaluate financing options, structure an offer strategically, and determine whether buying in today’s higher inventory environment could make sense, with the potential to refinance later if rates improve.

08/14/2026

Cousin's reunion at the beach

08/03/2026

Should you sell your current home before buying your next one?

It's one of the biggest questions homeowners ask us, and the answer surprises a lot of people.

More often than not, our clients are actually buying before they sell.

Why? Because it gives them more control over the entire process.

✅ You can shop for the right home instead of settling because you're under a deadline.

✅ You only have to move once.

✅ You can prepare, stage, and sell your current home on your timeline, often leading to a smoother sale and potentially stronger offers.

Many homeowners assume they have to sell first because all of their equity is tied up in their current home. Fortunately, that's not always the case.

Our lending partners at OriginPoint specialize in helping buyers navigate exactly this type of transaction.

We’ve seen them help our clients buy before selling time and time again, like clockwork. Whether that means finding a way to leverage the equity in their current home, structuring financing around the timing of the sale, or simply developing a plan that allows them to buy with confidence, there are often more options available than homeowners realize.

Every situation is different, which is why having your real estate and financing strategy working together as a team from the beginning can make such a difference.

If you're thinking about making a move, talk to me before you assume you need to sell first. Our goal is to give you more flexibility, less stress, and a stronger position when the right home comes along.

Thinking about making a move? Let’s build the strategy before we start the search.

07/20/2026

For the 14th consecutive year, Americans have named real estate the best long-term investment, according to the latest Gallup Poll.

That's an incredible vote of confidence. Through changing interest rates, market volatility, and economic uncertainty, real estate has continued to earn the top spot year after year.

It's easy to see why. A home isn't just an investment, it's where memories are made, financial stability is built, and long-term wealth has the opportunity to grow.

If homeownership is one of your goals, our team at Compass, together with our lending partners at OriginPoint, is here to help turn that goal into a reality. Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, or exploring your options, we're happy to help you take the next step.

07/14/2026

It's something I hear all the time, but for many people, waiting isn't necessary.

In fact, 33% of first-time homebuyers have student loan debt.

Having student loans doesn't automatically prevent you from qualifying for a mortgage. Lenders consider your overall financial picture, including your income, credit, and monthly debt obligations.

Every situation is different, but you may have more options than you realize.

If buying a home has been on your mind, let's connect. Our partners at OriginPoint can help you understand what's possible.

07/06/2026

Today's homeowners are in one of the strongest financial positions we've ever seen:
Record levels of home equity
Historically low foreclosure rates
More than half of existing homeowners still have mortgage rates below 4%
Home prices are stabilizing, not collapsing

For buyers, that means opportunity still exists.
For sellers, it means demand remains supported by a market built on strong fundamentals, not speculation.

The biggest mistake may be waiting for a "crash" that many economists simply don't see coming.

If you are wondering whether now is the right time to make a move, let's have the conversation. We're always happy to help you digest today's market, explore financing options, and build a strategy that fits your goals.

07/02/2026