Jan Brown, Realtor in Hannibal MO and surrounding area

01/04/2026

Good news for home owners in the new year.

Nationally, the Realtor.com 2026 housing forecast predicts that mortgage rates will average 6.3% across the new year, down from the 6.6% full-year average expected for 2025, while home prices will rise 2.2% year over year.

However, location plays a defining role in real estate, and no two housing markets are alike.

With that in mind, researchers at https://rltor.cm/brQAY8 compared the monthly principal and interest payments in 2025 with projected payments in 2026 across the 50 largest U.S. metros to determine where homeowners can expect higher housing costs and where they will see savings.

Take a look: https://rltor.cm/zz2iyU

12/20/2025

Agents, make sure your clients see this! 👀

2026 is shaping up to be more affordable for many homebuyers.

We expect mortgage rates to be lower on average next year, and monthly payments are projected to drop for the first time since 2020.

Get the entire Realtor.com Housing Forecast: https://rltor.cm/b414b0

12/19/2025

Let's talk about what agents actually make.

Your lawyer: $350/hour, guaranteed
Your accountant: $200/hour, guaranteed
Your contractor: $85/hour, guaranteed
Your plumber: $125/hour, guaranteed

Your real estate agent: $0/hour until closing

Here's what most people don't understand...

Agents don't get paid for:

The 47 showings that didn't result in an offer
The 3 months nurturing a lead who ghosted
The listing appointment they didn't get
The deal that fell apart day before closing
The 89 hours of work on a transaction that died
The client who fired them for telling the truth

Every month starts at zero.

No guaranteed paycheck.
No health insurance.
No paid vacation.
No sick days.
No 401k match.

Just commission.

If you close.
If the deal doesn't fall apart.
If the market cooperates.
If the buyer qualifies.

If, if, if.

12/18/2025

Going to get on my high horse so here goes.

It has been asked why use a local Realtor. I can sell my property by myself. OR, I'll save money using one of those online real estate agents from "somewhere" offering little to no hands-on service.

FSBOs often struggle with pricing, marketing, and negotiating, leading to regrets. Some studies suggest agents helping sellers will net 25% more, as seen in NAR data.

Do online agencies have local knowledge of the market or have local relationships with lenders, appraisers, title companies and inspectors? The answer is almost always "No". Local Realtors can and do take care of their clients.

Another point to consider is buyers may close and have a moving van ready to unload but "oh no" there is a glitch at the closing or a driveway that the movers can't traverse. That out of area agency won't be able to help and if your new to the area who do you call? Local Realtors are there to help you solve unforeseen issues.

I'm saying this today because there was a closing today that would not have happened if not for our community of professionals. There was a lender who specialized in specific loan requirements, a title company who picked up on additional steps needed so transfer of title was addressed before closing, an cooperating real estate agent who worked seamlessly for the seller and buyer agent who brought everyone together to make it happen. That is what a local Realtor can do.

REALTORS follow the golden rule, "Do unto other as you would have them do unto you". Our mission is “To provide exceptional real estate experiences through professionalism and integrity.” These are not just words but how REALTORS serve their clients and community.

I love the challenges of being a real estate agent. There was some tough situations but most were successfully solved. As I retire just shy of 25 years I want to thank our real estate community, state and national REALTOR associations. It has been a pleasure. Special thanks to all my clients through the years. Best to all.

11/29/2025

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30TH AT 11 D'VILLE HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER.

11/18/2025

Well maintained home for sale. Check it out.

11/09/2025

Check out these lots.

10/31/2025

Looking for a home or wanting to change addresses - give me call.

09/26/2025

A new journey toward homeownership could be a message away. Give me a call.

08/11/2025

New listing. Call for a looky looky today.