Elena Rivas, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

06/18/2026

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Putting off buying a home? Maybe you're waiting for a crash to get a better deal – or afraid you'll buy now and watch your home's value fall later.

Either way, the widespread drop you're bracing for may not be coming.

Yes, a few markets are seeing mild declines. But more than 100 economists and housing experts expect home prices will actually rise nationally over the next five years – not fall.

And waiting for a deal that never comes could mean passing up the chance to gain thousands in equity or paying more in a few years for the same home.

So before you decide to wait, let's talk about your options and what prices are really doing in our area.



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06/18/2026

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Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.



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A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down."

06/16/2026

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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.



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

06/13/2026

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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.



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06/11/2026

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A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.



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06/09/2026

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Summer Guides for Buying or Selling a Home

Moving this Summer, and not sure where to start? The new Summer Guides for buying or selling a home have your answers. For your free digital copy, let’s connect.



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06/06/2026

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The Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Why Forecasts Changed in 2026

The housing market hasn’t rebounded as quickly as experts originally hoped. But that doesn’t mean it’s stalled.

Higher inflation and lingering economic uncertainty caused economists to revise their forecasts for this year. But importantly, when those two things settle down, many experts believe the market will regain its momentum.

So don’t see this revision in forecasts as a sign of trouble. See it as a temporary reaction to overall conditions and uncertainty.

If you want to know what’s happening in our local market, and what it could mean for your plans for the rest of this year, let’s connect.



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If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.

06/04/2026

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What Rising Inflation Means for Your Move

Inflation is still above where the Fed wants it, and that means mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated for a while. But for people who need to move, strategy matters far more than trying to perfectly time the market.

Wondering what this means for your specific situation? Reach out today. Let's cut through the noise together and make a plan that actually works for you.



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Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.

05/30/2026

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The Real Reason Some People Are Still Moving Right Now

Life changes. Priorities shift. Families grow. Kids move out. Careers evolve. And eventually, the house you’re in may stop fitting the life you’re living.

If that’s been weighing on you lately, let’s talk through what your options could realistically look like today, no matter where rates or prices are.

Life can’t always wait for perfect market conditions. Maybe you don’t have to either.



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You may be telling yourself you’re going to wait to move – maybe you’re hoping mortgage rates will come down, prices will fall, or the market will feel a little easier.

05/28/2026

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The Truth About Affordability Today

Yes, rates have been volatile, and global instability is keeping them from settling down anytime soon. There’s no sugar coating that. But the full picture of affordability is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Want to run the real numbers for your situation? Let's talk. Reach out and let's set up a quick, no-pressure conversation.



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Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability.