Jill Russel with EXP Realty LLC

10/26/2026

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.



I am an OR licensed Broker.

10/19/2026

Want a More Affordable Home? Don’t Overlook Condos.

The first home you buy doesn't have to be a single-family house. If affordability has been holding you back, let's expand your search and see whether a condo could fit the price point you're looking for.



I am an OR licensed Broker.

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re co...

10/14/2026

Rates are high, and the experts aren’t expecting a big drop anytime soon. So let’s stop waiting on the rate and focus on what you actually live with: the payment.

Here’s what I’m telling buyers right now:

Sellers are more willing to help than they were a year ago. Depending on your loan, a seller can contribute 3% to 6% toward your costs, and often more on VA loans.

That help can go further than a price cut. Put toward permanently buying down your rate, the same dollars from a seller can lower your monthly payment about twice as much as knocking them off the price.

And you may need less cash than you think. There are local and state programs helping with down payments and closing costs, and many don’t require you to be a first-time buyer.

Instead of asking, “Should I wait for rates to drop?” ask, “What payment works for me, and how do we get there?”

Happy to run the numbers for your situation. Just send me a message.

10/12/2026

Why Most People Are Still Glad They Bought a Home

Don’t let today’s uncertainty make you lose sight of what homeownership can do over time. Most homeowners say they’d make the same choice again. And decades of home-price growth help explain why.
If you’re wondering whether buying makes sense for you right now, let’s look at the numbers together – and what owning a home could mean for you in the years ahead.



I am an OR licensed Broker.

With everything going on, it’s understandable if you’re wondering if you’d regret buying right now.

10/05/2026

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for Home Sellers

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers more cost-conscious. Builders know that, and many are responding with reduced rate, closing-cost help, price reductions, and other incentives.
If you're thinking about selling, let's look at what buyers are getting from other homes in our area – including new construction – and make sure your house is positioned to compete.



I am an OR licensed Broker.

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too.

09/30/2026

Mt. Shasta views. Beautiful wood floors. An updated kitchen. And a deck that deserves more of your free time.

430 N Laguna Street, Klamath Falls
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2,240 sq ft

Go ahead, be house curious.
https://www.flexmls.com/share/EflEn/430-N-Laguna-Street-Klamath-Falls-OR-97601

09/30/2026

I’m truly honored to have helped my friends move on to their new lives!

09/30/2026

This testimonial makes my heart happy! Ryan, so glad you and Colleen are in the right home for you. I hope you enjoy it for many years to come. Thank you for being amazing clients to work with!

09/28/2026

There Are 4 Types of Housing Markets Right Now. Which 1 Are You In?

Four different housing markets are running at once: cash buyers, financed buyers, locked-in owners, and builders. Each one plays by its own rules, and the right move for one is exactly the wrong move for another.

Let's figure out which one you're actually in and build your next move from there.



I am an OR licensed Broker.

Today’s housing market splits into four distinct types. You’ve got cash buyers, buyers financing a purchase, owners who feel locked into a low rate, and builders with homes to sell.

09/27/2026

IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING.

All week I’ve been encouraging you to be nosy, and today I get to make it official.

HOUSE CURIOUS SUNDAY IS HERE.

Two houses. Two open houses. One completely legitimate excuse to walk through homes that aren’t yours and discuss what you’d do with the kitchen.

1500 Pacific Terrace | 11 AM–1 PM
Nearly 3,900 sq. ft. of mid-century goodness and plenty of “WAIT…this is in here?!” moments.

1990 Arlington | 2–4 PM
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,566 sq. ft. just waiting for you to come snoop around.

Actually looking for a house? Fantastic.
Want to hand-pick your neighbor? Bring them.
Have absolutely no intention of moving but desperately want to see inside?

I knew you were my people.

Light refreshments served, because apparently snacks are what separate an open house from trespassing.

Come to one. Come to both.

It’s finally time to be House Curious.