Gretchen Wilson - Rogers Neighborhood Realty

09/12/2026

Data centers probably weren't on your list of things to think about when buying or selling a home.

09/05/2026

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

09/01/2026

Lowell seniors Mikena Ismail and Cody Bromley share how perseverance, influential mentors and big goals have shaped their high school journeys.

08/29/2026

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

08/22/2026

You may have heard the number of homes for sale isn’t growing like it was. And maybe that has you worried you won’t find a home you love when it’s time to make your move.

08/20/2026

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?

Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbor's place sold for. What your house is actually worth today.

If you're like most people, it's been years. And that number is worth a second look, especially now because it also tells you how much equity you have.

Data shows homeowners have an average of about $311k of equity today. That’s six figures. Once you sell, you can use that to put more money down or even buy your next house in cash.

So, today’s rates and prices may not be holding you back as much as you think.

If you're even thinking about what's next, let's talk. I’d be happy to do a free equity assessment and show you exactly what you're working with. Call or text 616.204.9608 for more information.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

-UpHomebuyer

08/15/2026

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar.

08/14/2026

🚨New Listing🚨
Thornapple Riverfront home on a cul-de-sac in Forest Hills School District!

This stunning 6 bed, 5 bath home is on 1.72 acres and features a boat house, game room, gym, and so much more!

Call or text for your private showing today.
📲616.204.9608

https://gretchenwilson.rogersneighborhoodrealty.com/property-search/detail/149/26042659/7177-aqua-fria-ct-se-grand-rapids-mi-49546/

Listing courtesy of Five Star Real Estate

Home for sale at 7177 Aqua Fria Ct SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546, with MLS 26042659.

08/12/2026

Mortgage rates aren’t random. They’re affected by 2 numbers.

The 10-year treasury yield and something called "the spread." That's the gap between the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates, and it usually sits around 1.76 percentage points.

Back in 2023, the gap in the spread ballooned up to 3.19 in response to economic uncertainty. If it were still that wide today, rates would be pushing almost 8%.

But the good news is the gap has narrowed to 2.01 (a lot closer to the long-term norm). And that’s a big positive for rates. It’s why today’s mortgage rate is in the upper 6s instead of touching 8%.

Here's the part a lot of people miss. Where rates are right now are already pretty close to what a totally normal spread would produce – a mortgage rate around 6.5%.

In other words, the fact that the spread has narrowed in recent years has helped mortgage rates. Sure, they’re still higher than you may want, but it could be worse.

Wondering if buying now still makes sense with rates like this? Send me a message and let's break it down.

08/12/2026