Sandy Duggan, Broker Pillar 5 Real Estate, LLC

Sandy Duggan, Broker Pillar 5 Real Estate, LLC REALTOR®representing buyers, sellers and investors! I can also assist you with property management!

09/24/2026

Waiting until fall won't make homes more affordable, but here's what will
I’m often asked if waiting for the fall market will open up more affordable options for homebuyers. The reality is, affordability challenges are tied more to the numbers than the season. Right now, the income required for a median-priced home in the US is over $120,000—almost double what it used to be. With mortgage rates hovering around 6.5% and prices still trending up, holding off rarely brings the relief folks hope for. Most buyers are putting down 6–9%, though there are still some low or zero down payment programs out there if you know where to look. The truth? Preparation is what makes the difference. Having walked alongside sellers and investors in our Hinesville community for nearly a decade, I’ve learned that planning ahead—rather than waiting for the perfect moment—puts you in the best position to succeed.

09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We’re starting to see more homes pop up for sale, with new US listings ticking up 0.4% and total inventory rising 0.5% in the four weeks ending August 23—the highest since early Q2. Yet, even as choices expand, pending home sales dropped 1.1% to a six-month low. With mortgage rates hovering around 7% (their highest in over a year) and the median sale price above $400K, it’s clear that affordability is keeping some buyers on the sidelines.

For those actively searching, though, this shift is opening opportunities: more inventory and softer demand mean buyers can negotiate for price cuts or concessions, especially on homes that have been listed a while. Sellers, on the other hand, are finding that realistic pricing is key—chasing last year’s numbers just isn’t working in today’s market.

After nearly a decade serving Hinesville sellers and investors, I’ve learned how quickly local dynamics can change. My background in property management taught me the value of rolling up my sleeves and meeting folks where they are. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding these subtle shifts can give you the edge you need.

09/21/2026

US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
It’s been another revealing quarter for home values across the country. In Q2 2026, while prices kept rising on paper, the story looks a little different once you factor in inflation. One federal index held steady from mid- to late-Q2 after seasonal adjustment, and nationally, we saw yearly appreciation tick up to about 1.5%—a slight climb from 1% earlier in the quarter, but still trailing behind inflation, which hovered at around 3.5%. That means, in real terms, home values have slipped for the thirteenth month in a row, though the pace of that loss has slowed with easing inflation and firmer nominal gains.

As someone who’s spent nine years walking Hinesville’s neighborhoods and helping sellers and investors navigate shifting markets, I know how these numbers can feel if you’re considering your next move. Even with steady nominal growth—something we’ve seen every quarter since early 2012—affordability remains the sticking point. Typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes have crept higher this quarter, creating more hurdles, especially for first-time buyers. Staying informed and realistic is key as we head into the second half of the year. If you have questions about how these trends might impact your plans locally, I’m always ready to talk it through.

🤔 what do you think 💭
09/21/2026

🤔 what do you think 💭

🏡 UNPOPULAR REAL ESTATE OPINION 👀

Not every home improvement adds value to your home.

Yep. I said it. 😂

Just because you spent $20,000 on an upgrade doesn’t necessarily mean your home is now worth $20,000 more.

Some renovations can help with resale value and buyer appeal. Others are more about personal enjoyment — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

But if you’re renovating specifically because you plan to sell, it’s worth asking:

Will buyers actually pay more for this?

Now I want to hear from you 👇

🔨 Which renovation do YOU think gives homeowners the biggest bang for their buck?

Kitchen?
Bathroom?
Flooring?
Paint?
Curb appeal?
Something else?

And bonus question… 😏

What home improvement do you think is the BIGGEST waste of money?

Let the debate begin. 😂🏡

09/19/2026

Why Resilience Is a Key Trait of Successful Real Estate Agents
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

09/16/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
There’s an interesting shift unfolding in the housing market right now. Over the four weeks ending August 23, the number of new US listings edged up by 0.4% week-over-week, and total homes for sale rose 0.5%—reaching their highest point since early Q2. Yet, at the same time, pending home sales dropped 1.1% to a six-month low, as high housing costs kept many buyers on the sidelines, even with more options available nationally.

The median sale price for a US home is up 1.9% year-over-year and now sits above $400,000, while average mortgage rates are hovering close to 7%—almost the highest level we’ve seen in over a year.

With rising inventory and softer demand, buyers are starting to find themselves in a stronger position to negotiate—whether that’s for price reductions or seller concessions. Homes that have been on the market for several weeks often give buyers the best leverage. For sellers, realistic pricing is key; chasing the prices of past years can make it harder to connect with today’s buyers.

In my experience, navigating these market dynamics takes clear communication and a focus on each client’s unique goals. If you’re considering a move, understanding both the numbers and the people behind them matters more than ever.

Address

Lower Hinesville Road
Ludowici, GA
31316

Telephone

+19129805103

Website

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