The Irwin Team

06/18/2026

Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.

Right now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect your market.

Want to know which way our local market is leaning and what that means for your move? Let's connect.

Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.

06/18/2026

Has anyone taken the time to explain how much the market’s shifted? Or what it means for your move?

In 2021, nearly every major housing market in the country favored sellers. But now, only about 1 in 3 does.

And that changes the dynamics for you.

If you’re buying, you may have more negotiating power. If you’re selling, pricing and presentation matter.

But here's the catch, it's not the same story everywhere. Some markets are strongly in buyers' favor right now. Others? Sellers are still winning. It all depends on where you live.

That’s why you need a pro. A great agent knows which way our local market is leaning and how that can change everything about your strategy.

Want to know what's happening right here? Drop a comment or send me a message.

06/18/2026

How do you actually put a value on fortune at Elon Musk’s level? 🚀

Wealth trackers and financial analysts don’t just look at what’s in his bank account. Instead, they size up Musk’s stakes in companies like SpaceX and Tesla, assets that rise or fall in value based on what investors believe these companies could do in the future. SpaceX, in particular, has shifted from a behind-the-scenes contractor to the main driver of his massive net worth after its stock debut.

It’s not just about tech stocks anymore, either. Recent moves in artificial intelligence and new business combinations have pulled even more of his estimated wealth into high-growth, hard-to-value territory. Most of what gets reported is based on shifting company valuations, not actual cash he could spend tomorrow.

What’s wild is how these calculations make headlines and fuel debate about fairness, innovation, and what it means when one person holds that much potential influence. 💡

Does knowing how this “net worth math” works make the headline number more impressive, or does it change how you feel about it? Let me know how you see it below. 👇

— The Irwin Team | LPT Realty
DRE # 02143320 | 02082790

06/17/2026

Think Home Prices Will Crash? Here's What the Experts Actually Expect.

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts are saying.

If you're trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let's connect. That way you understand what's happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.

One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.

06/17/2026

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.

06/17/2026

Did you know global energy shocks can shift Modesto’s mortgage rates, and even shape local home buying moods? ⚡️

When the Iran war sent oil prices up, it rippled right into higher borrowing costs here in the Central Valley. Mortgage rates moved with the news, making spring’s home market feel less predictable. But it’s not all bad news: even with more cautious buyers and sellers, people are still moving for life events, think new jobs, growing families, or downsizing once the nest empties. That keeps our market active, just with more careful timing and sharper negotiations.

What’s changed? Buyers are taking extra time to size up homes, and household budgets are stretched as gas and living costs climb. Sellers with older, low-rate mortgages are holding tight, while folks who must move are finding they need to be more flexible on price and terms. All of this means deals are happening, but with a bit more give-and-take.

Staying informed and having a sharp local advocate makes a big difference. Have you noticed these shifts when buying, selling, or even just watching the Central Valley market? Drop your thoughts below, curious to hear how it feels on your end! 🏡✨

— The Irwin Team | LPT Realty
DRE # 02143320 | 02082790

06/16/2026

If you spend enough time online, you'd probably think home prices are crashing or they’re about too.

But the data tells a different story.

According to Realtor.com, home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country.

That's the majority of markets.

Yes, some areas are seeing slight price declines. But they're the exception, not the rule.
That's why it's important to be careful about where you're getting your housing market information.

The internet loves dramatic headlines. The data usually tells a more complete story.

Want to know what's actually happening with home prices in our area? Send over a message.

06/16/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 71% of Markets

Even though you may be hearing talk about prices crashing online, it’s not true nationally. While some areas are seeing slight declines, prices are still going up in 71% of markets. That means the majority are seeing prices rise, not fall. So, don’t believe everything you hear online. If you want the truth, lean on the pros.

06/16/2026

Trading in square footage for freedom means more weekends spent on what you love, not on chores. ✈️

When empty-nesters downsize in the Central Valley, the focus shifts from keeping up a big house to living with less stress and more flexibility. Smaller, single-level homes or low-maintenance communities make life simpler, so travel plans or hobbies don’t have to wait for a home repair or a never-ending yard task.

Clearing out unused rooms and extra “stuff” means your space fits your life right now. With lighter routines and fewer surprises, it’s easier to pack up and hit the road, whether that’s a quick getaway or a bucket-list trip. Many in Modesto find that a new home designed for today’s lifestyle isn’t a sacrifice at all. It’s a way to gain the breathing room that makes every day feel more like your own.

If you could spend less time on home care and more on your favorite adventure, where would you go first? Let me know!

— The Irwin Team | LPT Realty
DRE # 02143320 | 02082790

06/15/2026

A few years ago, sellers could say "no" to just about everything a buyer asked for.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.

Today? The market looks a little different.

Zillow says 67% of sellers pay some or all of their buyer's closing costs.

That doesn't mean every seller should do it. But it does mean the most successful sellers today understand something important:

The market has shifted. And that's means negotiation is back on the table.

Sometimes helping with closing costs makes sense. Sometimes another concession is the better move. But it’s normal for today’s market to require some give and take.

The key is knowing what buyers are asking for in your area, and which compromises are actually worth making.

Want to know what sellers in our area are negotiating right now? Send a message or drop a comment below.