Sarah Straface, Salesperson/REALTOR

09/09/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.

Sarah Straface
Salesperson | REALTOR
304-685-6587
[email protected]

Old Colony REALTORS
1000 Hampton Center, H
Morgantown, WV 26505
Mark Mansour, Broker

09/02/2026

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.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

Sarah Straface
Salesperson | REALTOR
304-685-6587
[email protected]

Old Colony REALTORS
6000 Hampton Center, A
Morgantown, WV
Mark Mansour, Broker

08/25/2026

📍129 Lexington Ave, Westover

Charming one-level living ranch offering comfortable, easy living located in Westover. This home features beautiful hardwood floors, a warm and inviting den, and an extra gathering room. The full unfinished basement offers endless possibilities for storage or future expansion. A great layout for anyone seeking single-level convenience with flexible space to make their own. A private patio in the back. Also with the property are two lots behind the home that convey. Too much yard with the extra lots? Seller will consider offers without the extra yard to maintain. Seller is also offering $5000 closing assist with agreeable terms, so schedule to take a look at your next home today so you can be in by the fall holidays.

Sarah Straface
REALTOR | Salesperson
(304) 685.6587
[email protected]

Old Colony Realtors of Morgantown
Mark Mansour, Broker
1000 Hampton Center, H
Morgantown, WV 26505

08/20/2026

Ways to Make Small Bathrooms Feel Larger
Small bathrooms tend to feel restrictive, but there's no need to break the bank to fix that. A few simple tweaks to lighting, color, and storage can make a real difference in how big a bathroom feels, and none of it requires a major renovation.
Let Light In (And Out!)
Bathrooms that are underlit tend...

Bounded by a small space? Add some layered lighting, a larger mirror, and smarter storage to make your bathroom feel almost twice as big without a full renovation.

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Property Boundaries
You might assume the fence marks the edge of your property. In many cases, it doesn't, and that gap between what you see and what the survey shows is where boundary disputes start. Before you fall in love with a lot size or a mature tree line, it's worth understanding what actually sets the edge of a...

Property lines aren't always where you think they are. Here's what buyers should check before closing so a boundary question never turns into a costly surprise.

08/13/2026

Weekend Projects That Improve Your Home's Function & Appeal
You don't need to wait for the perfect time or hire a professional to make worthwhile improvements around your home. A few hours of work over the weekend can help surfaces, fixtures, and other features last longer while also improving how the property looks. Many projects require only basic tools and...

Small weekend projects can improve both the function and appeal of your home with minimal time and expense. Here are the areas to focus on first.

08/11/2026

Evaluating Storage Space When Touring Homes
Storage is rarely the first priority for buyers touring a home, and it shouldn't be the first thing they consider. Kitchens and floor plans usually command the most attention, while storage receives far less notice. But a home that looks spacious during a showing can feel cramped once the boxes are unpacked.
Inspect...

Storage often gets overlooked during a home tour. Here's what to check in closets, the kitchen, the garage, and other hidden corners before you make an offer.

08/06/2026

How to Improve Your Home's Outdoor Lighting
Most people don't think much about outdoor lighting until something feels off. The front walk is hard to see, or the porch feels dim. The backyard is pleasant during the day, then disappears once the sun goes down.
Small changes can help more than a full redesign. The point is not to make everything...

Better outdoor lighting can make your home feel safer, warmer, and easier to enjoy. Start with the areas people actually use after dark.

08/04/2026

Why Commute Times Matter More Than You Think
Commute time is one of those things buyers tend to round down in their heads.
Forty minutes becomes "about half an hour." A route with three bad intersections becomes "not too bad." A home that's farther out starts to feel reasonable after you've seen the kitchen, the yard, or the extra bedroom you...

A commute can seem simple during a home search, but daily routines tell a different story. Here's what buyers may want to test first.