Mark Kutash - RJ Brent & Associates Real Esate

09/02/2026

Home Prices Build on Recent Gains
After solid gains in March, April and May, national home prices rose another 0.4% in June, according to the Case-Shiller Index. That brought the total gain over the past four months to 2.7%. After adjusting for seasonal trends, prices increased 0.1%. Overall, home prices are 1.5% higher than they were a year ago.

A separate report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) found that seasonally adjusted home prices were flat in June. Prices for homes backed by conventional loans were up 2.3% from a year ago.

What’s the bottom line?
While seasonal adjustments can make price growth appear more modest, home values have continued to trend higher. For homeowners and homebuyers, even modest annual gains can add up over time. A $500,000 home appreciating at 3% per year, for example, would gain roughly $15,000 in value in the first year alone. Over time, that appreciation can become a meaningful part of a homeowner’s overall wealth.

08/12/2026

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” rate, now may be a good time to start looking instead of sitting on the sidelines.

Thinking about buying? Reach out — happy to walk you through your options and current market conditions.

Mortgage demand rises as borrowers jump on rate reprieve
Mortgage applications rose 3.6% in the week ended Friday, ending two weeks of demand decline.
Demand for purchases and refinances increased but lagged last year's pace.
Industry experts generally expect rates to remain steady, with only modest fluctuations through the end of the year.
Borrowers took advantage of a slight dip in mortgage rates last week after five weeks of increases.

08/11/2026

Summer is rental season — and there’s still time.

Ready to list your property for rent? Let’s talk.

08/09/2026

Another closing in the books! 🏠

So thrilled to help these first-time buyers make their dream of homeownership a reality.

Congratulations to my wonderful clients — the best is yet to come!

04/06/2026

Our Hogs team, Deswine Intervention, is raising money for children with brain cancer.

If you are interested in donating to the Cause, there are several options:

1. DI Crawfish Boil Raffle – https://www.deswineintervention.org/crawfish-boil-raffle
2. Donations - https://www.deswineintervention.org/donate
3. Win A Charter Fishing Trip- https://www.deswineintervention.org/fishing-trip-auction
4. Sponsorships – I can send details if interested.

Thanks for your consideration!

Award Winning Charity Cooking Team