Mike Rochon, Managing Broker

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

Most homeowners think of equity as something they access only when they sell, but it can also be a tool for building long-term wealth. Equity may help fund renovations, consolidate higher-interest debt, invest in another property, or support other financial goals.The key is using it strategically and understanding both the opportunities and risks involved. Your home is one of your largest financial assets, and how you manage that equity can have a major impact over time.If you're curious about ways your home equity could support your long-term goals, let's talk. I can help you explore options and connect you with trusted professionals who can guide you through the financial side of the process.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MichaelRochon/2026/06/18/Don-t-Let-Your-Equity-Sit-Idle

Happy Real Estating - Helping people be better homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between!
(360) 731-0076 [email protected]

Estate Estate

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

Working with an agent who truly understands VA loans can make all the difference especially when it comes to protecting your benefits and avoiding delays. If you're a veteran or active-duty service member thinking about buying, let's talk about how your VA benefits can help you own a home with confidence.

Happy Real Estating - Helping people be better homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between!
(360) 731-0076 [email protected]

Estate Estate

This article explains how working with a VA-savvy real estate agent helps veterans and service members save time, avoid surprises, and make the most of their home loan benefits.

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

One of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to buy before they sell or sell before they buy and the right answer depends on your specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all rule. If you're starting to think about a move and want to understand your options clearly, I'm happy to walk you through what makes the most sense for you. Just reach out anytime.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MichaelRochon/2026/06/16/Buying-Before-Selling-when-it-makes-sense-when-it-doesn-t

06/15/2026

When you make a mortgage payment, it may feel like just another monthly expense, but there's more happening behind the scenes. A portion of each payment goes toward reducing your loan balance. That's called amortization, and it quietly builds equity over time.In the early years, the progress may seem slow. But as time goes on, more of each payment goes toward principal, accelerating that equity growth. Combine that with potential appreciation, and your home can become a powerful financial asset.It's one of the reasons homeownership is often viewed as a long-term wealth-building strategy. If you'd like to see how equity could build over time in your situation, I'd be glad to break it down for you.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MichaelRochon/2026/06/15/Every-Payment-Does-More-Than-You-Think

Happy Real Estating - Helping people be better homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between!
(360) 731-0076 [email protected]

Estate Estate

06/15/2026

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is.

Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for our local market.

If you’re wondering what's normal in our area, what's worth negotiating, and where it makes sense to stand firm, let’s connect.

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

06/12/2026

Buyers who feel they missed a window of opportunity to buy before rates started increasing should investigate financing alternatives. Waiting for rates to drop can mean missing out as inflation, rising prices and rents may outweigh any savings. And if rates do fall, you could face stiff competition from a flood of new buyers in the market.

Learn more at https://BetterHomeowners.com/MichaelRochon/2026/06/12/Waiting-for-lower-rates-can-cost-in-other-ways

Happy Real Estating - Helping people be better homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between!
(360) 731-0076 [email protected]

Estate Estate

06/11/2026

Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down."