Matt Lunceford Blivin, Realtor

12/16/2025

🏡 Forecasting the 2026 U.S. Housing Market: The Turn of the Corner

After four years of frozen mobility and significant affordability challenges, the U.S. housing market is finally poised for a long-awaited thaw. The signals we're tracking suggest 2026 will mark a clear turn in the cycle:
-Price Stabilization: We expect home prices to largely flatten nationwide, moving away from the dramatic swings of the pandemic era.
-Modest Rate Relief: Mortgage rates should ease modestly, offering a much-needed boost to buyer confidence and capacity.
-Sales Growth: For the first time since the pandemic began, sales activity is positioned to grow, driven by pent-up demand.
-The Affordability Reset: This improvement won't come from a dramatic price correction, but through a steady rebalancing. Affordability will improve gradually as strong income growth begins to outpace modest home price appreciation. This is the healthy, sustainable correction the market needs.

Development Strategy: Seeing Beyond the Next Year
This forecast is critical to how we evaluate new sites for development. While the transaction market is shifting, our lens must be longer-term, focusing on a 2-3 year delivery window.
The current environment, marked by a more balanced negotiation table, is creating new opportunities for disciplined development:
-Selective Sites: We are being more selective than ever, seeking sites where fundamentals align with the long-term trend of improving affordability and sustained demand.
-Better Deals: Increased pickiness is leading to better deal creation, setting up projects for success as they deliver into a normalizing market.
The math for a 2028 delivery is fundamentally different from a 2026 purchase. It requires underwriting for a more stable, gradually growing environment.

What are you seeing in your local market? I'm eager to discuss how this macro outlook translates into on-the-ground opportunities, particularly in development.
Let's chat about your strategy for navigating the 2026 market and beyond. Send me a DM or comment below!

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Data-driven insights into the economic forces shaping the 2026 real estate market. Explore key trends and what lies ahead for discerning buyers and sellers.

07/25/2025

🏡 Just Listed in Lakewood – 1906 Ward Street

✨ 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,200 SF ✨

This home is proof that small can still feel substantial. Thoughtfully crafted by the Hove Development Team in partnership with Durham-based, woman-owned Four Over One Design, this home was built with intention—to feel like it’s been here for generations while offering the ease of modern living.

Inside, you’ll find site-finished hardwood floors, an open-concept layout, and a soft, curated design palette—think beige cabinetry, gold hardware, gentle lighting, and a white oak dining table that brings warmth and cohesion throughout. The first-floor owner’s suite makes this home incredibly livable for any stage of life.
Outside, you’ll notice the arched overhang, six-over-one Marvin windows, shutters, and flower boxes—classic colonial details that give this home undeniable curb appeal. The fenced backyard? Surprisingly spacious and perfect for cozy gatherings or a fall bonfire.
All of this in one of Durham’s most beloved neighborhoods—just a short stroll to Coco Cinnamon, Forest Hills Park, Beer Study, and so much more.

💬 Ready to fall in love with a home that blends charm, design, and convenience? This one’s waiting for its next story.

06/26/2025

☕✨ Mid Bloom Coffee is hands down my favorite women-owned coffee shop in Durham! (& it is not because I am married to the owner!😊) Nestled in the heart of Old West Durham, this spot is more than just a place to grab your morning brew — it’s where the community gathers, connections are made, and every cup is crafted with care.

Their guiding path? Make excellent coffee — and they nail it every time. From creative seasonal drinks to classic espresso, plus matcha, chai, and teas that are just as special, there’s something for everyone. 🌸 Do you want to bring it to your office? They have catering options too! From batch iced lattes, to coffee, tea, & pastries!

Bonus: They host coffee classes every Monday, which are such a cool way to learn and connect with others in the community!

Swing by Mid Bloom and see what makes it such a special part of Durham 💛

06/24/2025

🔥 It is hot outside, but these deals are even hotter! Check out these 2️⃣ price improvements 🔥

🏡 109 W Markham | Downtown Durham Dream: This stunning 5BR/3BA home just got even better—with a new privacy fence and all the modern updates you’ve been looking for.

🌳 2305 Fitzgerald Ave | Starter or Investment Gem: A 3BR/2BA with an open floor plan on a quiet street—ideal for first-time buyers or savvy investors.

Don’t miss these 2 incredible opportunities!! Reach out today to learn more!

06/18/2025

From the Triangle to the tides 🌊 — North Carolina’s beaches are just a short drive away! Whether you’re craving a quick day trip, a relaxing weekend escape, or a full week by the ocean, we’ve got the perfect beach for you. 🏖️☀️
Check out our latest blog post for the best coastal getaways just a few hours from Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. You don’t need a plane ticket—just a beach towel and some sunscreen! 😎🌴

06/10/2025

🏌️‍♂️ Hillandale Golf Course isn’t just a place to play — it’s a Durham institution. Nestled in West Durham, this public course has been a part of the community for decades, welcoming everyone from first-timers to longtime regulars. It’s walkable, scenic, affordable, and seriously friendly — the kind of place where you’re just as likely to improve your swing as you are to make a new friend.
It’s more than just golf, too. Hillandale gives back in big ways — through programs like SwingPals, helping local youth build confidence and focus, and Folds of Honor, which supports the families of fallen or disabled service members. When you support Hillandale, you’re supporting Durham itself.
And don’t sleep on the grill — it might be one of the best-kept food secrets in town. Great prices, big portions, and the perfect post-round bite.
You can catch me here most weeks, walking 9 or playing 18. I even made my first hole-in-one here on #17 last year — a moment I’ll never forget 🙌

📍 A community hub
⛳️ A course for everyone
💚 A place with heart

Check out my blog post to read more about it. Or invite me for your next round and we can experience the lovely walk!

06/04/2025

12 years, thousands of miles, and some of the best friendships of my life. 🏃‍♂️ On this National Running Day, I wrote about my journey—from Jordan High to Belmont, to marathons across the country. Running has taken many forms over the years, but the people, the pursuit of the perfect run, and the daily grind keep me coming back.

Link in bio to read the full blog + see some of my favorite photos from the road. Here’s to showing up and chasing what’s possible. 💙

https://mattluncefordblivin.com/articles/happy-global-running-day-12-years-thousands-of-miles-and-still-chasing-whats-possible

06/02/2025

May Photo Drop!

May was a full month! Real estate happened! Summer started! And miles were ran! (356 of them!) I am excited for June and the rest that 2025 has to offer!

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05/27/2025

Looking to refresh your garden or start something new? The Durham Garden Center has everything you need — from vibrant flowers 🌸 to lush shrubs 🌳, plus seeds, soil, and all the garden essentials!

The has been helping me with all of my recent landscaping projects. They helped me get my honeysuckle on my front porch, to my tomato seed staters, and flower seeds for my front bed. I have really enjoyed using them on all of my little projects.

Conveniently located right off US 70 in Old West Durham, it’s your one-stop shop for all things green and growing.

🛒 Come by, explore, and support a great local business that’s rooted in our community. Your garden (and your weekend) will thank you!