The Monday Morning Real Estate Quarterback

12/08/2025

I'll share some additional thoughts on this tomorrow, but as I've said for months now we are seeing a shift and have been for a while. Even when it wasn't as obvious.

Of course, this data is national and depending on where you sell real estate it may look different than the national picture suggests. But there is no denying that the landscape has changed.

So...... will you as a realtor, homeowner, buyer, let this scare you?

You shouldn't.

It's the reality of what we're seeing, yes.

It's the reality that doing your homework and knowing your numbers definitely helps.

It's the reality that, if you can do it, spending that extra $200 or so a month on a mortgage for a home you need (not want, need - big difference because that mindset will shift your logic on what real estate is as a long-term investment and what you're willing to accept and take the time to renovate or whatever) will be well worth it long term. (Again, you must be able to afford it!!! Budget is key)

It's the reality that your home value is still well above what you paid for it and despite your interest rate or equity it might be the time to take advantage of lower housing prices in many markets and move.

And, take advantage of the fact that your FHA or VA loan at 4.5% or less may be assumable and that could help with getting buyers to buy your home!!

And, understand that you're pricing your home at 2024 levels and not 4% higher. The facts are the facts - higher comparable sales and condition of home don't matter entirely right now. Pricing your home reasonably does. (Not lowball, reasonably to comps)

Why? Because buyers are only willing to pay what they feel the home is worth. Right or wrong, that's a fact.

I shared with a couple of my clients recently this. Look at the homes (or towns) you're looking to purchase (in). Where are those markets at? Yep, lower.

So if that's happening.....

This is the right time to adjust. To shift. Because it could be months before the market begins to "recover". The only time it's a bad time to sell or buy is if one's financial or life situation is such that it may make more sense to wait. Or it's an emotional decision.

And that's OK!

So. All this to say...

1. Buying or selling must make sense for you and your financial and life needs.

2. Understand and be ok with taking a small hit on your equity for the longer-term results which is different for everyone.

3. Be ok with taking the plunge now and understand that it may take time to see adjustments in interest rates.

4. Buy the house that may need some love and ask your lenders and realtors about options to help you buy that home! There are programs!

5. If you have an assumable loan, consider using that as leverage to attract buyers!

Please consult your realtor or lender! Let's talk!

Home sellers are taking their homes off the market at a fast clip, because they are sitting for more than 60 days and prices are weakening.

11/10/2025

10/26/2025

Well hello!

I'm the Monday Morning Real Estate Quartback.

Yeah, I know, it's Sunday.

I wanted to start with something I shared with some friends recently. As a home buyer (twice), I honestly wasn't sure what I could afford, whether I was being heard or not, etc.

A person asked a question about affording a home. They were sad because it seemed like the dream was fading away.

Here was my response to them.


On a mom's group I am in, someone posted about how they are trying so hard to find a home but feel they keep hitting a wall with affordability and being outbid.
I hurt for buyers right now. But there is also a lot of inaccurate information out there.
Waiting for interest rate or price reductions won't help.
Thinking we will have a massive price bubble burst is beyond wrong.
Thinking there are no programs for them isn't true.
What will help?
See my response!

I feel for you. It's rough because buyers who have worked hard to save are having a hard time finding homes that are within their budgets.

Advice for all

1. Waiting until prices come down? Believe it or not, we've seen the smallest increases in pricing this year that we have in some time. In one town, out of 144 active listings 57 had at least 1 price reduction so things are settling. And we needed it to happen.

2. There are dynamite programs out there for first time homebuyers as well as those who haven't owned in some time. A nurse, law enforcement, teacher? There are programs for you! If you're in a union, look at what programs are available through your union or company.
Amboy Bank, for example, has a phenomenal program for those who have 5% to put down but really want 20%. Your parents or relatives can put the other 15% in a savings account and the bank uses it as if you're putting 20% down!! It's an incredible option for someone who may have a person who is blessing them with money for their home purchase.

3. (talk to a financial person) some 401k and other investment products allow you to take out some of your money to use toward down payment or closing costs. You need to know this - there may be fees associated with this but definitely ask.

4. You may need to look at condos or townhouses or, as someone said, find a 2 family house. Be ok with maybe doing some work and finding the ugly duck in the sea of gorgeous homes - equity, equity, equity! Those you could also get a renovation loan for if it makes sense. I had a client do that and in 6 years and a decent amount of money spent to renovate he increased his value 5-fold. And those deals are still out there today!
(Photo below)

There are so many options and ways to make it work. I hope this helps!

As always, let's talk!!

08/14/2025

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNSFi_AunuD/?igsh=MWN3dm40Ym1hcnV6dw==

01/07/2024

Don't wait until the spring to buy or sell!

Like these crazy Stanley Cups, which my daughter is obsessed with, finding or selling a home early on could actually avoid a ton of headaches!

Whether you're a first time home buyer (or someone who sold their home 3 or more years ago and have been renting), a long-time homeowner, someone who now needs a job or military relocation, first responder, or whatever, there may be programs or options available to help you move closer to your next chapter!

As always, let's talk! 201 306 5010

01/01/2024

Prepping current and future clients for what's coming up this year!

If you know of anyone looking to buy or sell, your kind referrals mean the world to me!

And, if you have any questions about the market, ask away!

12/22/2023

Wishing you and yours a joyous and blessed Christmas!!

11/15/2023

On Monday, I mentioned that I would share articles and other information specific to the market to answer questions you may have.

I happened to come across this article this morning. It's actually quite targeted and elaborates further on a post I made last week pertaining to boomer's opportunities in the market and interest rates.

Key takeaways:
1. Millenials buying now have FOMO and are taking advantage of the market and lower buyer demand to purchase.
2. High rents are causing buyers to rethink renting and, instead, focus on buying their first homes.
3. As we already knew, lower-income renters are being squeezed out and higher-income buyers are buying. Just like when we boomers and Gen Xers bought back in the 80's and 90's.
Interest rates were 18% and inflation through the roof when Boomers bought. Rates at 8% and high inflation are in place now.

And, for all buyers, there are some amazing programs out there that - if they qualify - can save thousands of dollars and/or lower payments on their loans.

As always, questions? Let's talk!

First-time buyers make up 32% of all homebuyers, the National Association of Realtors says—up from last year’s historic low of 26%.

11/13/2023

I receive emails on occasion that I like sharing. I think I'll start making it a habit on Mondays to post some of the articles I receive.

This is from an attorney I follow. They specialize in rental tenancy issues and I like much of what they post.

Ragan and Ragan is the attorney office.

This is about Illegal Tenancy. Perhaps you inherited a property or aren't sure whether you can rent a property out.

The article gets to the point.....

"Many people enter the landlord business by accident. The landlord may have inherited the home or moved without being able to sell. Either way you must have your property registered with the local municipality as a rental. Not all towns require this but it is better to be safe than sorry. These registrations usually require an inspection and/or a certificate of occupancy."

"This especially applies to landlords who attempt to rent basements, attics or turn additional space into a bedroom or rental. I always recommend that you contact your town to discuss the registration requirement and schedule an inspection prior to entering into the lease agreement.
Without this requirement the rental is considered to be an illegal tenancy and will subject you to damages which could be as much as six times the rental amount representing relocation costs. Additionally you may also be prohibited from crediting any outstanding rent from these six months."