David Birka, Coldwell Banker River Valley, Realtors

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
It’s no secret—our local housing market feels a bit stuck right now. Higher mortgage rates are making it tough for buyers to justify monthly payments, so many are holding off rather than jumping in. We’re seeing fewer pending sales, which means more people are looking but not quite ready to write that offer. On the other side, a lot of homeowners have locked in lower-rate mortgages, making them less inclined to put their homes up for sale. That leaves us in a bit of a standstill: buyers hoping for better payment options, sellers holding tight to their affordable loans, and not much movement in between. Having spent over two decades guiding folks relocating to Rochester and Southeast Minnesota, I know how important it is to navigate these market pauses with patience and perspective—sometimes, waiting for the right moment is the best move.

09/22/2026

How much is your Home Worth?
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https://www.roomvu.com/estimates?branded-user=david-birka&share=true&c=2026-09-01

09/21/2026

US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
Lately, we’ve seen US home prices continue to rise on paper, but after factoring in inflation, the story is quite different. In Q2 2026, while one federal index showed home prices holding steady from mid- to late-quarter (after adjusting for seasonality), another national measure showed annual appreciation around 1.5%—a slight increase from earlier in the quarter, but still lagging roughly 2 percentage points behind inflation, which hovered near 3.5%. That means, for the thirteenth month in a row, home values have actually lost ground in real terms—even as lower inflation and steady nominal gains have slowed the pace of this erosion.

Despite these headwinds, one long-running federal index has recorded positive year-over-year growth every quarter since early 2012, a testament to the resilience of housing markets through ups and downs. As we move into the second half of the year, affordability remains a real challenge. Typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes ticked up again last quarter, making it tougher for first-time buyers—especially those relocating to areas like Rochester and Southeast Minnesota—to break into the market.

Having guided clients through many market cycles over my 20+ years as a REALTOR, I know how important it is to see beyond the surface numbers. If you’re navigating a move or considering your options in today’s climate, a grounded, knowledgeable approach can make all the difference.

09/17/2026

US Confidence Hits Seven-Mo Low
Lately, I’ve noticed a shift in how people are feeling about the economy—and it’s showing up in the numbers too. In the middle of the third quarter, folks across the U.S. actually felt a bit better about their current situation, but overall confidence slipped to its lowest point in seven months. The present-conditions index rose by about 7 points to 121, but the expectations gauge fell almost 6 points to 68—dipping into territory that’s often linked to recession risk. Early in Q3, we saw employers cut around 23,000 jobs, with unemployment nudging up to about 4%, mostly because more workers left the labor force rather than because hiring picked up.

What’s interesting for us here in Rochester and Southeast Minnesota: even as confidence cooled, homebuying expectations only eased slightly and, in fact, continued to climb. About 61% of consumers still expect interest rates to move higher, and with the Fed keeping rates steady (and markets seeing little relief ahead), borrowing costs are likely to remain elevated through the end of the year. These trends can make it feel a bit more challenging for buyers and sellers alike, but with the right guidance, it’s still possible to make confident moves in our local market.

09/16/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
Seeing more homes hit the market while demand eases has been a notable trend lately. Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US inched up by 0.4%, and total homes for sale grew by 0.5%—marking the highest inventory since early Q2. Meanwhile, pending home sales dipped by 1.1% to a six-month low, as high housing costs are keeping many buyers on the sidelines, even as more choices become available nationwide. The median sale price has risen 1.9% year-over-year to just above $400,000, and average mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, nearly a 13-month high. This combination of rising inventory and softer demand is creating more buyer-friendly conditions, with greater room for negotiation on price or concessions in many markets. For those actively shopping, homes that have been listed for several weeks can offer the best leverage, while sellers are finding that realistic pricing—rather than chasing last year’s numbers—is the key to a successful sale. Having spent over two decades helping clients navigate both new and existing homes here in Rochester and Southeast Minnesota, I’ve seen how quickly the market can shift. My approach has always been to provide straightforward guidance, helping buyers and sellers make informed decisions in every kind of market.

09/15/2026

Sell Your Home for the Best Price, Hassle-Free
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https://www.roomvu.com/services/page/home-selling?agent_profile_name=david-birka

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

Gen Z vs. Millennials: Who Has It Worse for Housing Costs in Every State?
A recent look at housing costs across the U.S. highlights a real challenge for millennials: in every state, they’re paying more for housing than Gen Z, with Hawaii seeing the steepest monthly difference at $1,152. In seven states, millennials face an extra $500 or more per month, and in thirteen states, the annual gap tops $10,000. As someone who’s spent over two decades helping clients navigate Rochester and Southeast Minnesota’s real estate market, I see firsthand how these generational trends play out locally—especially for those relocating to our area. Understanding how evolving market pressures impact different age groups is essential to making informed decisions, whether you’re buying your first home or moving into your next chapter.

09/11/2026

Home Prices Rise 2.6% YoY Despite Expanding Inventory
Seeing home prices continue to climb—up 2.6% year-over-year to a national median of $400,000 in July—says a lot about the resilience of today’s market. Even as inventory expanded by 4.4% and home sales nudged up 2.9%, prices for single-family homes, condos, and townhomes still showed modest gains (2.5%, 2.3%, and 0.8%, respectively). For buyers and sellers navigating Rochester and Southeast Minnesota, it’s a reminder that an evolving market requires both local insight and steady guidance. After more than two decades helping clients relocate and settle in our community, I’ve found that understanding these trends is the first step to making smart, confident moves—whether you’re searching for your next home or preparing to sell.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/david-birka/1946494-Home-Prices-Rise-2.6%25-YoY-Despite-Expanding-Inventory

09/11/2026

Existing-home sales decreased by 2.0% month-over-month and 1.2% year-over-year. Month-over-month sales held steady in the West and declined in the Northeast, Midwest and South.
https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-existing-home-sales-report-shows-2-0-decrease-in-august