Paul Gjemre Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

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Paul Gjemre Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

Broker/ South Bend office

09/25/2026

New listings hit a four-year high
We're seeing an 8% rise in new listings across the US—the highest since August 2022. Active listings are approaching balanced levels, though pending sales remain at a low point. With mortgage rates sitting at 6.66%, affordability is still a real challenge, even as the median home price has increased by 2.2%. In the Michiana area, I’ve watched these trends play out firsthand over the years, and I know how shifts like these impact both buyers and sellers. Having spent over four decades working with clients in St. Joseph County and surrounding communities, I always keep a close eye on the numbers and what they mean for your next move.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/paul-gjemre/1967133-New-listings-hit-a-four-year-high

09/24/2026

U.S. Starter Buyers Gain Leverage
Having spent nearly five decades guiding clients through the Michiana housing market, I’ve seen the landscape shift many times. Right now, the entry-level home market in our area—and across the U.S.—is showing more balance than it has in years. For first-time buyers, this means real opportunities: more choices, less competition, and stronger negotiating power at the table. It’s possible to request seller credits, help with closing costs, rate buydowns, repairs after the inspection, longer inspection periods, and even sometimes ask for appliances or furnishings to be included. Well-priced homes in excellent shape still tend to move quickly, but those that are lingering or priced too high give buyers a real seat at the negotiating table, especially when it comes to price and concessions. Of course, affordability is still a challenge, with 30-year mortgage rates hovering near 7% through late Q3 2026. My advice to buyers: if your finances are in order, you can take advantage of this calmer market. Stay mindful of your savings, credit, and monthly budget—homeownership should always put you on stronger financial footing. As always, I’m here to help you navigate the local market with confidence and perspective gained from years of experience in St. Joseph County and the surrounding communities.

09/23/2026

U.S. Housing Market Rebalances Slowly
We’re seeing a gradual rebalancing in the U.S. housing market, with active inventory up about 4% year-over-year nationwide. While this growth slowed for the first time in five weeks, it’s a sign that supply is increasing without overwhelming the market—an environment that can favor buyers seeking more options. Homes spent an average of 61 days on the market, unchanged from a year ago and in line with the late third-quarter pace, after a brisker start to 2026. New listings dipped roughly 1% compared to last year, returning to near-2025 levels as affordability remains a concern for many, and both buyers and sellers proceed thoughtfully. The median listing price settled at $419,000, down about 1% from last year, and the median price per square foot reached $222, its lowest since early Q1 2026. With inventory gains and higher mortgage rates nudging the market gently toward buyers, conditions remain steady rather than shifting rapidly. Having worked through many market cycles here in St. Joseph County, I know how important it is to keep a close eye on these trends—whether you’re considering a move, looking to invest, or simply staying informed about our Michiana communities.

09/22/2026

Buy and Sell a Home Simultaneously: Strategies for Success
Over my 46 years guiding clients through real estate decisions in St. Joseph County and the Michiana area, I’ve frequently helped families who need to buy and sell a home at the same time. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but a few strategies consistently make a difference. Selling your current home first typically gives you a clear idea of your budget for the next purchase, though you may need to arrange for temporary housing. Buying first allows more time to find the right place, but it can mean juggling two mortgages for a period. Contingent offers—where your purchase depends on selling your home—can reduce your exposure, though some sellers may find them less attractive. In my experience, careful planning and a willingness to adapt are the keys to making this transition as smooth as possible. If you’re considering a move in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, or the surrounding communities, thoughtful strategy can make all the difference.

09/21/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We're seeing an interesting shift in the real estate landscape this August. Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings across the US edged up by 0.4% week-over-week, and the total number of homes for sale climbed by 0.5%, reaching the highest point since early in the second quarter. Yet, despite more options appearing for buyers, pending home sales dipped 1.1%—the lowest in six months—as higher housing costs continued to give many pause. The median US home-sale price is now up 1.9% from last year, topping $400,000, while average mortgage rates are hovering near 7%, a level we haven’t seen in over a year. These factors are creating more favorable conditions for buyers, with increased inventory and a cooler market giving active shoppers better negotiating power for price reductions or concessions in many areas. Industry experts are noting that homes on the market for several weeks often offer the most leverage, while sellers who set realistic asking prices are seeing the best results. With decades spent helping clients navigate changing markets here in St. Joseph County and beyond, I know how important it is to interpret these trends locally—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.

09/20/2026

More Homes Available: Opportunities Grow for Buyers
We’re seeing an interesting shift in our local housing market: new home listings have edged up by 0.4%, reaching their highest point since April, and the total number of homes available is now up 0.5%, a level we haven’t seen since May. Yet, in spite of the increased inventory, pending home sales have dipped by 1.1%, marking a six-month low. High costs and mortgage rates hovering around 6.65% are making buyers more cautious. After more than four decades guiding clients through the ebbs and flows of real estate in St. Joseph County and the Michiana region, it’s clear that understanding these market movements is key to making informed decisions—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/paul-gjemre/1950866-More-Homes-Available%3A-Opportunities-Grow-for-Buyers

09/19/2026

Buyers Gain Unique Opportunities Amid Growing Inventory
We're seeing a shift in the market: inventory is on the rise, and that’s giving buyers in St. Joseph County and beyond a negotiating edge we haven’t witnessed in some time. Pending home sales across the US have dropped to a six-month low, while new listings and overall inventory are climbing. The median home price has edged up by 1.9% to $400,649, and high mortgage rates continue to impact monthly payments. Still, some areas are now experiencing price drops and more seller concessions—opportunities that savvy buyers can take advantage of. With over four decades of experience guiding clients through changing markets in Michiana, I know these moments can make all the difference for buyers ready to make their move.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/paul-gjemre/1956482-Buyers-Gain-Unique-Opportunities-Amid-Growing-Inventory

09/18/2026

New Listings Rise as Summer Comes to a Close
As we approach the end of summer here in St. Joseph County, I've noticed a shift in our local real estate landscape that mirrors national trends. New home listings across the U.S. have ticked up by 1.2%, reaching a three-month high, while pending sales dipped 1.3%—the lowest level since March. Interestingly, the median asking price nudged down 0.1%, even though the median sale price is still up 1.8% from last year. These changes are unfolding against a backdrop of higher mortgage rates and some economic uncertainty. Having spent over four decades guiding clients through the Michiana market, I’ve seen how these shifts can influence buying and selling decisions. Staying informed is key as the market continues to evolve.

https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/paul-gjemre/1967893-New-Listings-Rise-as-Summer-Comes-to-a-Close

09/17/2026

What Smaller U.S. Homes Could Mean for Buyers
Over the past decade, we've seen a clear trend: the average new single-family home in the U.S. has decreased in size, dropping from 2,700 to 2,400 square feet. At the same time, the price per square foot has surged by around 72%. By 2025, one in four new homes will be under 1,800 square feet—a noticeable increase from just one in six homes ten years ago. Larger homes (3,000 square feet or more) are becoming less common, now making up only one in five new builds compared to one in three a decade ago. Builders are responding to higher land, labor, and material costs with more compact designs, aiming to keep homeownership possible as mortgage rates hover near 6% to 7%. For first-time buyers or those focused on budget, smaller homes can mean lower down payments and more manageable monthly expenses. However, the jump in price per square foot is a reminder that affordability remains a challenge. With 46 years helping buyers and sellers in St. Joseph County and across Michiana, I’ve seen how these changes play out locally—and how the right strategy can help clients navigate today’s evolving market.

09/16/2026

US Cash Sales Offer Fast Signal
With nearly five decades of guiding clients through the Michiana real estate landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how the share of cash sales—now about 25% of US existing-home transactions—can offer a quick, reliable pulse on market shifts. When cash buyers step up as prices climb, it’s usually a sign of heightened competition. If that cash share grows while overall sales volume slows, it can signal that tight financing is sidelining buyers who need loans. On the other hand, if cash activity tapers off but prices remain steady, it may indicate credit conditions are easing and more traditional buyers are coming back into the fold, bringing a healthier balance to the market.

In our local market, smaller cash investors are often drawn to properties with unique circumstances—probate, tax issues, deferred maintenance, or families relocating—helping keep older homes in demand when mortgage-backed deals hit a pause. For single-family investors in St. Joseph County and beyond, success hinges on navigating local taxes, title insurance, renovation costs, and strong management at the neighborhood level. That’s why disciplined local operators often outperform larger, out-of-town players.

Looking forward, rather than big roll-ups, I expect to see profit margins tighten and more international investors seeking partnerships with local experts. If you’re considering a move or investment in the South Bend area, it’s experience and local knowledge that make all the difference.

Address

1539 N Ironwood Drive
South Bend, IN
46635

Telephone

+15742860379

Website

http://Coldwellhomes.com/

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