Kristi Harden Real Estate

10/09/2026

There's been some talk about whether mortgage rates could climb to 9%. Here's some perspective.

Getting there would take a rare mix of things, all lasting a full year: a booming economy with no slowdown in jobs, the Fed raising rates more than expected, and the conflict in Iran continuing to keep oil prices high.

That's an unlikely combination. So, don’t let it make you worry.

Have questions about mortgage rates? Drop them in the comments. That's what a trusted agent is for – keeping you informed so a headline never makes your decisions for you.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

10/08/2026

Renovate or Relocate? What To Know Before You Decide To Age in Place

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.

10/07/2026

Buyers Have More Room To Negotiate Right Now

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

10/06/2026

Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner

Your first home may not be as far off as it feels. When the numbers make sense for you, buying a starter home and putting down less than 20% can get you there years sooner.

Want to see which starter homes in our area could fit your budget? Let's connect.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

For a lot of first-time buyers, owning a home can feel perpetually a few years out of reach.

10/05/2026

The number of homes for sale just reached its highest point since 2019.

And that gives you the most choice you’ve had in 7 years.

With affordability still so tight, having that many options opens up your odds of finding a home you love that still works for your budget.

Want to see what’s on the market in our area? DM me the price point you’re looking at to get started.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

10/02/2026

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for Home Sellers

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers more cost-conscious. Builders know that, and many are responding with reduced rate, closing-cost help, price reductions, and other incentives.
If you're thinking about selling, let's look at what buyers are getting from other homes in our area – including new construction – and make sure your house is positioned to compete.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too.

10/01/2026

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers pay closer attention to one thing: the monthly payment.

And builders know it. Right now, 13.8% of new-construction listings are advertising reduced rates, giving some buyers a way to bring that monthly payment down.

So, if you're selling near new construction, that's something worth paying attention to. But it doesn't mean you automatically need to match what a builder is offering.

Depending on your house, your market, and the buyer, competing could mean negotiating on price, helping with closing costs, offering a rate buydown, or simply doing a better job highlighting what your house offers that a new build doesn't.

The point isn't to give more away. It's to know what you're competing against so you can choose the right strategy from the start.

If you're planning to sell, let's look at what buyers can get in our area and...



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

09/30/2026

Does one size ever really fit all? One mortgage rate doesn't either.

You may be seeing today’s higher rates and worrying about whether it’s still worth it to buy. Here’s what you need to realize…

Mortgage rates differ just like the people who apply for loans. So, the rate you see online isn’t necessarily the one you’d get when you buy.

Your real mortgage rate is specific to your individual situation. It can be higher or lower than what you've seen or heard.

So, don’t assume the rate in the headlines is your rate. Before you decide you can't buy a home or that you should wait, find out what your real rate is. You'll know what your options are and get a map to what's possible.

And a quick conversation with a loan officer is the perfect place to start.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

09/29/2026

Why So Many Sellers Are Cutting Their Price Right Now

Price cuts are a normal part of today’s housing market, and both buyers and sellers can use them to their advantage. Let's look at what's actually happening with prices in your neighborhood, so you know exactly where you stand before you list or make an offer.



Interested in more personalized insight... Just give me a call!
951.704.6370

Price cuts are turning up everywhere right now, and they read very differently depending on which side of the deal you’re on.

09/29/2026

I hear it all the time from folks considering a move to Eastern Idaho: "Is it still affordable, Kristi? Has the boat sailed?" It's a fair question, especially with all the growth we've seen. 🤔

But the numbers for Idaho Falls, Ammon, and Iona tell a really interesting story. We're looking at actual data on housing, taxes, and everyday costs for 2026.

It turns out, Idaho Falls still offers some pleasant surprises compared to national and state averages. My latest blog post breaks it all down, so you can see the facts for yourself. ✅

Curious about what your budget could look like here? Read the full analysis:

https://kristihardenrealestate.com/?p=1336&utm_source=answerpress-social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=blog-c1bbfecb-d219-4bcf-b2c2-1a981fef9940&utm_content=profile-f55f5cf1-8763-4809-a440-4ccf7bc47766