Leigh Shobe, Realtor, ABR

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts are saying.

If you're trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let's connect. That way you understand what's happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.

One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.

06/15/2026

The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is.

Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for our local market.

If you’re wondering what's normal in our area, what's worth negotiating, and where it makes sense to stand firm, let’s connect.

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

06/12/2026

Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down."

06/10/2026

Real estate is about far more than properties. At its best, it is about people, relationships, and having trusted guidance through one of life’s biggest decisions.

That philosophy is at the heart of Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville Real Estate. Founded by four seasoned brokers who believed in returning to the roots of local real estate, the firm has built its reputation on integrity, expertise, and a genuine commitment to the communities they serve. From first-time homebuyers to experienced investors, clients are met with the same personalized attention and thoughtful guidance every step of the way.

What makes distinctive is its deep local knowledge paired with a hands-on approach. While the firm has grown into one of Virginia’s most respected real estate companies, its leadership remains actively involved, ensuring clients and agents alike benefit from decades of experience and real-time support. That commitment to excellence has earned the trust of communities across Central and Eastern Virginia and the recognition of being voted Best Real Estate Firm by Virginia Living readers year after year.

Whether helping someone find their first home, a waterfront retreat, or the perfect place for their next chapter, the team at Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville understands that success is measured not simply by transactions completed, but by relationships built and lives impacted along the way.

06/10/2026

If affordability has been your top concern, the recent dip in prices is an opening. Want to see what that looks like in our area? Let’s connect.

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news.

06/08/2026

Affordability is a real challenge, but it's not an unsolvable one. The key is being open to places you might not have considered before. A local real estate agent can help you find them.

Ready to find out which areas have the best affordability right now? Reach out today.

Whether you're dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you're in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind.

06/05/2026

Inflation is still above where the Fed wants it, and that means mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated for a while. But for people who need to move, strategy matters far more than trying to perfectly time the market.

Wondering what this means for your specific situation? Reach out today. Let's cut through the noise together and make a plan that actually works for you.

Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.

06/03/2026

The housing market hasn’t rebounded as quickly as experts originally hoped. But that doesn’t mean it’s stalled.

Higher inflation and lingering economic uncertainty caused economists to revise their forecasts for this year. But importantly, when those two things settle down, many experts believe the market will regain its momentum.

So don’t see this revision in forecasts as a sign of trouble. See it as a temporary reaction to overall conditions and uncertainty.

If you want to know what’s happening in our local market, and what it could mean for your plans for the rest of this year, let’s connect.

If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.

06/01/2026

Today’s smaller single-family homes and condos have more going for them than the square footage suggests. They can give your budget some breathing room and put you in a community designed with lifestyle in mind.

Curious about the options in our area? Let's connect.

You started shopping with a specific mental image of your future home in your mind. Then the houses in your budget came in smaller than you pictured.