Steven Barfield - Shorewest Realtors

06/24/2026

More Sellers Are Taking Their Homes off the Market. Here’s What You Need To Know.

If you’re seeing headlines about how a record number of sellers are taking their homes off the market, don’t panic. It’s not a warning of an impending crash. It’s a market adjusting.

You may be hearing that a near-record number of homeowners are pulling their houses off the market.

06/24/2026

You may be hearing more homeowners are pulling their houses off the market. Maybe you're even worried that means we’re headed for a crash...

Here's what you should know.

There are 4 main reasons more sellers are de-listing right now – and none of them are “the market is about to crash.”

This trend is really about sellers adjusting to a market that needs the right price and the right prep.

And when a homeowner misses the mark on price or prep, sometimes taking a house off the market is a good way to take a beat and reset their strategy.

It’s not a warning sign of broader trouble to come.

If you have questions about something you’re hearing online or what something means for the market as a whole, reach out.

06/23/2026

There’s a reason only 5% of sellers sell without an agent.

The ones who tried selling solo point to the same three sticking points – getting the price right, knowing how to prep the house, and selling on time.

That’s a lot to juggle alone. And getting any one of them wrong can cost you time, money, or both.

But a good agent handles all the hard parts.

So, let’s connect when you’re ready to move, and we’ll chat about what a smooth sale looks like for you.

06/23/2026

Putting off buying a home? Maybe you're waiting for a crash to get a better deal – or afraid you'll buy now and watch your home's value fall later.

Either way, the widespread drop you're bracing for may not be coming.

Yes, a few markets are seeing mild declines. But more than 100 economists and housing experts expect home prices will actually rise nationally over the next five years – not fall.

And waiting for a deal that never comes could mean passing up the chance to gain thousands in equity or paying more in a few years for the same home.

So before you decide to wait, let's talk about your options and what prices are really doing in our area.

06/18/2026

Think Home Prices Will Crash? Here's What the Experts Actually Expect.

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.

06/18/2026

Has anyone taken the time to explain how much the market’s shifted? Or what it means for your move?

In 2021, nearly every major housing market in the country favored sellers. But now, only about 1 in 3 does.

And that changes the dynamics for you.

If you’re buying, you may have more negotiating power. If you’re selling, pricing and presentation matter.

But here's the catch, it's not the same story everywhere. Some markets are strongly in buyers' favor right now. Others? Sellers are still winning. It all depends on where you live.

That’s why you need a pro. A great agent knows which way our local market is leaning and how that can change everything about your strategy.

Want to know what's happening right here? Drop a comment or send me a message.

06/17/2026

A few years ago, sellers could say "no" to just about everything a buyer asked for.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.

Today? The market looks a little different.

Zillow says 67% of sellers pay some or all of their buyer's closing costs.

That doesn't mean every seller should do it. But it does mean the most successful sellers today understand something important:

The market has shifted. And that's means negotiation is back on the table.

Sometimes helping with closing costs makes sense. Sometimes another concession is the better move. But it’s normal for today’s market to require some give and take.

The key is knowing what buyers are asking for in your area, and which compromises are actually worth making.

Want to know what sellers in our area are negotiating right now? Send a message or drop a comment below.

06/16/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 71% of Markets

Even though you may be hearing talk about prices crashing online, it’s not true nationally. While some areas are seeing slight declines, prices are still going up in 71% of markets. That means the majority are seeing prices rise, not fall. So, don’t believe everything you hear online. If you want the truth, lean on the pros.

06/15/2026

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

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.

06/14/2026

Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget?

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.