With more homes for sale right now, making a strong first impression matters. Staging can help your house sell faster and for more – and there's an option for almost every budget.

If you’re getting ready to list, let’s talk about what level of staging makes sense for your house and make a plan for attracting the right buyers.

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market. But what does that really mean – and is it worth the effort?

The short answer is “yes,” especially right now.

With more houses for sale this year, you’re likely wondering how to make the most money possible without your house sitting on the market. The answer is staging. It can help your house stand out, bring in stronger offers, and sell faster. As Nadia Evangelou, Principal Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it:

“Staging matters. Preparing the home to be ‘buyer-ready’ attracts more buyers, especially now that inventory has increased.”

Here's what staging actually involves and what it could do for your sale.

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging is the process of preparing your house, so it appeals to as many buyers as possible. That usually means decluttering, deep cleaning, rearranging furniture, and adding simple touches that help each room feel bright, open, and welcoming.

The goal is to help buyers fall in love with the space and picture themselves living there, which makes them more likely to make an offer.

Why Staging Is Worth the Effort

Staged houses tend to perform better on almost every metric that matters when you sell. According to Redfin, staged homes have been shown to sell up to 73% faster than unstaged homes. And they often close in under a month, compared to anywhere from two to three months for vacant ones.

There’s also a strong return on the money you spend.

The Home Staging Institute says mid-level staging can deliver a 350% return on investment. On a $400k home, that turns the typical $4k cost into roughly $18k in added value when you sell (see graph below):

By that estimate, that’s an extra potential profit of about $14k – a meaningful boost when you’re trying to maximize what you walk away with at closing.

Your Staging Options

And just in case you’re seeing that $4k upfront investment above and thinking, “I’m not going to spend that,” here’s what you should know.

Staging doesn’t always have to mean hiring a full crew or filling your house with rented furniture. There are a few different paths you can take, depending on your budget and timeline. So, you could spend a lot less and still get a good return. 

Here are a few options:

• Professional staging. A stager handles everything from layout to décor, often bringing in their own inventory. According to the Home Staging Institute, costs typically range from $500 to $5k or more, depending on the size of your house.
• Virtual staging. Digital furniture and styling are added to your listing photos, which can be a budget-friendly option for vacant houses.
• DIY staging. If your budget is tight and your home only needs minor updates, decluttering, deep cleaning, and arranging furniture for flow can still make a real difference.

Your agent can help you figure out which approach fits your house, your market, and your goals.

Agents see what buyers respond to in open houses and showings every week, so they can give you specific, personalized recommendations on what’s worth your time and money (and what isn’t).

That way you can get the most bang for your buck – no matter your budget.

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market.

With more homes for sale right now, making a strong first impression matters. Staging can help your house sell faster and for more – and there's an option for almost every budget.

If you're getting ready to list, connect with a local real estate agent to talk through what level of staging makes the most sense for your house.

Zillow says the best time to list your house is just around the corner. Are you ready to make the most of it?

If you want to take advantage of this Spring sweet spot and get top dollar for your house, let’s talk about what you need to do now to get ready to hit the market.

You may have heard April 12-18 was the “best week” to list your house. That’s based on a report from Realtor.com. But now that it’s passed, you may be wondering if you missed your moment.

Here's the good news – you didn’t. 

Because the reality is, there isn’t just one perfect week to sell your house this Spring. There’s a window. And right now, you’re still in it.

Your Window To Sell Is Still Wide Open

Here’s why. Different organizations run studies like this every year. And they don’t always land on the exact same week. That’s okay. It’s because they're using different research methods and even different definitions of what “best” means.

But the fact that the results vary points to a larger trend. While there may be sweet spots, the entire Spring season gives sellers an opportunity to get some of the best conditions (and best sales prices) of the year.

And it’s definitely not too late to jump in.

Why Listing in Late May Is the Perfect Play

According to Zillow, the best time to list your house this year is the last 2 weeks of May. And that’s approaching fast.

Based on their analysis, this is the ideal time to do it if you want to make top dollar. Because, in this 2-week window, homes sell for more. Sometimes, quite a bit more.

Depending on where you are and the price point in your area, some homeowners may even net tens of thousands of dollars extra in this sweet spot. As Zillow explains:

“Why late spring? Buyer demand typically peaks before Memorial Day. Families want to move during the summer and settle in before the new school year. More buyers shopping at once can spark competition and lift prices.”

And they’re not the only ones saying listing in May could be the key to selling for more. ATTOM Data analyzed almost 52 million home sales over the past 10 years and found sellers in May are achieving some of the highest returns.

That means the ideal window this year is very much still open.

What This Means for You 

If your goal is to sell for the strongest possible price, this is where timing and strategy come together. And you want to be sure you’re ready to make the most of it.

So, what should you be doing right now?

When prepping for a fast-moving window like this, you don’t want to waste time or money on the wrong prep work. And your agent is your go-to to make sure you’re focusing on the right things.

They’ll be able to tell you if the “best week” is slightly different in your market. And what quick repairs or updates can help you get a higher price, without taking a ton of time or effort.

Here's a quick example of things an agent may recommend based on information from Redfin:

At the end of the day, when your prep time’s short, doing the right things matters more than doing more things.

You may have heard April 12-18 was the “best week” to list your house.

Zillow says the best time to list your house is just around the corner. Are you ready to make the most of it?

If you want to take advantage of this Spring sweet spot and get top dollar for your house, talk to a local agent about what you need to do now to get ready to hit the market.

If you're torn between selling and renting, make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons first. For some homeowners, the hassle (and the expense) of renting may not be worth it.

When your house sits on the market longer than expected, it can get frustrating fast.

You start asking: what now? And for a growing number of homeowners, that turns into: should I just rent it instead?

While it sounds like a simple backup plan, becoming “accidental landlord” is actually a much bigger decision than most people realize. That’s when someone planned to sell, didn’t get the price or traction they hoped for, and decided to rent the house out instead.

And lately, that's happening more often.

Why the Number of Accidental Landlords Is Rising

If you’re faced with the same choice to rent or to sell, here’s what you need to know. First, you’re not alone. And that should actually be some comfort.

According to Zillow about 2.3% of homes available for rent were previously listed for sale. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s actually the highest share in almost 6 years.

Before you go that route yourself, it’s worth slowing down and looking at the full picture. Ask yourself these 3 questions first.

1. Would Your House Actually Work as a Rental?

What’s right for your situation is going to depend on your location, your home’s condition, and what the rental market looks like in your area. Think about:

• If you’re moving away, do you have a plan for how you’ll handle ongoing maintenance and repairs from afar?
• Does your house need repairs before it’s rental-ready? And do you have the time, energy, and the funds for that?
• What's the market like in your area? Are there a lot of rental vacancies?
• What monthly rent could you realistically expect?

As C&C Property Management explains:

“At the heart of any rental market is the balance between supply and demand. When more tenants are looking for housing than there are available units, rental prices rise. On the other hand, if new construction adds hundreds of apartments or homes to a neighborhood, prices can soften as tenants have more choices.”

If your home would struggle to stand out or command the rent you need, that’s something to take seriously. Just because you can rent it doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you.

2. Are You Ready To Be a Landlord?

This is the part people don’t always think about upfront. On paper, renting sounds like easy passive income. But in reality, it’s a hands-on responsibility. Imagine:

• Taking midnight calls about clogged toilets or broken air conditioners
• Chasing down missed rent payments
• Covering unexpected repairs
• Fixing damage between tenants

And those costs can hit when you least expect them.

3. Have You Run the Real Numbers?

There’s also the financial side of things. For starters, renting out your house comes with extra expenses. Here are a few of the biggest according to Bankrate:

• Higher insurance premiums (landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more)
• Management fees (if you use a property manager, they typically charge around 10% of the rent)
• Routine maintenance and services
• Advertising fees to find tenants
• Gaps between tenants, where you cover the mortgage without rental income coming in

For some people, that’s totally manageable. For others, it’s more than they want to take on.

Your Next Step: A Conversation with Your Agent

Before you make any decision, talk to your current agent about overhauling your sales strategy first. Sometimes it’s not that buyers aren’t out there. It’s that something about the pricing, presentation, or marketing isn’t quite lining up with what they’re looking for.

And a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Because while renting can be a great choice for the right person with the right house, if you’re only considering it because your listing didn’t get traction, there may be a better solution.

When your house sits on the market longer than expected, it can get frustrating fast.

If you're torn between selling and renting, make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons first. For some homeowners, the hassle (and the expense) of renting may not be worth it.

Getting your house on the market in mid-April may give you an extra edge, but the bigger opportunity is the Spring season as a whole. The real question is:

Do you know what you need to do before you can list?

Because it’s officially go-time for any seller planning a Spring move.

If you want your house to hit the market this week (or even this season), let’s talk about what it’ll take to get it ready.

While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast.

Based on their analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18.

And here’s why this window stands out as being particularly seller-friendly:

• Buyers Are More Active. According to the research coming out of Realtor.com, homes listed during this week typically get about 16.7% more views than in a normal week. And in a market where buyers have options, getting that extra attention can set the tone for your entire sale.
• Sales Happen Faster. Realtor.com also explains the added demand from buyers sets you up for a faster process. While homes have been taking longer to sell lately, homes up for sale this week were on the market for 17% less time than usual. And that’s a difference you’ll be able to feel.
• A Better Price for Your House. Since the number of homes for sale has grown, it’s normal for buyers to ask for credits, repairs, and price adjustments today. But, during this early Spring window, about 18.9% fewer homes do a price cut. That gives you a better chance of getting your full asking price.
• More Profit in Your Pocket. According to the study, well-prepped homes listed this week can command a price that’s about $5,300 more than the average week (and $26,000 more than homes at the start of the year).

And what seller doesn’t want more eyes on their house, getting an offer in hand sooner (rather than later), and their best shot at selling for top dollar?

What You Need To Do To Get Ready

If you’re already thinking about selling and you want to take advantage of this sweet spot, your next step is shockingly simple. Just talk to a local agent.

Their expertise on your area is going to be key over the next few weeks. Because these trends are going to vary by state, city, and even neighborhood. And your agent will use that insider knowledge to help you figure out what you need to do now to get your house ready. Including:

• What you’ll want to spruce up before listing
• How to prioritize any repairs (and contractors that can help)
• Quick wins that’ll have a big impact
• What buyers care most about today

For some sellers, that’s a few easy fixes they can knock out in the next couple of weeks. A fresh coat of paint. Some new mulch. Or some light Spring cleaning.

For others, it’s worth taking another month or so to make some minor updates before listing. And that’s okay. Because while this mid-April window may give sellers an advantage, it’s not your only opportunity to sell.

Zillow says the best time to list is in May. And that means the golden window for sellers isn’t closing after this one week. It’s open all season long.

While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast.

Getting your house on the market in mid-April may give you an extra edge, but the bigger opportunity is the Spring season as a whole. The real question is:

Do you know what you need to do before you can list?

Because it’s officially go-time for any seller planning a Spring move.

If you want your house to hit the market this week (or even this season), talk to a local agent about what it’ll take to get it ready.

Whether you’re selling next year or just giving your house some TLC, the right home improvements today can set you up for success tomorrow. And the best part? Your equity may be the key to making it happen.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?

Let’s have a quick conversation about whether it’s the right decision for your home.

That kitchen you’ve been mentally redesigning...

The bathroom that really needs a refresh...

Or the outdoor space you keep saying you’ll get to someday...

What if you already have what you need to finally make it happen? Because a growing number of homeowners are realizing just that.

Homeowners are expected to spend over $522 billion on home improvements by the end of 2026 – and they’re not draining their savings accounts to get it done. Many are using their home equity.

And if you’ve owned your home for 10+ years, there’s a chance you could use your equity to fund some home upgrades too. Let’s break down what you need to know first.

What Is Equity? And How Does It Help?

Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage.

And according to Cotality, the average homeowner has about $313,000 worth of equity today. That’s more than enough to finally knock some projects off your list. And more people are realizing they can use that to give their home a little TLC.

Research coming out of Meridian Link says home improvements are the top thing people are using their equity for today.

Top Motivations for Equity-Based Borrowing:

• Funding home improvements (45%)
• Using it to pay down other debts / debt consolidation (16%)
• Investing in other properties (16%)

Maybe it makes sense for you to do the same. But here’s what’s important. Just because you can use your equity doesn’t mean you have to. It also doesn’t mean every project makes sense.

What Projects Are Actually Worth It?

If you’re going to go this route, you’ll want to focus on upgrades that actually pay off. A good renovation should be something that improves the value of your home. Because, even if you’re not planning to sell soon, you want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success when you do.

And an agent is the best resource as you weigh your options. They know what other homeowners are doing and what buyers in your area like. And that can be really helpful as you narrow down your project list. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts it:

“Being able to help sellers prioritize home improvements and maximize their net on the sale is a key value real estate agents offer.”

Here’s a quick rundown of the projects with the best potential to recoup your costs according to NAR (see graph below). While it’s a good starting point, just remember it can’t match the expertise an agent can provide.

As you can see, there’s a wide range of projects on that list. Yes, some are bigger-ticket items, like kitchens or baths. But others are smaller updates with surprisingly strong ROI.

A new front door is a great project. But it’s not something to use your equity for. But revamping your kitchen? That’s where your equity can come in and lighten the load.

Where To Go from Here

Whether the project you’ve been thinking about is on this list or not, chat with an agent to make sure it’s worth the time, money, and effort before calling in any contractors.

Because the goal isn’t to do everything, it’s to invest where it counts.

And if you want to use your equity to get one of the bigger projects done, meet with a financial advisor too. Because you’ll want to make sure you’ll maintain a good loan-to-value (LTV) threshold even after using your equity. That way you have all the information you need to make your decision.

That kitchen you’ve been mentally redesigning...

The bathroom that really needs a refresh...

Or the outdoor space you keep saying you’ll get to someday...

Whether you’re selling next year or just giving your house some TLC, the right home improvements today can set you up for success tomorrow. And the best part? Your equity may be the key to making it happen.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?

Have a quick conversation with an agent to find out if it’s the right decision for your home.

One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers today is inspection issues – and that’s something you can control. You just need to be proactive about high-impact repairs before you list.

If you want help figuring out where to focus, let's connect so we can keep your sale on track from day one.

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market.

And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control.

Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem.

The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection

A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below): 

And that makes sense. Because today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple of years ago: options.

Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Today

A few years back, when buyers felt rushed or boxed in due to the limited number of homes for sale, they were more willing to overlook issues.

But in today’s market, skipping essential repairs is one of the fastest ways to lose a deal.

Now that there are more homes to choose from, buyers can be more selective. If a house feels risky, outdated, or like it’s hiding expensive surprises, they’re a lot more likely to walk away. So, what do you have to fix? Just ask an agent.

How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge

A local agent will be able to walk through your house and offer advice on what to tackle based on your specific home, your market, and what buyers are prioritizing in your area. They'll also have first-hand knowledge about some of the biggest turnoffs for buyers today. And you can use that expertise to prevent future headaches.

For example, according to Zillow, these are some of the issues buyers will care the most about:

• Roof leaks or damage: sagging, leaking, etc.
• Plumbing problems: standing water, leaks, water damage, etc.
• Electrical concerns: outdated or exposed wiring, missing GFCI outlets, etc.
• HVAC issues: non-functioning units
• Pest or insect damage: termite colonies, etc.
• Hazardous materials: lead, mold, asbestos, etc.
• Safety/code violations: missing smoke detectors, windows stuck closed, etc.
• Structural problems: cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, etc.

Odds are not all of this even applies to your house. Maybe only 1-2 things do. Or maybe none of them do. It just depends. But an agent will have the tools and resources to help you figure it out and stay one step ahead.

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection

To buyers, these aren’t cosmetic issues. They’re trust issues. And that’s what you need to watch out for today. Once buyers start wondering “what else might be wrong,” it’s hard to recover momentum.

That’s why some agents are even recommending a pre-listing inspection as a sneak peek into what buyers will see on their own inspection. With that insight, you can:

• Fix concerns before you list, or disclose issues upfront
• Avoid having to respond or negotiate under pressure
• Stop scrambling to find contractors with availability before your closing date

But remember, you don't have to fix everything. You just have to be strategic about what you do tackle, so you and your buyer aren’t caught off guard.

And that’s why you need an agent who can:

• Decide if a pre-listing inspection is worth it where you live
• Recommend a trusted inspector (if you decide to get one)
• Look at the results with you to identify true dealbreakers in your market
• Help you decide what to fix or what to credit
• Make sure you avoid over-spending or under-preparing

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017.

One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers today is inspection issues – and that’s something you can control. You just need to be proactive about high-impact repairs before you list.

If you want help figuring out where to focus, connect with an agent.

Spring doesn’t guarantee a sale. Strategy still matters. But this season gives you something valuable: momentum.

More buyers. More activity. More opportunity.

The real question is: if you’re going to sell this year, why not do it when the odds are in your favor?

Let’s talk about what selling this season could mean for your house and your timeline.

Homeowners looking to sell usually want three things: plenty of interested buyers, strong offers, and a short timeline. Spring is the season that most often delivers all three.

So, if a move has been on your mind this year, this is the window where momentum tends to work in your favor. Here’s what makes this season so powerful for sellers.

1. More Buyers Will Be Looking

Typically speaking, in the housing market, there’s no more popular time to move than the Spring. Historically, data coming out of ShowingTime proves that’s when buyer activity peaks each year. Take a look for yourself (see graph below):

And this year, there’s more than just the seasonal trend working in your favor. Mortgage rates are also sitting near 3-year lows – and that combination matters.

More buyers + improving affordability = more eyes on your house.

That doesn’t mean the market will return to the frenzy of the pandemic – far from it. But it does mean more buyers will be ready to re-enter the market. And that’s good for you. As Redfin says:

“Homebuying demand is improving . . . and mortgage-purchase applications are sitting near their highest level in three years. . ."

You should make sure your house is listed so you can take advantage of the uptick in demand. Because more activity means one thing: more opportunity to get a deal done.

2. You May Get More Offers

With more buyer demand, it makes sense that you may get more offers on your house. And history shows that’s usually true.

If we look at the data for the last three years from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and take the averages for each month, it’s clear sellers in the Spring get more offers (see graph below):

Now, don’t expect the excessive bidding wars that were so famous in 2020 and 2021. But it does mean, seasonality could help you out this Spring. As Realtor.com explains:

“Spring typically brings out more buyers who are ready to make a move before summer. Listings see more views, showings, and offers during this season.”

And that could be really good for your bottom line.

3. Homes Usually Sell Faster

There’s one more predictable pattern that happens pretty much every Spring based on research from Realtor.com. Homes sell faster (see graph below):

On average, homes sell 20 days faster in the Spring compared to the Winter. That’s almost 3 weeks shaved off your timeline. And that's a difference you can feel.

Since homes have been taking longer to sell lately, listing your house during what’s usually the most active time of the year means you’re setting yourself up to move as quickly as possible. And isn’t that what sellers really want?

The faster your home sells, the earlier you can move on to what’s next for you.

If you’re eager to go on to your next chapter, need to downsize, or you’ve run out of space, Spring may be your best time to sell. 

Homeowners looking to sell usually want three things: plenty of interested buyers, strong offers, and a short timeline. Spring is the season that most often delivers all three.

Spring doesn’t guarantee a sale. Strategy still matters. But this season gives you something valuable: momentum.

More buyers. More activity. More opportunity.

The real question is: if you’re going to sell this year, why not do it when the odds are in your favor?

Talk to an agent about what selling this season could mean for your house and your timeline.

The point isn’t that everyone should rush out and buy a home tomorrow.

It’s that renting isn’t always the more affordable option people assume it is – and buying may be more realistic than it feels once you look at the full picture.

If you’re renting and feeling stuck in the “someday” loop, it might be worth a simple conversation. Just a chance to see what’s possible and whether it makes sense for you.

Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment.

But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… expensive, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle.

That’s because there’s so much chatter today about how buying a home isn’t affordable. But the truth is, the math may work out better than you'd expect based on what’s changed recently.

Buying Is More Affordable Than Renting in Many Areas 

In a lot of places today, owning a home actually costs less each month than renting a 3-bedroom home. And recent data from ATTOM shows that’s true in nearly 58% of counties across the U.S. (see chart below).

And that's after you factor in things like insurance and typical maintenance costs. 

In other words, even though it may feel like a bit of a shock, the numbers show rent often stretches monthly budgets more than owning does. That’s thanks to slower home price growth, more homes for sale, and monthly mortgage payments starting to ease as rates come down.

Affordability Still Varies by Region

Now, even though nationally the balance has shifted, that doesn’t mean buying is more affordable in every market or for every renter.

While buying is more affordable than renting in nearly 58% of counties nationwide, that share looks different depending on your region (see graph below):

The biggest improvement is happening in the Midwest and South. But if you’re living in the West, things could still feel tight.

The takeaway? How affordable buying is really depends on where you live. And the only way to know how this plays out where you live is to look at the numbers locally.

So, What’s Still Holding Buyers Back? 

Maybe you’re nodding along so far but thinking, “Okay, but I still can’t afford the upfront costs.” If that’s your reaction, you’re not the only one.

For many renters, the biggest hurdle isn’t the monthly payment alone. It’s the down payment, too.

But you’re not out of options. Here’s the part most people don’t hear enough about: there are thousands of down payment assistance programs available across the country, and many buyers qualify without realizing it.

And the average benefit? Roughly $18,000.

That kind of support can help cover part of your down payment or closing costs, which means you may not need to save nearly as much as you think to get started.

When you combine that with monthly payments that may work better than expected, especially as rates continue to ease and prices cool, buying may feel far more realistic than it looks at first glance.

Renting can feel like the easier choice right now.

The point isn’t that everyone should rush out and buy a home tomorrow.

It’s that renting isn’t always the more affordable option people assume it is – and buying may be more realistic than it feels once you look at the full picture.

If you’re renting and feeling stuck in the “someday” loop, it might be worth a simple conversation with a local real estate agent or lender. Just a chance to see what’s possible and whether it makes sense for you.

For the first time in quite a while, affordability is easing. That’s a meaningful shift.

And because this improvement isn’t happening everywhere at the same speed, understanding what’s changing locally is what really makes a difference. If you want to see how these trends show up in our area, let’s talk it through.

There’s finally a little good news for anyone who’s been priced out or sitting on the sidelines.

Buying a home is getting more affordable.

Monthly payments have started to come down, and the squeeze buyers have been feeling for the past few years is slowly loosening. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone can suddenly afford a home, but with how tough the market’s been, the improvement we’re seeing matters.

Affordability Is Finally Moving in the Right Direction

One of the best ways to see this shift is by looking at how much of a household’s income it takes to buy a home.

According to Zillow, housing is typically considered affordable when it takes 30% or less of your monthly income to cover your expenses. That includes your mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, and basic maintenance.

For the past few years, the math was well above that threshold, and it made buying a home unachievable for many. But now, we’re slowly moving back toward a balance. Zillow research shows it’s taking less of a typical household’s income to buy a home than it did just a few years ago (see graph below):

Now, we’re not all the way back to Zillow’s threshold of 30% of your income or less, so affordability is still tight. But things are trending in the right direction.

Why Affordability Is Improving

So, what’s driving the change? A lot of the focus lately has been on mortgage rates and how much they’ve come down over the course of the past year. But that’s not the only factor working in favor of buyers right now. Here are three trends benefiting buyers today: 

1. Mortgage rates have eased. Rates are near their lowest level in more than three years, which helps lower monthly payments (see graph below):

2. Home price growth has cooled. Prices aren’t falling nationally, but they’re growing much more slowly than they were a few years ago. That means buyers today aren’t facing the same sharp jumps in purchase prices, which helps keep monthly payments more manageable – and buying more predictable. 

3. Wages are growing faster than home prices. This one matters a lot. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“When income growth exceeds house price growth, house-buying power improves—even if mortgage rates don’t decline meaningfully.”

None of this makes buying cheap, but it does explain why the math is starting to work a little better for buyers than it did even a just a year ago. Put simply, the forces that hurt affordability over the past few years are finally easing. Fleming again explains it well:

“Affordability remains challenging, but for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”

These three factors combined are why economists expect affordability to keep improving in 2026.

Where Homes Are Becoming Affordable First

But how much is affordability really going to improve? In some places, noticeably. Zillow says some markets are expected to fall back under their affordability threshold (30% of your income or less) by the end of the year:

But that doesn’t mean you have to be in one of these markets or wait until year-end to buy. Other places are already seeing big improvements in affordability. So, talk to a local agent about what’s happening in your market. You may find you’re able to buy after all.

There’s finally a little good news for anyone who’s been priced out or sitting on the sidelines.

For the first time in quite a while, affordability is easing. That’s a meaningful shift.

And because this improvement isn’t happening everywhere at the same speed, understanding what’s changing locally is what really makes a difference. If you want to see how these trends show up in your area, talk with a local real estate agent.

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a year where local conditions matter more than ever.

Whether your market leans more buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. And that’s where a local expert comes in. Let’s connect.

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year. But before you take a look, there’s something you should know.

If a move is on your radar for 2026, here’s the most important thing you need to understand upfront: there isn’t one housing market this year – there are many.

Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are tilting in favor of sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on where you are. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, puts it this way:

“Looking ahead to 2026, regional differences will remain pronounced, with demand favoring areas that offer both economic opportunity and relative affordability.”

To show just how divided the landscape is, here’s a look at where sellers are expected to have the upper hand, and where first-time buyers may finally find their opening this year.

Where Sellers Are Poised To Win Big in 2026

Zillow identified the following metros as some of the strongest seller markets for 2026, based on buyer demand, pricing momentum, and how quickly homes are expected to sell:

In markets like these, buyers are going to be competing for limited inventory, which gives sellers more leverage.

Homeowners in seller’s markets this year can expect:

• Stronger buyer interest

• Shorter time on market

• Better odds of selling close to (or above) asking price

That doesn’t mean every listing is guaranteed success. But it does mean sellers who prepare well and lean on an agent’s expertise should be very happy with their results in 2026.

Markets Where There’s More Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

On the flip side, here’s a look at where buyers have the power – in particular, first-time buyers, since they’ve had the hardest time breaking into the market lately. Realtor.com highlights the top metros where first-time buyers are expected to have better opportunities in 2026:

These markets stand out for a mix of:

• More affordable home prices

• Better housing availability

• Strong local amenities and economic health

For first-time buyers, that combination matters. It’s what could finally turn “someday” into “this could actually work.” In buyer’s markets, they should expect:

• Less intense competition

• More room to negotiate

• A clearer path to getting an offer accepted

What Matters More Than Any Top 10 List

Not seeing your city on the list? Don’t stress. This is just a national snapshot, not a judgment on your local market. The goal here is just to show you how different the market really is depending on where you are.

And remember, you can buy or sell no matter how your local market leans. You just need an agent’s help to figure out the right strategy to get it done. For example:

• A seller in a more buyer-friendly metro may need to be aggressive on their price and prep.

• A buyer in a seller-leaning area may still need to come prepared with their best offer.

To find out where your market falls and what you should expect, you’ll want the help of a local expert.

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year.

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a year where local conditions matter more than ever.

Whether your market leans more buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. And that’s where a local expert comes in. Connect with a trusted real estate agent today.

If you’re looking to sell this spring, you still have time to make updates that help your home stand out – without taking on a full renovation.

If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk through what makes sense for your house. A quick conversation can help you prioritize the updates that’ll pack the biggest punch.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?

Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that's actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards.

Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, it's worth it to tackle repairs now and make sure your house is set up to stand out. Because you don’t want to be caught scrambling right before the spring rush. Or, running out of time to do the work your house really needs. 

The key is focusing on updates that actually matter. And that’s exactly where return-on-investment (ROI) data comes in handy.

Which Projects Tend to Pay Off?

Every year, Zonda looks at which home improvements deliver the most bang for the buck when you go to sell the home. And the results can be a little surprising.

The green in the chart below shows the updates where sellers have the biggest potential to add value based on that research:

While there's a wide range of projects represented in this data, the cool part is, some of the top winners aren’t big to-do's. They’re just swapping out doors.

Small Updates, Big Visual Impact

This goes to show little projects can have a big impact. So, you don’t have to spend a fortune. And you don’t need to tackle everything on this list. But in today’s market, doing nothing can work against you.

Now that buyers have more homes to choose from, a lot of them are going to opt for what’s move-in ready.

The best advice? Focus on what your house needs, whether it’s listed here or not – like the repairs you’ve been putting off. A front door or shutters in need of a little TLC. Piles of leaves in the yard. Scuffed up paint where your kids play inside. Those details matter too.

Mallory Slesser, Interior designer and Home Stager, explains it to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) this way:

“If you’re looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement. It really changes the space.”

These seemingly small things help buyers focus on the home itself – not the work they think they’ll have to do after moving in. And that’s paying off for other sellers. Buyers are often willing to spend more on homes that feel well cared for, updated, and move-in ready.

This Chart Is a Starting Point, Not a Strategy

Here’s the important thing to remember. National data like this is a guideline. Buyer preferences are going to vary by location, price point, and even neighborhood. That means a project that boosts value in one area might be unnecessary (or even overkill) in yours.

That’s why the first step should always be to talk with a local real estate professional before you start.

An experienced agent can help you answer questions like:

• Which updates do buyers in your market expect?
• What can you skip without hurting your sale?
• Where will a small investment make the biggest difference?
• Is it better to update, or sell as-is?

That guidance helps you avoid over-improving and under-preparing.

Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that's actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards.

If you’re looking to sell this spring, you still have time to make updates that help your home stand out – without taking on a full renovation.

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a local about what makes sense for your house. A quick conversation can help you prioritize the updates that’ll pack the biggest punch.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?

If you want to talk through what’s expected for our local market and which trends you’ll want to take advantage of, let’s connect.

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.

After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.

Here’s what the experts are saying you have to look forward to.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Top economists have one word to sum up the housing market for 2026: opportunity. Lower mortgage rates and a rising supply of homes are expected to open up the housing market . . . something the real estate industry and potential home buyers and sellers have been waiting for, following three years of stagnation.”

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:

“. . . for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”

Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow:

“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026.”

Why Local Insight Matters More Than Ever

Just remember, while the national outlook is improving, conditions will still be different based on where you live. Some markets will move faster than others. Some will see stronger price growth. Others will remain flat. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“Market performance will hinge on local economic conditions, making 2026 one of the most geographically divided markets we’ve seen in years.”

That’s why understanding what’s happening in your specific area is key. The national trends set the stage, but local dynamics determine how they play out for you. And that's why you need an agent.

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.

If you want more information on what these trends mean for your local market and which trends you’ll want to take advantage of, reach out to a trusted real estate agent.

Want to know what's happening with buyer activity in our area, and what it could mean if you want to sell your house in the new year?

Let’s talk about getting your house listed in early 2026, so you can take advantage of this momentum building in the market.

The housing market hasn’t felt this energized in a long time – and the numbers backing that up are hard to ignore. Mortgage rates have eased almost a full percentage point this year, and that shift is starting to wake up buyers.

Home loan applications have risen. Activity has picked up. And sellers who step in early could benefit from the momentum long before the competition catches on.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening behind the scenes and how you can take advantage of it.

When Rates Come Down, Buyer Activity Goes Up

In today’s market, buyer demand is closely tied to what happens with mortgage rates. As rates come down, applications for home loans go up. Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of the CJ Patrick Company, explains it like this:

“We’re in an incredibly rate-sensitive environment today, and every time we’ve seen mortgage rates drop into the low-to-mid 6% range, we’ve seen an influx of buyers hit the market.”

And that’s exactly what the data shows. More people who were sidelined are applying for mortgages again now that borrowing costs have come down. Of course, that’s going to ebb and flow just like rates ebb and flow. But the bigger picture is, there’s been improvement as a whole since rates started coming down.

In fact, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows the Mortgage Purchase Index is hovering at the highest level so far this year:

And that's not the only sign of optimism. MBA also shows mortgage applications recently hit their highest point in almost 3 years too. A clear sign demand is moving in the right direction heading into 2026:

And just in case you were wondering, it’s not just pent-up demand coming out of the government shutdown that slowed some of the processing of government loans for a month or so. If you look back at the last graph, you’ll see the steady build-up of momentum throughout the entire year.

The big takeaway for you is this. Now that rates have come down, buyers are starting to ease back into the game. And that’s turning into real contracts on homes just like yours.

Home Sales Are Rebounding

Just to really drive home that this is trending in a good direction, the most recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows pending home sales (homes that are under contract) are picking up too. The Pending Home Sales Index is also at the highest it’s been all year (see graph below):

And that means the market is ending the year on a high note and headed into 2026 with renewed energy. While that may not seem like a big shift, it’s a rebound worth talking about.

Pending home sales are a leading indicator of where actual sales are going. If more homes are going under contract, it’s a good sign more homes will actually close over the next two months, ultimately boosting sales. This could be part of why experts project home sales will inch higher in 2026 than they were in 2025 or in 2024.

Of course, this may ebb and flow a bit as we see some year-end volatility with mortgage rates. But, it shouldn’t be enough to change this overall trend. Expert forecasts say rates should stay pretty much where they are throughout 2026. That means the stage is set for this momentum to continue going into the new year.

What This Means for You

Here’s the opportunity. Selling now means:

• More buyer demand. As affordability improves, you could see more buyer traffic and home showings (if your house is priced and staged right). And the best part? The buyers who are re-engaging feel like they’ve already waited too long for this moment. So, they’ll be eager to move.
• Being ahead of the curve. Listing sooner rather than later puts you ahead of the game, before other sellers realize something's shifted.

Whether you’ve been putting off selling because you thought buyers weren’t buying, or you took your house off the market because you weren’t getting any bites, this is your sign to act.

The housing market hasn’t felt this energized in a long time – and the numbers backing that up are hard to ignore.

Want to know what's happening with buyer activity in your area, and what it could mean if you want to sell your house in the new year?

Talk to an agent about getting your house listed in early 2026, so you can take advantage of this momentum building in the market.