Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You
Renting can feel like the easier choice right now.
How Your Equity Could Help Younger Generations Buy a Home
For a lot of parents or grandparents, watching a family member struggle to buy their first home right now is hard.
The Price You Set Can Make (or Break) Your Sale
There’s one decision you’re going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits.
The Real Reason Home Sales Slowed in January. And It’s Not What You Think.
If you saw headlines that talked about how “home sales fell sharply in January,” it probably raised an eyebrow – especially if you’re thinking about selling your house. But context matters.
Yes, in January, home sales declined. But that has more to do with seasonality and the weather than it does with any big drop off in demand.
What’s Really Behind the Decline?
Reports coming out of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) say the pace of home sales fell roughly 8.4% last month compared to the month before. And that’s true. But it isn’t necessarily cause for alarm.
Data show it’s normal for sales to dip in January. In the last 4 years, that pattern has held true all but once. And sure, the decline we saw this year was a steeper drop off than the norm (the yellow bars on the right), but that can be explained too. More on that in a moment.
The really important part you’re not going to get from the headlines is this: typically speaking, the pace of home sales picks back up in February as the spring market starts to take off. That’s shown in the green bars below.
So even though the market slowed a bit momentarily, it should start to pick back up.
And just in case you’re wondering, why the bigger drop this year, especially with mortgage rates being lower than last year? Here’s your answer. As Realtor.com explains:
“Winter storm Fern, which dumped snow and ice across large swaths of the country, likely disrupted some closings, weighing on the data and making it difficult to pick out the housing market momentum trend from the weather noise.”
This January, 40 states were hit with widespread winter weather according to the National Weather Service. And in real estate, that slows down the momentum. Here’s why.
Existing home sales data tracks closed transactions, not new contracts. So, if inspections, appraisals, or final walk-throughs get delayed by storms, those deals often slide into the next month instead of falling apart – especially when buyers and sellers are still trying to move forward.
Will Home Sales Pick Back Up?
January’s missing sales are more likely “postponed” than “lost.” They haven’t disappeared. They’re just taking a little longer to close.
The rest of the data still points to a market that has traction heading into spring.
Affordability has improved for the 7th month in a row, and buyers are regaining negotiating power in many markets throughout the nation. So, this one monthly report doesn’t mean buyers aren’t buying. It just means, as weather warms up, activity should too.
Bottom Line
Don’t confuse a weather-impacted month with a market losing steam. If anything, improving affordability is an indicator of more activity to come, not less.
If you have questions about what you’re hearing online or in the news, reach out to a local real estate agent. Because the truth is, a little context can give you back your peace of mind.
Move-Up Buyers Are Choosing New Construction
At some point, a house that once felt perfect just… doesn’t anymore.
Maybe you need more space.
Maybe working from home turned your dining room into a permanent office.
Maybe the layout just doesn’t match how you live now.
If your current house is starting to feel like it’s holding you back instead of supporting your life, it’s natural to think about making a move. But that brings up the next big question: once you sell, where do you go?
For a growing number of buyers, the answer is something brand new.
New Construction Is a More Popular Choice Lately
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more people are buying new homes than they have in years. The latest annual data available shows 16% of homes purchased were newly built.
At first glance you may not see why that’s a big deal. But that’s actually the highest share of new home purchases in almost two decades.
Why More Buyers Are Choosing a Brand-New Construction
For many buyers, especially move-up buyers, new construction isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about lifestyle, convenience, and peace of mind.
1. Everything Is Brand New
You’re not inheriting someone else’s projects. No wondering how old the roof is. No budgeting for a new HVAC right after move-in. No big surprises when the previous owners patch job fails. For move-up buyers who’ve been dumping money into updating their current house, that’s a win.
2. You Can Customize Before Move In
If you choose a home that’s still under construction, you could have the chance to pick the flooring, counters, cabinets, hardware, lighting, and so much more. That level of personalization can be a draw for move-up buyers like you, because it allows you to hand pick the fit and finishes you’ve been wanting for so long.
3. A Home Designed for How People Live Today
Most new construction homes are built to current building standards and buyer preferences, which means you could see built-in smart home features, better energy efficiency (which can lower utility bills), and even more modern floor plans and features. And if your layout just isn’t working for you anymore, you may find exactly what you need now in a new home.
4. Neighborhood Amenities
New developments often include shared community spaces like walking trails, parks, playgrounds, or even pools and gyms. For families and active households, that’s a big bonus to have that just a few steps out of their front door.
5. Builder Incentives
Not to mention, since there are more new homes on the market than the norm, builders are motivated to sell what they have. So, you may find they’re more willing to negotiate than you’d expect on things like price, upgrades, and more.
Bottom Line
If your current house isn’t meeting your needs anymore, don’t assume your only choice is an existing home. New construction is becoming a real contender, especially for move-up buyers who want space, features, and a home that works for how they live now.
Curious whether new construction might be a fit for you? Talk to a local real estate agent.
