The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath

Selling This Fall? You Haven’t Missed Your Window

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Sep 14, 2026

Summer’s winding down, and if you’ve been thinking about selling, you might be wondering if you missed your chance. Better to wait until next year or even next spring, right?

Not so fast. About one in three of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year.

Fall Is Busier than You Think

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows around a third of existing home sales happen in the final four months of the year. And that share has grown every year since 2023 (see graph below):

Here’s What That Means for You

According to forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), NAR, and Wells Fargo, there will be about 4.16 million existing home sales this year. Based on how many sales have happened so far, that means roughly 1.4 million sales are expected between now and December.

That’s about 11,800 houses selling every single day this fall.

So, the market isn’t frozen and you don’t need to put your plans on ice either. Yes, higher rates are keeping some buyers on the sidelines. But hold out for next spring, and you’ll sit out months when other serious buyers are ready to move before the new year.

How do you get in front of those buyers who are still out there looking right now? Getting your house sold this season comes down to how well it’s priced and presented, and that’s where a local agent shines.

A good agent knows what buyers in your area want right now, prices your house to match this fall’s market, and positions it to stand out to the serious buyers shopping before year-end. From the first photo to the final offer, they handle the details that turn your house on the market into one of the 11,800 selling every day.

Bottom Line

Listing this fall doesn’t mean your house will sit on the market until spring. Buyers are out there right now, ready to make a move before the new year – and your window is still open.

To make yours one of the homes that sells this season, connect with a local real estate agent.

Data Centers Are Moving Closer to Homes. What Does That Mean for You?

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Sep 10, 2026

Data centers probably weren’t on your list of things to think about when buying or selling a home.

School districts? Sure. How close you are to family? Absolutely. A large building full of computer servers down the road? Probably not.

But that may be changing.

Data centers are popping up in more communities across the country. And as they do, buyers and homeowners are starting to wonder what having one nearby could mean for everything from home values to utility bills. So, let’s get into what the data actually says. Because there’s a lot more nuance here than if they’re “good” or “bad.”

Data Centers Are Showing Up in a Lot More ZIP Codes

According to Realtor.com, back in 2015, only about a dozen ZIP codes had a large data center. But by the first half of 2026, that number had climbed to more than 100 – and it’s projected to rise even further by the end of the year (see graph below):

That’s a pretty dramatic increase in just over a decade. HousingWire shows a lot of that growth is in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada.

And that ramp up explains why this is becoming a real estate conversation. More buyers are going to encounter a data center during their search. More homeowners are going to hear about one being proposed nearby.

And both groups are going to want to know what that could mean for them.

The Big Question: What About Home Values?

One of the first concerns homeowners and buyers may have is: could a nearby data center hurt home values? So far, there’s no evidence that says it automatically will.

Researchers compared communities that have large data centers to similar communities without them. A recent HousingWire article reports:

“. . . home values in data center ZIP codes generally tracked their matched communities — with no statistically meaningful gains or losses. Listing prices showed a modest initial increase around openings . . .”

That’s important context. Historically, simply having a data center nearby hasn’t been enough to send home values dramatically higher or lower.

That doesn’t mean every property will react the same way. Proximity, the surrounding development, and the specific facility can all matter. But for the typical homeowner or buyer, the data so far doesn’t point to an automatic impact on home values.

Living Near a Data Center Can Come with Tradeoffs

Like any major development coming to town, data centers can bring benefits along with things buyers and homeowners will want to consider.

On the plus side:

They may be part of a bigger growth story. A data center can usher in broader development in an area and substantial property tax revenue that can be used to improve the community.
Infrastructure may get an upgrade. New roads, fiber, power infrastructure, and other improvements can come along with major development.
They can generate economic activity. A data center can generate jobs which in turn fuels local housing demand and supports local businesses.

On the flip side:

They’re not exactly invisible. Large facilities, transmission lines, substations, and construction can change the look and feel of an area.
Noise can matter. Cooling equipment, generators, construction, and truck traffic may be noticeable depending on how close you are.
They use more resources. These facilities can require significant electricity and, depending on the cooling system, water. That can raise questions about local infrastructure and whether growing electricity demand could affect what residents pay.

On that last point, J.P. Blackwood, Public Affairs Liaison and Media Spokesperson for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), explained his take on what consumers need to know about data centers and their potential to impact utility costs to HousingWire:

“Utility rate increases tend to be gradual, and so that’s what I would expect here. Again, a number of factors can drive electricity prices higher and are driving them higher, and this is one of them. There are steps being taken around the country to mitigate the effects of data centers.”

Basically, they’re just one factor that can have an impact. And the key word there is “can” because it depends on where you live and what rules are in place in your area.

So, What Should Buyers and Homeowners Do?

If you’re buying, find out what’s already there – and what’s approved or proposed nearby. Consider the facility’s proximity, potential noise, future development, and whether utility costs are something you want to factor into your budget.

If you’re selling, don’t assume a nearby data center automatically hurts your home’s value. But buyers may have questions. Knowing the facts about the facility, construction timeline, noise, and future plans can help you address those concerns upfront.

Bottom Line

As more data centers pop up, they’re becoming another piece of the puzzle buyers and homeowners need to understand.

Have a data center nearby or one coming soon? Talk to a local real estate agent about what it could mean for your home or your next move.

The Housing Market Split in 2. Which Side Is Your House On?

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Sep 9, 2026

Ask a couple people how the housing market is doing and you’ll probably get a couple different answers. That’s because right now, the market runs on 2 very different tracks, split by price point.

Knowing which track your house is on changes everything about your sale, from your asking price to how long you can expect to wait before an offer comes in. Here’s what you need to know.

Home Sales Are Picking Up Speed at the Top of the Market

Rates and buyer competition are shaping this market differently depending on price point. Look at recent sales data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the pattern jumps right out.

Homes priced under $250,000 saw sales drop 2-3% compared to last year, while homes priced above $750,000 saw sales climb by double digits (see graph below):

What’s behind the divide? Due to higher rates and the last few years of home price appreciation, fewer buyers can comfortably afford homes at the entry-level price point right now – especially first-time buyers. So, demand in that segment has slowed down.

On the flip side, buyers looking for higher-priced homes have less sensitivity to high-rate environments and more room in their budgets, thanks in part to a strong stock market and their equity in their current home.

That’s the real differentiator. Lower-priced homes are still selling, just not as quickly since today’s rates have shrunk the pool of buyers who can afford to buy their first place right now.

This is exactly why pricing strategy and presentation carry more weight than they used to, especially if you’re selling in that range. Price it right from the start instead of testing a high number, make sure it shows well online and in person, and lean on an agent who can get your listing in front of every buyer shopping in your range. That’s the best way to make sure you catch the attention of one of the buyers who are still looking – and it’s how you prove your home is worth it’s price.

Why Some Homes Sit While Others Get Snapped Up

How fast a home sells is shifting by price point too, and the split is just as sharp. For years, luxury homes sat on the market a lot longer than starter homes. That gap has nearly closed, according to Redfin (see chart below):

Buyers with deep pockets are moving fast when a well-priced home in their range comes up. As Zillow puts it:

“The U.S. housing market is splitting in two. Luxury homes are selling at a faster pace than a year ago, with shrinking supply and growing bidding wars.”

If you’re in that range, your house may sell faster than you’d expect. You may even get multiple offers. That kind of competition changes how a listing should be marketed and priced from day 1.

And no matter which side you’re on, that’s information you’re going to want up front if you want to have the smoothest sale possible.

What This Means for Your Sale

If you’re thinking about selling an entry-level home, don’t panic. Homes at your price point are still selling, just at a slower pace than last year. That slower pace means pricing and presentation matter even more right now.

If you’re selling a move-up or luxury house, you’re in a good spot right now. Buyers looking in your price point usually aren’t as affected by today’s rates, so they’re more active, and good listings are drawing real competition.

Either way, your price point is the biggest factor in how fast your house sells and what it sells for.

Bottom Line

Your home’s price point is the real story right now, more than anything you’re hearing in national headlines. Connect with a local real estate agent to map out exactly where your house fits in this split market and build a pricing strategy that gets you the speed and price you’re after.

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Sep 7, 2026

For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away.

But your salary is only half the equation. Where you live shapes what you can afford just as much. And if you can work remotely, you have an advantage a lot of buyers don’t.

You’re not tied to living where the jobs are, so you can look where your money goes further.

Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You Live

Remote job openings are on the rise. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings climbed 22% from the quarter before. That’s the second quarter in a row of double-digit growth.

More remote roles mean more people can choose a home base around the life they want to build. As Forbes puts it:

“Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and business owners have the flexibility to choose a home base based on the life they want to build, whether that means more space, a lower cost of living, better access to nature, or simply somewhere new.”

And you can use that freedom to look somewhere more affordable.

Your Paycheck Goes Much Further in Some States

Your cost of living – what you spend on housing, groceries, utilities, and the rest of daily life – varies a lot from one state to the next. In some, according to data from Extra Space, it runs far enough below the national average to change what you can afford (see map below):

Take Mississippi, for example, where the cost of living sits about 17% below average, or West Virginia at roughly 15% below. When day-to-day life costs less, you can put more of your income toward your goals, homeownership included. Relocate Right describes it this way:

“Remote work has fundamentally changed the calculus of where to live. When your employer is in San Francisco, but you can work from anywhere, the question is no longer ‘where are the jobs’ but ‘where does my salary go furthest and what kind of life can I build.'”

For a first-time buyer, working remotely could be a chance to put down roots and finally buy. Because with that kind of flexibility, you get to choose where to live and which places work best for your life and goals.

What To Weigh Before You Go

A lower cost of living is a great start. But it’s also important to consider the things a budget spreadsheet won’t show you, because a place can look like a great fit on paper and still not feel like home.

Is the internet fast and steady enough to do your job without interruptions?
Will it be easy to make friends and settle into a routine once you arrive?
Does it have the amenities you want, like public transportation or decent takeout?

This is where a local real estate agent comes in. They can help you weigh a big move against a nearby one, because every state has more affordable pockets. Sometimes they’re closer than you think.

An agent will know which neighborhoods fit your budget and have the features you’re after, whether that’s walkability, good restaurants, parks, or a nearby farmer’s market.

Bottom Line

With remote work, where you live can be your decision instead of your employer’s. And that puts more affordable places within reach.

Want to explore where that could take you? Connect with a local real estate agent to see what’s possible.

Why Buyers Shouldn’t Overlook a Fall Move

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Sep 3, 2026

You’ve been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates, only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor.

Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October.”

And that’s exactly why, if you’ve been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are.

1. There Are More Homes To Choose From

One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that.

Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November than during any other season of the year (see graph below):

Why does this happen? Homes that hit the market in spring and summer don’t all close right away. Some sit. New listings keep coming. And inventory builds as the year goes on.

By fall, you’re looking at the largest pool of available homes all year. That makes it easier to find one that works for your needs and your budget. And if anything, this should be more true this year. Rates that are higher for longer tend to help inventory grow even more.

More choices can mean fewer compromises. You’re more likely to find the right home, not just the one that happens to be available.

2. Asking Prices Start To Drop

Having more choices is great. But if every home is still priced too high, that only gets you so far. That’s where fall’s second advantage kicks in: asking prices start their seasonal decline.

HousingWire data shows this trend over time (see graph below):

It works like this. Spring and early summer are when sellers feel the most confident because that’s when demand is typically strongest. So, many homeowners price their homes higher during those periods because of the uptick in demand.

But every year, like clockwork, that dynamic starts to change by fall. Buyer activity slows down as the weather cools off. So, sellers have to price a bit lower to try to draw buyers in. And that’s good for your bottom line.

3. More Sellers Are Willing To Negotiate

But fall doesn’t just bring more choices and lower asking prices. It also brings more sellers who are increasingly motivated to get a deal done.

You can see it in the data. Most years, fall is when price cuts peak according to Realtor.com data (see graph below):

While it’s not a big difference from summer, this fall you’ll have more negotiation power than you’d have if you wait until the first half of 2027. Here’s why.

If a home is on the market in the fall, many sellers are eager to get it sold before the holidays. And since there are usually fewer buyers active in the fall, that often leads to another opportunity to snag a better deal. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Less competition can lead to better deals. While homes are not selling as fast as during the summer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate.”

Even a small seller compromise here can make a meaningful difference for you.

As an example, a 5% price drop on a $500,000 home is $25,000. That could mean you end up borrowing less, keeping more money in savings, having room in the budget for updates after you move in, or simply making the monthly payment feel more manageable.

Bottom Line

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here’s what doesn’t change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Have a quick conversation with a local agent about what’s happening in your market. That way you can find out whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.