Blog

– Inventory rose for the 26th straight month (+12.1% YoY), but growth continues to decelerate, with active listings falling seasonally in December (-8.9% MoM) and remaining well below pre-pandemic norms nationally. – Demand stayed soft as buyer activity cooled and prices eased, with homes taking 4 days longer to sell than a year ago, andRead …

December 2025 Housing Market Trends: Inventory Rises, Demand Softens, and “Benchmarkets” Reveal Regional Divides Read More »

What happened to mortgage rates this week It’s a new year, but the Freddie Mac 30-year fixed mortgage rate is little changed from its 2025 low, reached in the last week of the year. The typical rate edged up 1 basis point to 6.16% marking its lowest first-week of the year reading since 2022. TheRead …

Mortgage Rates Edge Up to 6.16%, but Mark Lowest Start to Year Since 2022 Read More »

In case you’re wondering: Wallpaper isn’t going anywhere in 2026. Certain styles may be waning in popularity (think “gray geometrics and one-wall accent florals” according to Austin-based interior designer Stephanie Brown), while others, including textured neutrals, expressionist murals, and wallpaper drenching—like color drenching but for wallpaper—are on the rise. But the real question is notRead …

Is Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Actually Better? Read More »

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly integrated into the tools agents already use, often behind the scenes. Many CRMs, email platforms, marketing tools, and transaction systems now include AI features designed to automate small tasks or surface helpful insights more quickly. For many agents, this shift creates a mix of curiosity, excitement, and healthy skepticism.Read …

AI in real estate: What agents need to know now in 2026 Read More »

Thinking about buying a home, but not sure how to afford it? Welcome to the Down Payment Diaries, where real people spill about how they saved and splurged on their path to homeownership. If you’d like to submit your own Down Payment Diary, please fill out the form here. Today, a married couple in theirRead …

I’m 32 and Bought Half as Much House as I Could Afford in Orlando Read More »

It’s the cozy season, and few things rival the charm of a crackling wood fire. But for a growing number of homeowners, fireplace inserts—which offer greater energy efficiency, cost savings, and convenience—are winning out over traditional hearths. If you’re considering making the switch, here’s what you should know, according to experts. Meet the experts: JoyRead …

Fireplace Inserts Are More Efficient-But Are They Worth It? 2 Realtors, a Home Stager, and a Cleaning Professional Weigh In Read More »