If you spend enough time online, you'd probably think home prices are crashing or they’re about too. But the data tells a different story. According to Realtor.com, home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country. That's the majority of markets. Yes, some areas are seeing slight price declines. But they're the exception, not the rule. That's why it's important to be careful about where you're getting your housing market information. The internet loves dramatic headlines. The data usually tells a more complete story. Want to know what's actually happening with home prices in our area? Send over a message. #HomePrices #NotACrash #KeepingCurrentMatters ...

 


A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.
No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.
If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller's terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again.
That's why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this:
The goal isn't to “win” every negotiation.
Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer's closing costs.
Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale.
What Are Buyer Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples:


Loan origination fees


Appraisal and inspection costs


Title and attorn ...

 


A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down." 
While waiting sounds like a good plan, there's something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. 
Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading.
Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage
One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options. Maybe you’ve run into that yourself:


You find a house you like, but it's out of your budget.


You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it. ...

 

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news. 
Asking prices have started to come down.
The typical seller listed their house for a median of $429,500 in May. That’s 2.4% lower than a year ago, according to Realtor.com. On its own, that won't transform what you can afford, but in today’s market every little bit helps and it signals a broader shift taking place.
Buyers Are Finally Catching a Break
Check out this data from Realtor.com and you can see this is the first May in years where buyers have caught any sort of break price-wise.
Each May from 2022-2025, things held pretty steady. But this year? You can see that more noticeable shift in your favor (see graph below):

While the dip from $440,000 to $429,500 isn’t a big one, it gives you more breathing room. And that’s not a small thing when affordability has been this tough.
Now, lower asking price ...

 
Moving this Summer? Whether you're buying or selling, you probably have questions. My new Summer Buyer & Seller Guides have the answers. Inside, you'll find out what higher inventory means for you, what’s going on with affordability right now, what strategies for buying or selling are actually working this season, and more. Stop guessing and start moving forward with confidence. DM or drop a comment with "BUYER" or "SELLER" below to get your free digital copy. #RealEstateTips #HousingMarketUpdate #KeepingCurrentMatters ...