Uncategorized September 24, 2025

Why Buyers and Sellers Face Very Different Conditions Today

Why Buyers and Sellers Face Very Different Conditions Today

Why Buyers and Sellers Face Very Different Conditions Today

There’s a new divide in housing right now. In some states, buyers are gaining ground. In others, sellers still have the upper hand. It all depends on where you live. Curious what’s happening in your state?

These 3 maps show how the split is playing out across the country. In each one:

  • Darker Shades of Blue = Buyer friendly
  • Lighter Shades of Blue = Seller strong

Inventory Sets the Stage

While the number of homes for sale has improved pretty much across the board, how much growth we’ve seen can look dramatically different based on where you live. And that impacts who has the leverage today.

This map uses data from Realtor.com to break it down:

  • The darker shades of blue show where inventory has risen more than in other areas of the country. Buyers here have more to choose from and should have an easier time finding a home and leveraging their negotiating power.
  • The lighter shades of blue are where inventory is still low. Sellers are more likely to sell quickly and make fewer concessions.

Prices Follow Inventory

The second map tracks how home prices are shifting by state. Just like above, you can see the divide taking shape. Many of the same areas are darker blue. That’s because there’s such a close tie between inventory and prices. When inventory rises, prices moderate.

  • The darker shades of blue are where prices are actually coming down slightly or flattening. Because, with more homes for sale, sellers may have to cut their price or throw in concessions to get a deal done. And that benefits budget-conscious buyers.
  • The lighter shades of blue show areas where prices are still climbing because inventory is low. Sellers may still see buyers competing for homes, and that pushes prices higher.

Time on Market Tells the Same Story

Finally, here’s how quickly homes are selling state by state. See the colors? For the most part, they follow the same general pattern with a lot of the darker blues being in the lower half of the country. And here’s why.

Generally speaking, as inventory grows, homes don’t sell as quickly. That’s why some of the same areas that have more inventory, see homes take more time to sell.

  • The darker blues show where homes are staying on the market longer. That gives buyers more time and options, and signals sellers may need to adjust their expectations.
  • The lighter blues are where homes are still moving quickly. Sellers there may feel more confident, and buyers may need to act fast.

a map of the united statesThis explains why some sellers in these darker blue states are feeling frustrated when their listings linger, while others in tighter markets (like the lighter blue states) are still seeing their homes sell quickly.

Why an Agent’s Local Expertise Is the Key To Unlocking Today’s Market

Basically, the housing market is experiencing a divide. And conditions are going to vary a lot based on where you live, where you’re moving, and if you’re buying or selling. While the state-level information helps, what really matters is what’s happening in your town and your neighborhood. And only a local agent truly has the information you need.

Bottom Line

Want to know what conditions look like in your neighborhood?

If you want to understand which side of the market you’re on, connect with a local agent. They’ll walk you through the numbers and what they mean for your next move.

Uncategorized September 18, 2025

Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth?

Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth?

Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth?

Want to know something important you probably don’t have a professional check for you nearly as often as you should? Spoiler alert: it’s the value of your home.

Because here’s the reality. Your house is likely the biggest financial asset you have. And if you’ve lived in it for a few years or more, chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background – even if you haven’t been keeping tabs on it.

You might be surprised by just how much it’s grown, even as the market has shifted over the past few months.

What Is Home Equity?

That hidden wealth in your home is called equity. It’s the difference between what your house is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. Your equity grows over time as home values rise and as you make your monthly payments. Here’s an example to help you really understand how the math works.

Let’s say your house is now worth $500,000, and you have $200,000 left to pay off on your loan. That means you have $300,000 in equity. And that’s right in line with what the typical homeowner has right now.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $302,000 in equity.

Why You Probably Have More Than You Think

Here are the two main reasons homeowners like you have near record amounts of equity right now:

1. Significant Home Price Growth. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home prices have jumped by nearly 54% nationwide over the last five years (see map below):

a map of the united statesThis means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it, thanks to how much prices have climbed over time. And if you’re worried because you’ve heard prices are flattening or even coming down in some markets, just know if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or more) you very likely have enough equity to sell and still come out ahead.

2. People Are Living in Their Homes Longer. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shows the average homeowner stays in their home for about 10 years now (see graph below):

a graph of numbers and a number of yearsThat’s longer than it used to be. And over that decade? You’ve built equity just by making your mortgage payments and riding the wave of rising home values. Because the financial side of homeownership is about playing the long game, not worrying about little ups and downs in the market here and there. And over time, that means you’re winning.

So, if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for a bit, here’s how much the behind-the-scenes price growth has helped you out. According to NAR:

“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”

What Could You Actually Do with That Equity?

Your equity isn’t just a number. It’s a tool you can use to unlock your next big move. Depending on your goals, you could:

  • Use it to help buy your next home. Your equity could help you cover the down payment on your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house in all cash.
  • Renovate your current house to better suit your life now. And, if you’re strategic about your projects, they could add even more value to your home if you do sell later on.
  • Start the business you’ve always dreamed of. Your equity could be exactly what you need for startup costs, equipment, software, or marketing. And that could help increase your earning potential, so you’re getting yet another financial boost.

Bottom Line

Chances are, your house is worth quite a bit right now. If you’re curious about the value of your home, connect with a local agent to run the numbers. That way, you’ll know what you’re working with and where you can go from here.

Uncategorized September 15, 2025

Mastering Your Minutes, Mastering Your Momentum

In real estate, it’s easy to feel like time is always slipping away. Between clients, calls, contracts, and closings, the hours can blur together until you’re left wondering where the day went.

But here’s the thing: beating yourself up over “lost time” doesn’t serve you. We’ve all had days (sometimes longer than that) that got away from us -that’s part of being human. What matters isn’t what you didn’t do yesterday, but what you choose to do today.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.” But here’s the flip side: the time you do have can always be readjusted, reengineered, and reclaimed.

This week, instead of carrying guilt about where your hours went, give yourself permission to reset. Protect your time, use it with intention, and focus on small shifts that make a big difference:

  • Block one hour a day for lead generation, and treat it like your most important appointment.

  • Batch tasks so you stay focused instead of scattered.

  • Add buffer time so you can breathe between appointments.

Your time is your power. Manage it with kindness, not criticism – and you’ll not only grow your business, you’ll also create a life worth smiling about.

– Your POWER AGENT® Team

Uncategorized September 15, 2025

What a Fed Rate Cut Could Mean for Mortgage Rates

What a Fed Rate Cut Could Mean for Mortgage Rates

What a Fed Rate Cut Could Mean for Mortgage Rates

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) meets this week, and expectations are high that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate. But does that mean mortgage rates will drop? Let’s clear up the confusion.

The Fed Doesn’t Directly Set Mortgage Rates

Right now, all eyes are on the Fed. Most economists expect they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their mid-September meeting to try to head off a potential recession.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are already betting on it. There’s virtually a 100% chance of a September cut. And based on what we know now, there’s about a 92% chance it’ll be a small cut (25 basis points) and an 8% chance it will be a bigger cut (50 basis points):

a graph of a graph of a company

So, what exactly is the Federal Funds Rate? It’s the short-term interest rate banks charge each other. It impacts borrowing costs across the economy, but it’s not the same thing as mortgage rates. Still, the Fed’s actions can shape the direction mortgage rates take next.

Why Markets Already Saw This Cut Coming

Here’s the part that may surprise you. Mortgage rates tend to respond to what the financial markets think the Fed will do, before the Fed officially acts. Basically, when markets anticipate a Fed cut, that outlook gets priced into mortgage rates ahead of time.

That’s exactly what happened after weaker-than-expected jobs reports on August 1 and September 5. Each time, mortgage rates ticked down as financial markets grew more confident a cut was coming soon. And even though inflation rose slightly in the latest CPI report, the Fed is still expected to make a cut.

So, if the Fed goes with a 25-basis point cut, as expected, that’s likely already baked in to current mortgage rates, and we may not see a dramatic drop.

But if they go bigger and drop their Federal Funds Rate by 50 basis points instead, mortgage rates could come down more than they already have.

So, Where Do Mortgage Rates Go from Here?

While the upcoming cut may not move the needle much, many experts expect the Fed could cut the Federal Funds Rate more than once before the end of the year. Of course, that’s if the economy continues to cool (see graph below):

a graph of cut cutsAs Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First Americanexplains:

“For mortgage rates, investor confidence in a forthcoming rate-cutting cycle could help push borrowing costs lower in the back half of 2025, offering some relief to housing affordability and potentially helping to boost buyer demand and overall market activity.”

If multiple rate cuts happen, or even if markets just believe they will, mortgage rates could ease further in the months ahead. But here’s the catch – all of this depends on how the economy evolves. Surprise inflation data or unexpected shifts could quickly change the outlook.

Bottom Line

Mortgage rates likely won’t drop sharply overnight, and they won’t mirror the Fed’s moves one-for-one. But if the Fed begins a rate-cutting cycle, and markets continue to expect it, mortgage rates could trend lower later this year and into 2026.

If you’ve been waiting and watching the housing market, now’s the time to talk strategy. Even small changes in rates can make a meaningful difference in affordability, and understanding what’s ahead helps you make the best decision for your situation.

Uncategorized September 12, 2025

History Shows the Housing Market Always Recovers

 

Uncategorized September 11, 2025

Patience Won’t Sell Your House. Pricing Will.

Waiting for the perfect buyer to fall in love with your house? In today’s market, that’s usually not what’s holding things up. And here’s why.

Let’s be real. Homes are taking a week longer to sell than they did a year ago. According to Realtor.com:

“Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical home spent 60 days on the market in August, seven days longer than last year and now above pre-pandemic norms for the second consecutive month. This was the 17th straight month of year-over-year increases in time on market.”

Part of that is because there are more homes on the market. So, with more options for buyers to choose from, they aren’t getting snatched up quite as fast. But there’s another big reason: price.

The Average List Price Isn’t Going Up – and That Matters

Today, a lot of homeowners are overshooting their list price. They remember the big climb in home prices a few years ago, and they don’t realize how much has changed.

One of the most important, but often overlooked, changes in today’s housing market is this: average list prices have held steady for the past few years.

That’s a big shift from a typical market, where prices were rising steadily each year. And it’s significantly different than the 2021-2022 surge when sellers could set their price just about anywhere and still attract multiple offers over asking.

But now? That trend has leveled off – and sellers who want to stay competitive need to take note (see graph below):

a graph of a priceHere’s what this says about today’s market. Buyers are a lot more price sensitive now. And sellers can’t keep trying to inch the bar higher, or their house will sit without any offers.

Homeowners who expect to bring in more than their neighbors did last year may be setting themselves up for a longer, more frustrating experience.

And while homeowners are starting to realize prices can’t keep climbing at such a rapid pace, the hiccup is that list prices aren’t actually coming down yet as a result. They’re hanging around, holding steady. And sellers who make this mistake are often holding onto hope that they’ll be able to eek a few more dollars out of their sale. But that’s the problem right there.

If you want to sell today, you need to be in line with where the market is today. Not last year. Not during the pandemic. Today.

Because buyers will skip over homes that feel overpriced, even if it’s only by a little. It’s not that they aren’t interested. It’s just that in a market with more homes to choose from, buyers can be more selective, and sellers don’t get the same benefit of the doubt. If your house isn’t priced to sell, buyers just move on. They’ve got other options anyway.

4 Signs Your Price May Be Too High

You may already be feeling this yourself. If your home is listed and you’re not seeing results, watch for these common red flags noted by Bankrate:

  1. You’re not getting many showings
  2. You haven’t gotten any offers (or you’ve only gotten lowball offers)
  3. Buyers that do come to see your house leave overly negative feedback
  4. Your house has been sitting on the market longer than the average for your area

If any of these sound familiar, know that waiting it out won’t fix it. But adjusting your price will.

So, What’s the Solution?

Work with your agent to make sure your house is positioned for today’s market. Depending on your what’s happening in your local area, a few weeks without traction can raise questions for buyers about whether your price is realistic. And don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be a big drop. Even a small adjustment can be enough to bring the right buyers through the door.

And if you’re worried you won’t get the high-ticket sale price you thought you would be able to land, keep in mind that your equity has probably grown quite a bit. Chances are, you’re still ahead of the game simply because you invested in a home over the last 5, 10, or more years. You’re still winning when you sell today.

Bottom Line

Patience isn’t a strategy. Pricing is.

If your home isn’t moving, the market is telling you something – and the right price can change everything. Your house will sell, if you price it strategically.

Talk to your agent about what buyers are willing to pay right now to make sure your home stands out for all the right reasons.

Uncategorized September 10, 2025

Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year

Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year

Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year

You’ve been waiting for what feels like forever for mortgage rates to finally budge. And last week, they did – in a big way.

On Friday, September 5th, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to the lowest level since October 2024. It was the biggest one-day decline in over a year.

What Sparked the Drop?

According to Mortgage News Daily, this was a reaction to the August jobs report, which came out weaker-than-expected for a second month in a row. That sent signals across the financial markets, and then mortgage rates came down as a result.

Basically, we’re seeing signs the economy may be slowing down, and as certainty grows in the direction the economy is going, the markets are reacting to what is likely ahead. That historically brings mortgage rates down.

Why Buyers Should Pay Attention Now

But this isn’t just about one day of headlines or one report. It’s about what the drop means for you.

This recent change saves you money when you buy a home. The chart below shows you an example of what a monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest) would be at 7% (where mortgage rates were in May) versus where rates roughly are now:

Compared to just 4 months ago, your future monthly payment would be almost $200 less per month. That’s close to $2,400 a year in savings.

How Long Will It Last?

That really depends on where the economy and inflation go from here. Rates could drop lower, or they could inch up slightly.

So, make sure you’re connected with a good agent and trusted lender. They’ll keep a close eye on inflation indicators, job market updates, and reactions to upcoming Fed policy to gauge where mortgage rates may go from here.

But for now, focus on this. While no one can say for sure where rates are headed, the fact that rates broke out of their months-long rut is a good thing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this could make the start of a new chapter. As Diana Olick, Senior Real Estate and Climate Correspondent at CNBC, says:

“Rates are finally breaking out of the high 6% range, where they’ve been stuck for months.” 

And that’s gives you more reason to hope than you’ve had in quite some time.

Bottom Line

This is the shift you’ve been waiting for.

Mortgage rates just saw their biggest decline in over a year. And if rates stay near this level, it could make a home you couldn’t afford just a few months ago feel possible again.

What would today’s rates save you on your future monthly payment? Connect with an agent or lender so you can find out.

Uncategorized September 9, 2025

7 Strategies for Real Estate Agents to Master Adaptability

7 Strategies for Real Estate Agents to Master Adaptability

Change seems to come at us from every direction with no sign of slowing, and learning to be adaptable is the best way through it. 

 

Being a real estate agent is a demanding and challenging job. Not only do you have to keep up with the ever-changing market trends and regulations, but you also have to be able to hang on in what can, at times, seriously feel like a roller coaster ride. In recent training sessions, we could FEEL it and hear it in the comments, agents are discouraged and ready to throw in the towel and look for a different career. We get it. This particular brand of change is a rough road, but we want you to know to your core how valuable you are, as is the role you serve in your communities. YOU ARE ESSENTIAL. 

Right now, you’ve got to lean into your resilience and adaptability. That means you need to develop the skills to adjust to change quickly and bounce back from setbacks. 

1. Remain Calm in the Face of Challenges 

Staying calm and level-headed in the face of challenges is essential to being adaptable and resilient. Real estate transactions can be emotional and stressful, and clients may have high expectations. Changes in the industry itself are undoubtedly stressful, but you can’t let that pressure affect your attitude or behavior. Instead, focus on finding solutions, working on the problem, and staying committed to your goals. When you remain calm, you’ll be better equipped to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks. 

2. Keep an Open Mind and Be Ready to Grow 

You’ve probably heard this concept before, but it’s worth emphasizing again. A growth mindset means you believe that your abilities can be developed over time through hard work and dedication. When you can keep an open mind and be ready for trials in which to grow, you’re more likely to take on challenges and will see failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Real estate agents who keep an open mind will be better equipped to adapt to changes in the market and succeed in the long term. 

3. Build a Support System 

Resilient agents don’t go it alone. They surround themselves with people who are positive, supportive, and understanding. This can include family members, friends, colleagues, mentors, or coaches. Having a support system or a real estate community can help you weather the storms of the real estate industry, no matter what changes come to you, and it can also provide much-needed feedback and perspective when you’re facing challenges. 

4. Practice Self-Care (Seriously!) 

You work long hours and face constant stress. (We know, we see you!) That’s why it’s important to take care of your own well-being. That means different things to different people, but it might include regular exercise, healthy eating, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. When you prioritize self-care, you’ll have more energy and enthusiasm to tackle the challenges of the real estate industry.  

The problem is that this important part of building resilience is often the first to go when the going gets tough. Whether you feel guilty about taking time for yourself or you fill your schedule to the brim, burnout hits hard and can have long-term consequences. Be kind to yourself, and make sure that you do things that make your heart smile.  

5. Risk Management and Contingency Planning 

Being prepared for whatever comes your way is a cornerstone of success in real estate. This means not only anticipating potential challenges but also having solid contingency plans in place. It’s like having a safety net to catch you if things don’t go as planned. One crucial aspect of this is maintaining healthy financial reserves. This ensures you have the flexibility to weather any storms that might come your way. Whether it’s a slow market period, unexpected expenses, or a shift in client needs, having a financial cushion provides peace of mind and stability. 

6. Learn from Failure 

Failure is a natural part of any business, including real estate. However, the most successful agents are those who use failure as a learning opportunity. When something doesn’t go as planned, take the time to reflect and identify what went wrong. Then, figure out what you can do differently the next time around. This mindset will help you become more resilient and more likely to succeed in the future. 

7. Continuous Learning and Skills Building 

Resilient real estate agents are always looking for ways to learn and improve. This could mean attending industry conferences, taking online courses, reading books, or seeking out the advice of mentors or coaches. Being able to anticipate changes in zoning laws, building codes, or other regulatory shifts can have a significant impact on your transactions, and learning what to look for is key. The more you can invest in your own growth and development, the more adaptable and resilient you’ll be in the long run. 

The Takeaway 

Being a successful agent requires more than just knowledge and experience. It requires adaptability and resilience. By keeping an open mind, building a support system, practicing self-care, embracing technology, and continuously learning and improving, you’ll be well-positioned to overcome challenges and thrive in this ever-changing industry. Remember, being adaptable and resilient will not only help you succeed in your career, but it will also benefit your personal life by helping you handle any challenges that come your way. 

Uncategorized September 9, 2025

7 Strategies to Stop Buyer’s Agent Burnout Before It Starts

7 Strategies to Stop Buyer’s Agent Burnout Before It Starts

Beat burnout before it beats you – 7 smart strategies to protect your energy, serve buyers better, and stay passionate about real estate. 

Working as a buyer’s agent can feel like you’re sprinting a marathon that never ends. We know how it goes: You’re fielding texts late at night, juggling back-to-back showings, and navigating buyer indecision. That constant demand can take a toll. But burnout isn’t just part of the job—it’s a big flashing neon sign that something needs to change. The smartest agents don’t just push harder, they adjust how they work. They take a good hard look at their processes and look for ways to ease the strain. 

We have seven strategies to help you stay productive, profitable, and passionate about your business. 

One: Protect Your Time With Boundaries

You’re not a one-person 24/7 hotline. Let clients know your office hours right from the start and stick to them. Example: “I take calls Monday–Friday until 6 PM, and Saturdays by appointment. Sundays are family time.” Enforcing this teaches clients to respect your time and prevents exhaustion. 

Two: Qualify Buyers From Day One

Before booking a showing, consider hosting a “meet and greet” at your office to ask key questions, such as: “Have you spoken with a lender?” “What’s your budget?” “What’s your buying timeline?” Sorting buyers into the three readiness phases—Discovery, Identifying, Commitment—helps you focus energy on clients who are motivated and capable of making decisions. 

Three: Harness Technology to Streamline

Automation can be your best friend. Scheduling apps like Calendly, virtual tours, and digital signatures cut down on wasted time. The more you automate repetitive tasks, the more you can focus on building relationships and negotiating offers. 

Four: Schedule Recovery Time

You can’t run on fumes. Fiercely protect one full day off every week so you can get out and do whatever recharges your batteries. Whether it’s hiking, binge-reading, or family dinners, downtime fuels patience and creativity when you’re back on the job. 

Five: Learn the Power of “No”

Some buyers will drain your energy with unrealistic expectations or indecision. If the relationship isn’t working, don’t be afraid to say, “I may not be the best fit to help you, but I can refer you.” Freeing yourself from the wrong clients creates space for the right ones. 

Six: Create Buyer Education Systems (new)

Much of buyer stress (and your burnout) comes from clients not knowing what to expect. Create a short “Welcome Kit” or email series that explains the process, timelines, common roadblocks, and the most frequently asked questions (with answers!). An educated buyer makes faster, better decisions—and saves you hours of repeated explanations. 

Seven: Partner, Don’t Shoulder It All Alone (new)

You don’t need to handle every showing yourself. Lean on team members, showing assistants, or even vendor partners to cover parts of the process. Sharing the load not only reduces burnout but also shows clients you run a professional operation with built-in support and have a strong network of partners. 

Before you go…  

Avoiding burnout isn’t about doing less, it’s about being intentional in all the things you do—setting boundaries, focusing on qualified buyers, streamlining with tech, building education systems, and leaning on others. The more you protect your energy, the more you’ll enjoy your business—and the longer you’ll thrive in it. 

Uncategorized August 29, 2025

What Smart Agents Are Doing Between Closings (That Most Ignore)

You don’t need more closings to grow your income.

In fact, some of the smartest agents in our community are using their existing database to create new income streams—without adding hours to their week or changing brokerages.

In one of our recent Icon Coaching webinars, we introduced a powerful idea: What if you could serve your clients beyond the transaction—and get paid for it?
💡 Think Beyond the Deal
Most agents close a deal, hand over the keys, and move on. But what if that client still needed you?
✅ They might need help protecting their mortgage
✅ They might be thinking about estate planning
✅ They might know someone else about to buy
You’ve already earned their trust—now, you can offer more value and get compensated for it.
💼 What This Looks Like in Practice
A handful of agents in our community are partnering with financial solution providers to:
  • Help past clients with mortgage protection or financial literacy
  • Reconnect with their database using real value, not just market updates

  • Get paid for helping families make smart, secure decisions

It’s not about selling products. It’s about staying relevant and adding meaningful support to the lives of people you’ve already served.
🔁 You Don’t Need a New Business—You Need a Smarter One
This isn’t a career change. It’s a form of leverage.
Think of it like this:
  • You already built the relationship
  • You already earned their trust

  • Now you can keep adding value and earn recurring income

We call this: “getting paid between paychecks.”
 
🎯 The Perspective
We’re not here to push one income stream over another. We’re here to show you what’s working—and help you design a business that doesn’t just survive, but scales.
So if you’re thinking,
“I don’t want more clients. I just want more control.”
This is the kind of leverage worth looking into.