Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about where U.S. interest rates are headed, especially with persistent inflation and those higher long-term Treasury yields. The Federal Reserve is walking a tightrope—trying to manage inflation while also keeping an eye on signs that the economy might be cooling off a bit. What does this mean for us here in Michigan? Higher long-term rates could mean higher borrowing costs for everyone, from homebuyers to business owners, and it has a ripple effect on both residential and commercial real estate. I’ve seen firsthand how interest rate shifts can impact everything from monthly payments to the pace of a transaction. As market uncertainty continues, many investors and clients are taking a more balanced approach, weighing their options carefully. Over my 35 years helping buyers and sellers in Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion, I’ve learned that staying informed and flexible is key. I’ll continue to keep you updated on these trends so you can make the best decisions for your next move.
Blog
-
U.S. Home Prices Ease Across Major Metros
We’re seeing a noticeable cooling in the housing market across many major metro areas this Mid-Q3—price per square foot has dropped year-over-year in 36 out of the 50 largest U.S. cities. Nationally, that’s about a 2% dip in price per square foot compared to last year, and it’s now the tenth month in a row we’ve seen this kind of yearly softening. The shift is encouraging some sellers to make more substantial price adjustments to meet buyers where they are—especially with higher mortgage rates affecting affordability, particularly in markets that saw big jumps during the pandemic. Inventory levels are sitting above pre-pandemic norms, which is helping bring prices back toward balance, with some of those rapid-growth areas giving back a portion of their recent gains. Whether you’re buying or selling, staying updated and having clear guidance makes all the difference in navigating these changes—something I strive to provide every step of the way for my clients in Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion, and beyond.
-
Single-Family Home Size Drops Slightly in Q2 2026
I've been keeping an eye on new single-family home trends and wanted to share an update that might interest those looking around Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion and nearby communities. After several years of decreasing new home sizes since 2015, the past couple of years have brought a shift. Since 2024, we've seen a gradual increase again, mainly due to demand in the higher-end segment. The median size for new single-family homes is now around 2,185 square feet, with the average at about 2,426 square feet—even as affordability continues to be a challenge for many buyers. With over 35 years of experience helping buyers and sellers navigate these changing trends, I know how important it is to stay informed so you can make the best decision for your next move. As always, I'm here to keep you updated and help make your real estate journey as smooth as possible.
Continue to full article -
Fannie Mae predicts where home prices are headed next
Fannie Mae's latest forecast offers some important insights for those planning their next move in real estate. They anticipate mortgage rates will remain elevated through 2027, and by 2030, home prices are expected to rise approximately 14.7%, reaching around $576,000. While there’s always chatter about potential downturns, a major housing crash isn’t on the horizon. For buyers in our Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion markets—and beyond—this means focusing on affordability and being prepared to negotiate, especially when the market shifts in your favor. With over 35 years guiding clients through changing markets, I know that keeping up-to-date and staying flexible can make all the difference in finding the right home or securing the best sale.
Continue to full article -
US Housing Market in September: Key Trends to Watch
September brought some notable shifts in the US housing market, with 12.6% fewer homes being delisted and a significant 20.4% of price cuts—numbers now matching what’s projected for 2025. Inventory rose in the Midwest and Northeast by 10.5% and 9.1% respectively. With mortgage rates sitting at 6.67%, it’s understandable that buyer demand may cool even further. As someone who’s helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate changing markets throughout Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion, I know how important it is to stay informed and prepared. These trends are especially relevant for anyone considering a move or a sale—timing and strategy matter more than ever. My clients know I’m always focused on keeping their experience smooth and positive, even as the market evolves.
Continue to full article -
Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
In today’s market, we’re seeing a real standstill between buyers and sellers. With higher mortgage rates, many buyers are finding it difficult to justify monthly payments, so they’re hitting pause on their home search. At the same time, pending sales are slowing down—meaning fewer folks are moving from browsing to actually signing contracts. On the flip side, many homeowners who locked in lower mortgage rates in years past aren’t eager to part with those favorable terms, which is keeping new listings scarce. The end result? A rare housing stalemate: buyers are hoping for more manageable payments, while sellers are reluctant to give up their great rates. After more than 35 years helping people navigate buying and selling throughout Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion, and neighboring communities, I know how challenging this kind of market can feel. My goal remains the same—making your real estate experience as smooth and informed as possible, no matter the climate.
-
US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
With over 35 years of guiding clients through every shift in the market, I always keep an eye on the true story behind the headlines. While US home prices continued to climb in Q2 2026, one key federal index actually stayed flat from mid- to late-quarter after adjustments for seasonality. Nationally, yearly home value appreciation edged up to around 1.5% in late Q2, a touch higher than the previous quarter’s 1%, but still about 2 points below the current inflation rate of 3.5%. That means, even as nominal prices have shown resilience—one federal measure has delivered positive annual gains every quarter since early 2012—real home values have now slipped for a thirteenth consecutive month. Softer inflation and stronger price growth have slowed this trend, but affordability remains front and center, especially for first-time buyers facing rising monthly payments on existing single-family homes. Navigating these nuances is something I’ve helped hundreds of buyers and sellers manage through the years, always aiming to keep your experience as smooth and informed as possible.
-
Housing market peaks in 2026 as sales surge but pending listings fall
July brought a 7% increase in completed home sales, thanks to contracts locked in during June when mortgage rates stood at 6.5%. However, as rates nudged up to 6.69%, both pending sales and new listings took a dip. Inventory has inched up a bit, while home price growth has eased back to 2.1%—the slowest pace we’ve seen in the past ten years. As someone who’s guided buyers and sellers through countless market cycles across Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion, I know these shifts can feel overwhelming. My goal is always to keep you informed and prepared at every step, ensuring your real estate journey is as smooth as possible, whatever the market brings.
Continue to full article -
Understand Key Factors Driving the Real Estate Market
Having spent over 35 years helping buyers and sellers throughout the Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion, and surrounding Michigan communities, I’ve seen firsthand just how much factors like demographics, interest rates, economic cycles, and government policies can shape our local real estate market. These elements influence everything from property demand and values to the cost of mortgages and the returns on real estate investments. Understanding how these forces interact is essential for anyone considering a move or investment—it's the kind of insight I strive to provide to my clients so they can move forward with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or planning to sell, staying informed about these trends is key to making smart real estate decisions.
Continue to full article -
America’s Hottest Housing Markets for 2026 Are in the Northeast and Midwest
It’s interesting to see that, looking ahead to 2026, the country’s hottest housing markets are expected to be in the Northeast and Midwest suburbs. These areas are seeing incredibly high demand, with inventory still 60% below pre-pandemic levels. Homes are not only selling above asking price, but buyers are also coming in prepared—with larger down payments and higher credit scores. As someone who’s helped hundreds of families buy and sell in our own Michigan communities like Oxford, Metamora, and Lapeer, I know just how much preparation and local insight matter in a competitive market. It’s a reminder that even in fast-changing conditions, having an experienced advocate by your side can make all the difference in navigating your move successfully.
Continue to full article