Author: kathystockley-com

Navigating today’s real estate market isn’t for the faint of heart, especially with monthly payments for the typical US homebuyer reaching $2,600 by late Q3—a 14-month high. Mortgage rates have climbed, and median sale prices remain firm, with the national median home-sale price up about 2% from last year to roughly $399,000. This combination is putting extra pressure on affordability and has helped keep pending sales flat compared to the previous month and lower than last year.

As someone who’s guided buyers and sellers through many market ups and downs in Oxford, Lapeer, and the surrounding Michigan communities, I’ve seen firsthand how the right pricing strategy makes all the difference. In fact, around 21% of active listings nationwide recently cut prices, and sharper pricing has helped attract more attention from buyers—while overpricing tends to create hesitation. Even as new listings dipped a bit around the holidays, inventory has actually improved, with active supply up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes and nearly four months of supply available. While that’s still below what we’d call a balanced market, it’s a positive step for both buyers and sellers.

Keeping clients informed and prepared is always my priority—especially in times like these where every detail counts.

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.

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.

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.

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.