Category: Latest Posts

  • Oxford Sellers: Home Values Surge 40% in One Year

    Oxford Sellers: Home Values Surge 40% in One Year

    Oxford, MI saw a remarkable 40% jump in median sale price from June to August 2026 compared to last year. This is a major win for sellers, signaling strong buyer demand and rising home values. If you’ve been considering selling, now is a standout moment to capture this momentum.

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  • Sellers: Buyer Demand Is Rising in Lapeer County

    Sellers: Buyer Demand Is Rising in Lapeer County

    August 2026 saw a surge in buyer activity in Lapeer County, MI. Both homes sold and pending sales increased significantly compared to last year. This uptick in demand means more competition among buyers for available homes.

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  • Simplifying Home Buying with Kathy: Your Friendly Guide for First-Time Buyers in Oxford, Michigan

    Simplifying Home Buying with Kathy: Your Friendly Guide for First-Time Buyers in Oxford, Michigan

    Set your budget early to know exactly what you can afford before you start looking for homes.
    List your priorities clearly to help Kathy find homes that match your specific needs and preferences.
    Let Kathy handle the negotiation process, ensuring you get the best deal without the stress.
    Contact Kathy today to begin your smooth home buying journey with expert guidance every step of the way!

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  • Homebuilder Lobbying Pushes Housing Reform

    Banking, homebuilding, and government leaders urged Congress to expand housing reforms, saying the passed federal law missed barriers affecting Americans' ability to buy homes.
    Large housing commitments from lenders and a rental platform highlighted financing interest, even as one banking executive said middle-income buyers were priced out.
    That executive said a middle-income home needed $124K income after ~doubling in 5 yr, while 169 of 390 metros lacked enough supply.
    Industry advocates said federal sourcing rules increase compliance demands, and a trade group estimated fees and related costs added $131K to building a new home.
    Builders said local politics often shape project success, making public-private deals, timing, and cleaner deregulation important tools for developing communities more quickly.

  • US Home Price Gains Continue to Ease

    US home prices ↑~0.3% MoM on a seasonally adjusted basis in Mid-Q3, extending gains while easing slightly from the prior two months.
    Yearly, US prices ↑~4%, the fastest growth pace in 12 mo, showing values kept climbing nationwide even as monthly momentum cooled recently.
    Mid-Q3 brought the strongest buyer's market on record, as elevated housing costs and economic uncertainty kept demand subdued while homes for sale continued rising.
    Even with softer monthly readings, prices were not falling nationally because many homeowners held substantial equity and faced little pressure to accept steep discounts.
    For buyers, slower growth meant room to wait, compare, and negotiate; for sellers, realistic pricing from the start offered a better chance to attract attention.

  • Pending Home Sales Rise 0.3% Nationwide

    Across the US, pending home sales edged ↑<1% MoM in the current month, while contract signings remained ↓~5% yearly, showing modest momentum but softer demand.
    Buyers entering contracts even as mortgage rates increased, but higher borrowing costs offset buying power created by gains and income growth outpacing home prices.
    Pending home sales based on signed purchase contracts for listed homes offer an early read on housing direction before transactions close and sales are recorded.
    A mortgage survey put the current 30-yr fixed rate near 7%, slightly above the mid-6% level seen yearly, even after earlier lows.
    Current cooler seasons typically bring fewer buyers, which can improve negotiating power, while warmer summer periods usually offer more available homes and broader selection.

  • Harvest Festival

    Harvest Festival

    Family Fall Fun: Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin patch, farm and magic shows, animals, nature trails, playground activities, cow milking, food and concessions.
    Plan Your Visit: Join the festival on October 11, 2026, at Upland Hills Farm in Oxford; admission is $13 per person, with children 2 and under free.
    Support Local Life: Bring the family, explore a favorite Oxford-area destination, and discover why community events make living locally so special.
    Ready for a festive day? Share this with your family, save the date, and visit https://www.michigan.org/event/harvest-festival-3 for event details.

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  • Master Budgeting with Kathy in Oxford: Realistic Planning for Smart Home Buying

    Master Budgeting with Kathy in Oxford: Realistic Planning for Smart Home Buying

    Assess your total income and expenses to set a realistic home buying budget without overextending finances.
    Learn about different loan types and local programs to find the best financing suited to your needs.
    Factor in property taxes, insurance, and maintenance to avoid surprises after purchase.
    Contact Kathy for expert guidance and tailored planning to confidently navigate Oxford's market.

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  • Oxford Buyers: Price Per Square Foot Drops, Creating Value

    Oxford Buyers: Price Per Square Foot Drops, Creating Value

    While overall home prices are up, Oxford’s median price per square foot fell 8% year-over-year. This means buyers may find more space for their money, even as the market stays active. It’s a unique window for value-focused buyers.

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  • Homebuyers Stay Engaged Despite Higher Mortgage Rates

    Homebuyers Stay Engaged Despite Higher Mortgage Rates

    We’re seeing a shift in the market: mortgage applications for new homes have dipped by 5.7% compared to last year, and are also down 1% from June. Sales are moving at a 647,000 annual rate, which is a 3% decline. With higher inventory and rising mortgage rates, it’s no surprise that demand has softened and the average loan size has dropped to $374,438. Having guided buyers and sellers through many different market cycles in Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion, and beyond, I know these numbers can feel overwhelming. My goal is always to keep you up-to-date and make your real estate journey as smooth as possible, whether you’re navigating your first purchase or your next move. If you have questions about what these trends might mean for your plans, I’m here as a resource.

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