Next Edge

October STATS

🏡 Market Snapshot

• Market Stats: Prices up slightly YoY and up slightly over last month. Sales down YoY by -1.2%. Sales nationally for 2025 are heading to the lowest level since 1995. Homeowners have plenty of equity but many homeowners are locked into a low interest rate. Prices are stable, affordability is the issue. When rates drop demand will spike and prices will rise again.

• Buyers: If you are a buyer: Be more aggressive with your offer, ask for closing costs, keep your Due Diligence lower, ask for rate buy downs or concession to pay for your buyers agent. Look to New Construction. Builders offer great incentives especially this time of year including rate buy downs! They are also willing to take a “contingency on sale” on your current home.

• Sellers: If you are a seller: Depending on your personal situation it may be best to wait until Q1 of 2026 to sell your home. Homes in top condition, in popular locations will still sell during Q4 but if you can you may net more money waiting until Q1.

Please note: The answer to all real estate questions are “it depends”. Homes, locations, zip codes, subdivisions and most importantly, your goals all play a part in real estate advice. Above is guide to what we are seeing in the overall market.

REAL ESTATE
Buyers - Your time is now but the rate clock is ticking.

Check out the Tweet below on number of sellers compared to the number of buyers. This is the best buyers’ market since the financial crisis of 2008. Unlike the Great Recession, home sellers have plenty of equity in their homes and homes are still selling, just at a slower pace.

When rates drop, this market will turn quickly as so many homeowners are “stuck” in their homes with a low interest rate. That pent-up demand will create a demand for homes like we have never seen and inventory will drop fast, with prices going up quickly. Bidding wars will be the norm again.

All the signals say: buy now! If rates go up more, you win. If rates go down, you win as you can refinance your loan. If you wait and rates drop, you lose…you will pay 10-20% more for the home and will have to outbid the competition to secure your home.

Best bet is buy new construction now and sell your current home later (during the wild frenzy that may happen). A home builder emailed me this week and they dropped prices by $30,000 on $450K-$500K homes to try and move them by the end of the year. I worked with a buyer last month who received 30k in incentives and closing cost assistance and a new build.

The rate clock is ticking - do not miss out! Book time on my calendar below:

DEAL OF THE WEEK
Chatham Park Gem

Welcome to 339 Parkland Drive, a beautifully designed home offering comfort, style, and versatility in the sought-after NoVi Chatham Park community. This Atkinson A floor plan features 2,000 square feet of well-planned living space, including 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a first-floor owner's retreat, a first-floor study, and a spacious 2-car garage. Step inside to a welcoming open-concept layout, where the bright and airy family room seamlessly connects to the dining area and a well-appointed kitchen perfect for entertaining or everyday living. The chef-inspired kitchen boasts modern finishes, ample storage, and a large island to make meal prep a breeze. The first-floor owner's retreat provides a private sanctuary with a spa-like en-suite bathroom and a generous walk-in closet, offering convenience and comfort. A versatile first-floor study adds flexibility, making it an ideal home office, reading nook, or creative space. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms provide plenty of space for family, guests, or a second home office, all with easy access to a stylish full bathroom. Enjoy the convenience and lifestyle of NoVi Chatham Park, where green spaces, community amenities, and nearby shopping and dining enhance your daily life. This stunning home won't last long. Schedule your tour today!

*** Builder offering a permanent interest rate buy down to 4.99% fixed with their preferred lender.***

^{Listing courtesy of Heather Salem with David Weekley Homes, LLC}

TRIVIA
Weekly fun fact!

What is the average 30 year fixed mortgage interest rate over the last 50 years?

REAL ESTATE
How AI is Helping Home Buyers and Sellers Today

The world of real estate is changing fast — and artificial intelligence (AI) is now playing a role in helping buyers and sellers navigate the market more efficiently. While AI might sound like “high-tech stuff” reserved for developers, it’s increasingly becoming a practical tool for everyday home decisions.

For Home Buyers
AI-powered tools help buyers quickly sift through thousands of listings and find homes that match their unique needs. Smart search algorithms can filter properties by location, price, school districts, and even lifestyle preferences. Some platforms can send instant alerts when new homes hit the market that fit your criteria — saving you hours of research each week. AI can also provide neighborhood insights, such as trends in home values, walkability, and nearby amenities, giving buyers a better sense of a community before visiting.

For Home Sellers
Sellers benefit from AI too. Pricing tools use local market data and historical trends to suggest a competitive listing price. Virtual staging and photo enhancements powered by AI can make a home look its best online, capturing buyer attention. Some marketing platforms use predictive analytics to target potential buyers more effectively, helping listings get seen by the people most likely to act.

Why Human Guidance Still Matters
Despite its power, AI is not a replacement for an experienced real estate agent. Technology can provide data and insights, but it cannot evaluate the subtle qualities of a home, negotiate on your behalf, or advise you on local market nuances. That’s where professional guidance adds real value.

Bottom Line
AI is a helpful assistant for both buyers and sellers — it streamlines research, improves marketing, and provides smarter insights. But the best results come when technology is paired with human expertise. By combining AI tools with a trusted agent’s advice, consumers can make faster, more informed decisions and feel confident in the complex process of buying or selling a home.

ANSWER

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