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  • Where did mortgage rates land last week?

    Where did mortgage rates land last week?

    Last week, mortgage rates edged upward—VA 30-Year Fixed rates reached 6.5%, and posted 30-year fixed rates ranged from 5.625% to 6.875%. What stands out even more: mortgage inquiries for August 2026 shot up 11% from July and saw a remarkable 157% increase compared to last year, largely thanks to growing interest in home-equity products. As someone who guides buyers and sellers across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I know that these shifts can spark new questions and opportunities for anyone considering a move. Staying on top of these trends helps me support clients at every price point—whether you’re aiming for your first home or your next big step.

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  • Massachusetts ranks as 3rd fastest housing market in U.S.

    Massachusetts ranks as 3rd fastest housing market in U.S.

    It’s not every day we see Massachusetts ranked as the third-fastest housing market in the country—homes here are now averaging just 41.6 days on the market. The average asking price is $744,054, which is 6.5% lower than last year. These numbers reflect how quickly buyers and sellers are moving, and it’s a pace I see firsthand working with clients across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. While Rhode Island is leading the way in price growth, Hawaii is experiencing the slowest market and the largest price drop. If you’re navigating these changes or simply curious about what this means for your next move, I’m always here as a resource to guide you through the process.

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  • Most Affordable Neighborhoods To Buy A House In Western Massachusetts

    Most Affordable Neighborhoods To Buy A House In Western Massachusetts

    For those looking to stretch their homebuying budget, Western Massachusetts has some excellent options. Neighborhoods like Metro Center in Springfield ($159,039), Westside in Pittsfield ($171,889), and Morning Side in Pittsfield ($192,971) are currently among the most affordable places to purchase a home in the state. While I typically guide clients through the Boston area and higher price points, I always keep an eye on trends across Massachusetts to provide informed guidance—whether you’re searching for your first home or considering investment opportunities. My approach is all about making sure you have the information you need to find the right fit for your goals.

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  • U.S. Sellers Outnumber Buyers by 57.9%

    This quarter has brought a notable shift in the national real estate landscape: for the first time since 2013, sellers outnumbered buyers by 57.9%. That’s 1.53 million sellers and 972,300 buyers across the U.S. This change was fueled by a 3.9% month-over-month rise in new listings—the largest monthly jump recorded by one major portal—while the number of buyers barely budged (up just 0.1%).

    For active buyers, this translated into more negotiating power: three out of five homes sold below their original list price, and inventory reached its highest point since 2020. Yet, even with these advantages, affordability remains a challenge. Mortgage rates for a 30-year loan are still in the high-6% range, and the national median sale price is up 2.2% year over year. Although more owners are entering the market as the early mortgage lock-in effect lessens, overall demand remains muted, with existing-home sales dipping 2% to a 3.98 million annual pace.

    In my experience working with buyers and sellers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, these national figures echo what I’m seeing locally: more inventory means opportunities for buyers to negotiate, but tight affordability continues to shape every conversation. If you’re weighing your next move, understanding these shifts can help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions.

  • 4 Questions Shaping US Housing Affordability

    Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about where housing affordability stands—and I see these questions come up with nearly every client conversation. Recent trends are pointing toward some disinflation in the market, as sellers and buyers aren’t always aligned on expectations. Sellers are more frequently offering concessions now, which can bring meaningful savings for those determined to achieve homeownership.

    Still, the loan environment is putting pressure on affordability: benchmark Treasury yields are hovering around 5%, and the average 30-year mortgage rate has climbed just above the low-7% range. For the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment landed near $2,600—about 3% higher than a year ago. This really shows how much financing costs are stretching budgets for buyers.

    On top of that, the resale market remains tight here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with many homeowners holding onto their low-rate loans and keeping inventory limited. Sellers in many areas are still hoping for prices reminiscent of the pandemic surge. From what I’m seeing (and hearing from colleagues across the industry), this is less about a dramatic downturn and more about the market correcting toward stability. Strong homeowner equity and responsible lending are providing a solid foundation, and despite the challenges, there are still real opportunities for both buyers and sellers in today’s market.

  • Massachusetts Listings Rise 17% Statewide

    In Massachusetts, we’ve seen a notable surge in new property listings recently—up 17% statewide for both single-family homes and condos in mid-Q3. This means more options for buyers, and I’ve noticed my clients appreciate the wider selection across various neighborhoods. Home values have held steady at elevated levels: the median price for single-family homes sits at $695,000 (about 2% higher than last year), while condos are at $565,000, up roughly 4%. Closed sales tell a mixed story: single-family transactions are almost unchanged, dipping by less than 1%, while condo closings have slipped by about 6%. The increased inventory is encouraging, and it shows that buyers remain active—especially when homes are priced right. As we head further into the fall market, I expect that more listings and motivated buyers will help keep activity strong and lead to more pending sales. Navigating these shifts takes both strategy and patience, and I’m here to help clients make sense of the changing landscape.

  • Value of Household Real Estate Assets Approaches $50 Trillion

    Value of Household Real Estate Assets Approaches $50 Trillion

    It’s remarkable to see the latest numbers: household real estate assets have climbed to $49.8 trillion in Q2, a 2.3% increase from the previous quarter. Mortgages and home equity loans reached $14 trillion, while owners’ equity now stands at 71.9%, or $35.8 trillion. For context, those in the 50-90% wealth group held $22.7 trillion of that, and the top 0.1% owned $1.9 trillion. As someone who helps clients across Massachusetts and Rhode Island navigate buying and selling homes—often in a wide range of price points—these trends reflect the significant role homeownership plays not only for individuals, but for our communities’ overall wealth. It’s always rewarding to see how each transaction contributes to this larger picture.

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  • Massachusetts sees 17% bump in listings statewide

    Massachusetts sees 17% bump in listings statewide

    August brought an encouraging 17% increase in new listings for single-family homes and condos across Massachusetts. Even as closed sales dipped slightly, the median sale prices climbed to $695,000 for single-family homes and $565,000 for condos. With inventory and buyer interest on the upswing, there’s a sense of renewed momentum in our local market. Having recently helped clients navigate transactions from $469,000 up to $1.78 million, I know firsthand how shifting market trends can shape both opportunities and challenges. It’s always my priority to keep you informed and supported, whether you’re thinking of buying or selling in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

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  • Have payments on newly purchased homes in the U.S. dropped?

    Have payments on newly purchased homes in the U.S. dropped?

    I’ve been watching the shifts in home affordability closely, and here’s a quick snapshot for those navigating today’s market: the national median mortgage payment for new homebuyers has dipped to $2,175. While that’s a welcome change, it’s still 2.2% higher than what buyers paid last year, with mortgage rates now averaging 6.66%. For anyone comparing options, it’s interesting to note that Idaho and Nevada are currently the toughest states for affordability, while Louisiana and North Dakota offer a bit more breathing room. As someone who guides buyers and sellers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island—often at price points similar to these national figures—I know firsthand how these broader trends can influence your decisions. If you’re weighing the numbers, I’m always here to help you make sense of them and find the right fit for your situation.

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  • US Buyers Navigate 14-Month Cost High

    Navigating the current real estate landscape means buyers are facing some of the steepest monthly payments in over a year—by late Q3, the average payment hit $2,600. With mortgage costs climbing and median sale prices holding steady (the national median is up about 2% year-over-year to $399,000), affordability is definitely at the forefront of many clients’ minds. This has kept pending sales relatively flat month-over-month and lower compared to last year.

    I’ve seen mortgage-purchase applications dip slightly, while new listings have slowed down a bit thanks to holiday timing—but interestingly, listings are still a bit higher than the same period last year. Seller strategy is crucial in this environment: around 21% of active listings cut prices recently, showing that sharper, more realistic pricing attracts the right attention. Overpricing, on the other hand, tends to make buyers hesitate.

    Inventory has improved modestly too, with the active supply up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes and about four months of supply on the market, though we’re still not quite at a balanced market. As always, I’m here to help clients understand these shifts—whether you’re buying or selling in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, a thoughtful approach makes all the difference.