Pending home sales turned slightly negative yearly in the latest reading, ending an 8 mo streak of gains as higher borrowing costs cooled buyer momentum.
Contract signings also softened yearly, homes took 60 days to sell, and mortgage rates climbed from ~6% in Late-Q1 to the high-6% range recently.
Buyers gained some leverage: median list price slipped to $424.5K, price cuts reached ~20% of listings, delistings fell yearly, and active inventory ↑~4%.
Even with more listings, national inventory stayed ~11% below typical pre-pandemic levels, showing the US still faced a persistent housing shortage beneath current buyer hesitation.
Currently, experts are watching seller delistings, pricing strategy, and whether regional differences keep narrowing as buyers and sellers adjust to firmer borrowing costs.
Author: Margo De Santis
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Three U.S. Housing Signals for September
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From Empty to Exceptional: Our White Plains Condo Transformation
An empty condo can feel cold, but the right vision can turn it into a place buyers instantly imagine as home. For this White Plains, New York property, we focused on the layout, natural light, buyer appeal, and the story each room should tell. Thoughtful furnishings, warm textures, and strategic styling created a polished yet welcoming atmosphere. Professional photography then captured the flow and features from their strongest angles. The result was more than a beautifully presented condo—it was a compelling lifestyle experience designed to help clients see the property’s possibilities. Thinking about selling in White Plains or Westchester County? Let’s create a marketing plan that makes your listing memorable.
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Ways to Spot HOA Risks Before You Buy a Home
After more than 25 years living and working in Westchester County, I've seen just how important it is to look closely at homeowners’ associations (HOAs) before buying a home. I always encourage buyers to dig into the details: check on upcoming projects, see that reserve funding is strong (over 70% is ideal), review recent insurance claims, and get a feel for the community itself. Aging buildings and rising HOA dues can create real financial headaches if you’re not prepared. A little extra homework up front helps ensure your investment truly feels like home.
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Buyers Gain Unique Opportunities Amid Growing Inventory
After more than 25 years living and working as an owner broker in Westchester County, I've seen how shifts in the market can open up opportunities for buyers. Right now, national pending home sales have dipped to a six-month low, while new listings and overall inventory are on the rise. This gives buyers a rare advantage in negotiations—something we haven’t seen often in recent years. While the median home price has climbed 1.9% to $400,649, and higher mortgage rates mean bigger monthly payments, some areas are now seeing price drops and more sellers willing to make concessions. If you’re exploring your next move, it’s an interesting moment to consider how these trends might shape your investment.
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End-of-summer home checklist: tasks to do before fall
As someone who's called Westchester County home for more than 25 years, I know how important it is to get your house ready as the seasons shift. Before fall arrives, I always recommend a few key tasks: pest-proofing your home, booking that HVAC maintenance, cleaning out decks and gutters, sealing up any drafts, winterizing outdoor faucets, deep-cleaning your spaces, and giving your lawn a boost with aeration and fertilizer. Taking these steps now helps protect your investment and keeps your home comfortable year-round—something I’ve seen make a real difference for folks in our community.
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Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday. -
Thinking of Listing in Winter? These Tips Can Help
Winter home sales slow due to holidays and cold weather, but motivated buyers remain active.
Fewer listings in winter can reduce competition and strengthen seller negotiating power.
Improving curb appeal and maintaining safe, clear walkways is essential during winter showings.
Warm lighting, comfortable temperatures, and clean interiors help homes feel inviting.
Flexible showings and attention to scent and atmosphere can lead to faster winter sales. -
Are You Ready for a Property Inspection?
Hire an inspector and review the report to catch any costly issues before buying.
Be cautious about waiving inspections in competitive situations — consider a home warranty instead. -
Expert Tips for Selling Your Home This Fall and Winter
As someone who's spent over 25 years living and working in Westchester County, I know how the fall and winter seasons can shape the home selling experience. If you're thinking about listing your property, a little early prep—like tidying gutters, touching up paint, raking up those autumn leaves, and making sure your windows sparkle—can go a long way before the chill sets in. Inside, a warm, inviting space with thoughtful touches really helps buyers picture themselves at home. Even in colder months, curb appeal matters, and if your place is vacant, keeping the utilities on makes a big difference. Most importantly, remember that the best offer isn't always just about the numbers. Reliability, timing, and solid financing are just as crucial for a smooth closing. Helping people make one of their greatest investments is what I love most about real estate—and a smart approach this season can set you up for success.
