Please check out the tabs above.

They provide a wealth of information! 

 

Use Blog Archive on bottom of left sidebar for a list of all blog postings.

How to Handle the Items Your Parents Leave Behind

I always say that when the day comes that my husband and I are both gone, our kids will have a dumpster sitting in our driveway the next day. And that's probably not far from the truth. We've all been there ourselves, dealing with our parents' "stuff," much of which has great sentimental value, but while it holds a place in our hearts, it will not hold a place in our house. With that in mind, I found the following article very informative and hope our minimalist kids will take the time to read it before bringing in the dumpster.

HOW TO HANDLE THE ITEMS YOUR PARENTS LEAVE BEHIND

Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

 

Below are some highlights, but be sure to click on the link above to read the entire Better Homes & Gardens article by Kathy Barnes. There's lots of great information there! 

 

We need to realize we’re not just transferring wealth, says Lark (Dr. Regina Lark, certified professional organizer) “We’re transferring volume.” These are physical assets that occupy real space. And with them comes significant emotional weight, but not necessarily any monetary value. That’s the sticky wicket.

For many older Americans, items like Hummel figurines, baseball cards, records, or wedding dishes represent identity and personal history. For heirs, receiving these objects might feel like an obligation. (Mom loved it, so I need to love it, too.) But just because these things were important to one generation doesn’t mean the next generation will assign them any value.

It’s not a matter of disrespect. It’s about generational values. Many household items are mass-produced and can be purchased and delivered to your home within a day or two. The way we entertain has evolved: Large gatherings aren’t about lace tablecloths and cut crystal. Technology has rendered so many things obsolete. Younger adults today might be living in smaller homes and moving more often. They prioritize flexibility and personal meaning over the accumulation of material goods. A lot has changed.

Higher Rates Could Actually Help Housing Supply – Here’s How.

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

You may have heard the number of homes for sale isn’t growing like it was. And maybe that has you worried you won’t find a home you love when it’s time to make your move.

But that may be about to change. Here’s why your pool of options may actually start ticking back up again.

Growth Has Slowed, But It Hasn’t Stopped

Active listings were up 2.1% year-over-year in July, according to Realtor.com. Back in January, inventory was up 10%. And in May of 2025, it was up 31.5%. So, growth has cooled off a lot over the last year.

The past 3 months, though, have all seen inventory growth land in roughly the same range, which is a sign this slowdown may be nearing its floor (see graph below): 

So, what does that mean for you?

Homes are still coming onto the market. Every single one of these bars shows a period where inventory grew. So, don’t be discouraged or let this make you think you’re out of options. Plus, we’ve seen more stability in the numbers lately, which is a good sign.

The Most Homes for Sale Since 2019

Compared to the rock-bottom lows of 2021, inventory has climbed back substantially. Nationally, the number of homes for sale has been up year-over-year consistently now for 33 months. And inventory has almost doubled in just a few years. So don’t get too hung up on the pace of that increase.

This July was actually the best July for inventory since 2019 (see graph below):

  

Now, the market still needs about 150k listings to get back to pre-pandemic levels, but things are quickly approaching normal. And experts think we may even be back to 2019 levels by the end of this year, even with the slowdown we’ve already seen.

And that’s thanks to one unlikely factor: mortgage rates. 

Why Higher Rates May Actually Help Inventory Grow

It works like this. When mortgage rates climb, inventory tends to climb with them. As Mike Simonsen, Chief Economist at Compass, explains:

“When rates rise; inventory rises. When rates fall; inventory falls. So, from July last year to March this year, rates ease lower and all the inventory growth of the past several years evaporated. If rates move higher from here or stay elevated for [a] longer period of time, then we should expect supply to build again.”

Well, rates are expected to hold in the mid-to-upper 6% range for a while longer, and Realtor.com‘s latest forecast has inventory ending 2026 up 3.6% year-over-year.

That means 2 things:

• Inventory growth is forecast to pick up a little bit throughout the rest of the year.

• And, inventory is projected to close the year at a historically normal level, right about where it stood at the end of 2019.

For buyers, that’s a win. Even if today’s rates aren’t your favorite, they’re helping the number of homes on the market to grow. And more homes for sale means more choices, more room to negotiate, and less pressure to rush your search.

Bottom Line

The number of homes for sale is growing slowly but surely, and that means more options for your move. Want to see what’s available in your area? Reach out to a local real estate agent.

 

 

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

 Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

T

That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you’ve been using for storage.

To you, it’s extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it’s the reason they’d pick your house. Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise.

Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally

The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com.

And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs.

While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area (see map below):

Where does your state fall? Depending on where you are, the pool of buyers looking for a house like yours could be even bigger than you’d think. But the overall bottom line is this.

There’s a real market out there for larger homes with room for multiple generations under one roof, especially since affordability is still so tight. And if you own a house like that, it’s in demand.

Multi-Generational Houses Sell at a Premium

And that extra room carries real value with the right buyer. According to Realtor.com, in 2025 the median asking price for a multi-generational house was $709,000 – roughly 65% higher than the $429,900 median for a standard house.

Some of that is simply size. But compare multi-generational homes to regular homes with the same amount of square footage, and they still come out on top – $262 per square foot versus $215.

That’s a 22% premium you could command for special features like in-law suites, second kitchens, and separate entries (see graph below):

When you sell, this could help you walk away with more money in your pocket, especially when your agent highlights your home’s multi-generational-friendly features in your listing.

And Buyers Aren’t Getting Sticker Shock

And even with slightly higher price tags, buyers aren’t flinching. Multi-generational houses drew 13.5% more online views than standard ones, and they still sold just as fast – in about 59 days – per the same Realtor.com report.

Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

“The strong demand and steep premiums we are seeing in inventory-constrained markets point to a real mismatch between what buyers are looking for and what is actually available. For sellers in these markets, this type of home can be a significant asset.”

Basically, when buyers want something that’s very specific, the house that checks the box tends to stand out.

Bottom Line

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can't find in a standard one. That's what gets attention. And offers. So, talk to a local real estate agent about what it could get you in your market right now.

8/16/26 OPEN HOUSE - 49015 GLADIOLUS STREET/SUN CITY CAROLINA LAKES

 OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH 2-4 PM

VIRTUAL TOUR

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they’ll still get top dollar.

The interesting thing is… both can be right at the exact same time. It just depends on where you live.

That’s because today’s housing market isn’t moving in one direction anymore. Some markets clearly favor buyers. Others still favor sellers. But most are sitting somewhere in the middle.

And knowing which market you’re actually in can completely change the strategy you use to buy or sell (and what expectations you should have). Let’s break it down.

One Number Tells You Who’s Got Leverage

So how do you know which market you’re in? There’s one number that tells the story faster than anything else: the months’ supply of homes for sale. It’s the clearest signal of who’s got leverage – and what strategy you’ll need. Think of it like this.

Imagine no additional homes were listed starting today. Months’ supply tells us how long it would take to sell everything that’s currently on the market based on today’s demand. 

Generally speaking, if months’ supply is:

• Fewer than 4 months: Sellers usually have the advantage.

• 4 to 6 months: Buyers and sellers are on more equal footing.

• More than 6 months: Buyers can usually negotiate for a better deal.

Right now, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data says that number is 4.6 and that puts the overall market back in balanced territory (see graph below):

 

That means, as a whole, the market has finally moved back into a much more balanced range after years of being tilted in sellers’ favor. While that may look like the scales have tipped only slightly, it’s enough to make a real difference in what strategy you’ll need for your move – at least in most places.

The Tale of Two Markets: Why ‘Balanced’ Doesn’t Mean the Same Thing Everywhere

Redfin data helps shed some light on how this shakes out across the country. It breaks down which cities are leaning in either direction (see graph below).

• Some markets give buyers more leverage. Those are in blue.

• Some still favor sellers. That’s the orange.

• Others fall somewhere in between. Those are gray. 

Notice anything? A lot more places are seeing more buyer-friendly conditions right now.  In fact, this is the most buyer-friendly market we’ve seen in nearly 6 years.

But don’t take that as buyers have the upper hand everywhere.

There are still cities where sellers still have the power. And if you’re in one of them, your approach to selling or buying looks completely different than it would in a buyer-leaning market.

The Biggest Mistake You Can Make Right Now

That’s why the biggest mistake isn’t thinking it’s finally a buyer’s market. And it isn’t thinking it’s still a seller’s market either. It’s making any assumption without talking to an expert agent first.

Today’s market is incredibly local. In one market, a buyer may be getting thousands of dollars in concessions from a seller. And a homeowner may have to consider dropping their price.  

But in another, a buyer may be stressed about coming in with their best offer, or they may lose out on the home to another buyer. And a seller may still be seeing strong demand and prices inching higher.

Same overall housing market.

Very different experiences.

The truth is what’s happening in your back yard affects everything from pricing your house to making an offer to negotiating repairs or concessions. And that’s why an agent’s local knowledge matters more now than ever before.

Your plan has to be based on your neighborhood – and only an agent has the expertise to get that right.

Bottom Line

This market isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you're wondering who has the upper hand where you live, talk to a local agent. They’ll help you understand what's happening in your market, who's got the leverage, and what strategy gives you the best shot at getting what you want.

SCCL CC&R AMENDMENT 10 - CHANGE TO NEW MEMBER FEE

On August 11, 2026, Amendment 10 was officially added to the SCCL CC&Rs.  Per this Amendment, section 8.16 has been updated to change the NEW MEMBER FEE from 1/3 of 1% of the Sale Price to 2/3 of 1% of the Sale Price, effective September 1, 2026.  It has also been updated to show it as a BUYER fee.  While it was previous called a GRANTOR (SELLER) fee, it was not uncommon for sellers to ask buyers to pay it, as sellers typically paid the NEW MEMBER FEE when they purchased their home (going back to original Purchase Agreements with Pulte).  That being said, Purchase Agreements are negotiable and written contracts determine who will pay the fee.

 

How Sellers Are Using Smart Cameras To Eavesdrop on Homebuyers

Article Courtesy of National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

How Sellers Are Using Smart Cameras To Eavesdrop on Homebuyers: ‘Consider Yourself in a Reality Show’

By Kimberly Dawn Neumann

July 31, 2026

Smart home security was designed to keep burglars out, but it's increasingly being used to keep tabs on potential buyers—creating a tense new dynamic in the real estate market.

Almost three-quarters (72%) of recent homebuyers say they have either seen or suspected cameras, microphones, or recording devices during a home tour, according to a recent survey by LendingTree.

And, at least 56% of sellers surveyed admitted they had recording devices active during a walkthrough. 

Click HERE to read the entire article. 

 

HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

What It Means to Be an American

Author Unknown

 To believe in the promise

of a better tomorrow,
and stand united in our efforts
to give a peaceful nation
to our children...

To honor each other's differences
and cherish the richness of our history,
even as it continues to unfold
from sea to shining sea...

To love deeply
our friends and family, day by day,
and never take for granted
the privilege of calling ourselves American.

Wishing you all a fun, safe, and meaningful 4th of July!

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RAY CHARLES VIDEO 

The Declaration of Independence

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security...  CLICK ON LINK FOR ENTIRE DOCUMENT: The Declaration of Independence

The Housing Market Is Stronger Than You Think

 Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

You’ve probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately. High rates. Stretched budgets. Headlines that make buying or selling sound like a terrible idea. But the data tells a very different story. 

This isn’t 2020 or 2021. It was never going to be. Those were the “unicorn years” – historic low mortgage rates, bidding wars on everything, homes flying off the market in days. That kind of market was a once-in-a-generation anomaly, not a baseline. So, when people compare today to that, of course it looks rough.

But compared to almost any other housing market in modern history? This one is holding up remarkably well.

Homeowners Are Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

One of the biggest reasons this market hasn’t cracked is the financial strength of the American homeowner. According to Federal Reserve data, homeowner equity and mortgage debt were nearly identical in 2008. That means, if someone hit a rough patch, they had almost nothing to fall back on. That’s what made that crash so bad.

Today? Total homeowner equity across the country sits at $35 trillion – dwarfing total mortgage debt (see graph below):

 

That gap means most homeowners aren’t stretched thin or one bad month away from trouble. They own a meaningful chunk of their home and that gives them options. If they needed to sell, many could because they have a cushion. And that cushion grows over time.

• Realtor.com found that homeowners who’ve been in their home just 5 years have built up around $180,000 in equity on average. Stick around 6-10 years, and that jumps to over $340,000.

• Data from ATTOM and the Census shows two-thirds of homeowners either own their home outright or have more than 50% equity.

That’s not a fragile market. That’s a population of homeowners who are financially positioned to sell, to stay, or to make their next move from a place of strength rather than pressure.

Low Rates and Low Foreclosures

At the same time, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data shows more than half of all active mortgages still carry a rate below 4% (see graph below): 

 

That’s a big reason inventory stays tight. Those homeowners aren’t in a rush to trade their rate for a higher one. They’re sitting comfortably in a strong financial position, not scrambling.

That comfort shows up in the foreclosure numbers, too. Despite a slight recent uptick, foreclosure volumes remain dramatically below historical norms, according to ATTOM. Homeowners aren’t losing their homes in droves. They have equity, they have breathing room, and most have options that keep them out of financial distress.

Prices Are Stabilizing, Not Crashing

Here’s another point on the resilience of the market. Redfin research shows home prices are still rising, but the pace has slowed, now closer to 2% year-over-year nationally (see graph below):

 

That slowdown is good news, as Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, explains:

“We’re in the middle of a long-term housing market correction, not a housing market crash. After the pandemic-era frenzy sent prices soaring and inventory to historic lows, the market needed a reset.”

Bottom Line

This market isn't broken, and waiting for a crash that isn't coming has a cost. Every month spent on the sidelines is a month someone else is building equity, locking in a price, or getting ahead of what most experts expect to be a housing surge once broader economic conditions settle.

Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, a local real estate agent can help you figure out what this market means for your specific situation and what your next move could look like.

Locked Into a 3% Rate?

 Information Courtesy of Jennifer Blau

 Loan Officer with NEXA Lending

 

Locked Into a 3% Rate? 

Here's How Some Homeowners Are Still Making a Move

One of the most common objections Realtors hear today is, "I'd love to move, but I don't want to give up my 3% mortgage rate." While it's true that many homeowners are hesitant to trade a low rate for today's financing costs, life doesn't always wait for rates to come down.

Growing families, empty nesters, job relocations, and lifestyle changes continue to create housing needs regardless of interest rates. The good news is that homeowners have more options than they may realize. Some buyers are keeping their current home as a rental property, while others are leveraging home equity through a HELOC or bridge financing to help facilitate their next purchase. Temporary rate buydowns can also help ease the transition by lowering payments during the first few years of homeownership.

The key is to understand that today's mortgage market isn't one-size-fits-all. A conversation with a knowledgeable mortgage professional can uncover financing strategies that make a move possible—even when leaving behind a historically low interest rate.

 

Jennifer Blau
704-953-3561
NMLS#2568819 (CA, NC, SC, OR)
jblau@NEXAlending.com
www.loanswithJenBlau.com

My Current Listings in Sun City Carolina Lakes

 Please contact me if you are someone you know might be interested in one of my listings! 

 ACTIVE  

3016 Chipper Court

Amazing location! Backs to golf course with great views!  Surrey Crest located on a large premium cul-de-sac lot with a lake across the street.  Click HERE to view the website for this property.

 

 

ACTIVE

49015 Gladiolus Street

 

 

Stunning Cumberland Hall with a wide lot conveniently located near The Lodge!  Fabulous 3-season room! Three bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms.  Click HERE to view the website for this property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ACTIVE

6010 Jack Thomas Drive

Beautiful Vernon Hill with lovely rear yard that backs up to natural space.  The shaded rear patio is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.  Three bedrooms/2 bathrooms.  Click HERE to view the website for this property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNDER CONTRACT 

57106 Nightingale Way

This beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bathroom Surrey Crest home sits on a corner lot and is conveniently located near The Lodge and Water's Edge Park.  New Furnace 2021/New Water Heater 2023/New Air Conditioning 2024.  Seller will pay monthly HOA dues until the end of 2026. Click HERE to view the website for this property.

Come and enjoy all the beautiful amenities and diverse activities this premier 55+ community has to offer! Sun City Carolina Lakes has a public golf course and is in close proximity to shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, recreation areas, entertainment, and more!

REVERSE MORTGAGES - UPDATE ON HOW THEY WORK

Information Courtesy of Jennifer Blau
Loan Officer with NEXA Lending

 

Reverse Mortgage Myth: 
You Give Up Ownership of Your Home

This is FALSE. 

What Today's Homeowners Need to Know
Reverse mortgages have changed significantly over the years, yet many homeowners still have outdated information about how they work. The reality is that today's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is one of the most highly regulated mortgage programs available and can be a valuable financial tool for eligible homeowners age 62 and older.

With a HECM, you remain the owner of your home. You can sell the property, refinance the loan, or pay off the balance at any time.

A HECM is also an FHA-insured, non-recourse loan. This means neither you nor your heirs will ever owe more than the home's value when the loan becomes due. The home itself is the only collateral for the loan.

A Different Way to Buy Your Next Home
Many retirees prefer to pay cash for a new home because they want to avoid a monthly mortgage payment. While that can be a good option, it isn't the only one.

A HECM for Purchase allows eligible buyers age 62 and older to purchase a home using a substantial down payment while eliminating a required monthly mortgage payment.*

This can create flexibility in two important ways:

• You may be able to purchase a more expensive home using the same amount of cash you planned to invest. 

• Or, you may be able to purchase the same home while keeping more of your savings available for travel, healthcare expenses, home improvements, emergencies, or other retirement goals.

For many retirees, maintaining access to their assets can be just as important as owning their home free and clear.

Making a Move Easier 
Many homeowners have built significant equity over the years but hesitate to move because they don't want to take on a new mortgage payment.

A HECM for Purchase can help eligible homeowners sell their current home and move into one that better fits their lifestyle —whether that's downsizing, moving closer to family, relocating to a retirement community, or finding a home that's easier to maintain—all without a required monthly mortgage payment.*

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
A reverse mortgage isn't the right solution for everyone, but it can be a powerful option for homeowners who want more flexibility in retirement.

The key is understanding all of your options before making a decision. For some homeowners, a HECM can help preserve retirement assets, improve cash flow, and make a desired move possible.

Every homeowner's situation is unique. If you'd like to explore whether a reverse mortgage could help you achieve your retirement or housing goals, give me a call. I'll be happy to introduce you to Jennifer Blau, my preferred mortgage lending partner, who specializes in helping homeowners understand all of their financing options, with no obligation.

*Borrowers must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues (if applicable), and maintain the home. Eligibility requirements apply.
 

 

Jennifer Blau
704-953-3561
NMLS#2568819 (CA, NC, SC, OR)
jblau@NEXAlending.com
www.loanswithJenBlau.com

AMERICA 250 - SOUTH CAROLINA'S REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY

As we approach our Country's 250th birthday, I'd like to share a wonderful website called 

South Carolina 250 

to provide both new and long-time residents with a place to learn (or refresh our memories) about our beautiful state's revolutionary war history.  

In an effort to help SC 250's tourism partners share the Revolutionary history of South Carolina, they have introduced the Discover Revolutionary South Carolina YouTube Series. We live in an area with so much historic significance and this series provides a quick view of some of the major historic sites and offers a fun way to plan your next Revolutionary Road Trip!

That House That’s Been Sitting Could Be Your Best Shot at a Deal

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Open up a home search and you’ll see them. Listings that have been on the market for two months. Three. Some longer.

Most buyers scroll right past them, assuming something’s wrong with the house. But that instinct could be costing you, since the longer a home sits, the more motivated the seller usually gets.

Where Some Buyers Are Finding Better Deals

If affordability has been your #1 hurdle to buying, here’s a surprisingly simple strategy that could help you finally get your foot in the door. Start with the homes that have been sitting the longest. That’s often where the best deals are.

Here’s why. Data from Realtor.com shows there’s a connection between longer time on the market and lower sales prices. Basically, the longer a house sits, the more likely it is that the seller will reduce the price (see graph below):

The blue line tracks how long homes stay on the market, while the green line tracks the share of homes getting a price reduction. As one climbs, so does the other.  

And if you focus on these homes that are just sitting and waiting, the opportunity for you is bigger than you may think right now.

Redfin data shows there’s $347 billion worth of stale listings on the market right now – more than ever before for this time of year. So, ask your agent to filter listings for you from oldest to newest. The home that fits your budget might already be there. Just further down the list than you thought.

Lingering Doesn’t Always Mean Something’s Wrong 

Let’s say you do that and something catches your eye. Still, you might be questioning why the home has been sitting in the first place. Just remember, sometimes it has nothing to do with the home itself.

According to Redfin, common causes are:

• The asking price was set too high to start

• The home didn’t show well online

• There are a lot of homes for sale in the area, so it just got buried

So, nothing that’s necessarily a dealbreaker, or even anything that’s wrong with the home itself. If there’s a real issue, a thorough inspection will surface it. And that’s information you can use to negotiate. Not a reason to assume it’s a house worth skipping over.

How To Turn a Lingering Listing into a Win

So how do you capitalize on a lingering listing? According to USA Today, you have two main levers to pull.

The first is price. Work with your agent to study what comparable homes recently sold for, then build an offer around that. Coming in below asking price is fair game when a home has been sitting.

The second is concessions. If a seller won’t budge much on price, they may still help in other ways, like covering some closing costs, repair credits, or even a mortgage rate buydown that lowers your monthly payment.

A local agent has the context to tell which homes are the real opportunities and which are skippable.

Bottom Line

A house sitting on the market isn’t always a glaring red flag. In today’s market, it may be your best opportunity yet.

For help deciding which lingering listings are actually worth a second look, connect with a local real estate agent.

How to Handle a Buyer's or Seller's Market

Information Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog 

Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.

Highlights below.  Click on above link for additional information.

 

Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet. Should You Rent It Out Instead?

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog ((4/6/26)

 When your house sits on the market longer than expected, it can get frustrating fast.

You start asking: what now? And for a growing number of homeowners, that turns into: should I just rent it instead?

While it sounds like a simple backup plan, becoming “accidental landlord” is actually a much bigger decision than most people realize. That’s when someone planned to sell, didn’t get the price or traction they hoped for, and decided to rent the house out instead.

And lately, that’s happening more often.

Why the Number of Accidental Landlords Is Rising

If you’re faced with the same choice to rent or to sell, here’s what you need to know. First, you’re not alone. And that should actually be some comfort.

According to Zillow about 2.3% of homes available for rent were previously listed for sale. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s actually the highest share in almost 6 years.

Before you go that route yourself, it’s worth slowing down and looking at the full picture. Ask yourself these 3 questions first.

1. Would Your House Actually Work as a Rental?

What’s right for your situation is going to depend on your location, your home’s condition, and what the rental market looks like in your area. Think about:

• If you’re moving away, do you have a plan for how you’ll handle ongoing maintenance and repairs from afar?
• Does your house need repairs before it’s rental-ready? And do you have the time, energy, and the funds for that?
• What’s the market like in your area? Are there a lot of rental vacancies?
• What monthly rent could you realistically expect?

As C&C Property Management explains:

“At the heart of any rental market is the balance between supply and demand. When more tenants are looking for housing than there are available units, rental prices rise. On the other hand, if new construction adds hundreds of apartments or homes to a neighborhood, prices can soften as tenants have more choices.”

If your home would struggle to stand out or command the rent you need, that’s something to take seriously. Just because you can rent it doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you.

2. Are You Ready To Be a Landlord?

This is the part people don’t always think about upfront. On paper, renting sounds like easy passive income. But in reality, it’s a hands-on responsibility. Imagine:

• Taking midnight calls about clogged toilets or broken air conditioners
• Chasing down missed rent payments
• Covering unexpected repairs
• Fixing damage between tenants

And those costs can hit when you least expect them.

3. Have You Run the Real Numbers?

There’s also the financial side of things. For starters, renting out your house comes with extra expenses. Here are a few of the biggest according to Bankrate:

• Higher insurance premiums (landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more)
• Management fees (if you use a property manager, they typically charge around 10% of the rent)
• Routine maintenance and services
• Advertising fees to find tenants
• Gaps between tenants, where you cover the mortgage without rental income coming in

For some people, that’s totally manageable. For others, it’s more than they want to take on.

Your Next Step: A Conversation with Your Agent

Before you make any decision, talk to your current agent about overhauling your sales strategy first. Sometimes it’s not that buyers aren’t out there. It’s that something about the pricing, presentation, or marketing isn’t quite lining up with what they’re looking for.

And a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Because while renting can be a great choice for the right person with the right house, if you’re only considering it because your listing didn’t get traction, there may be a better solution.

Bottom Line

If you're torn between selling and renting, make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons first. For some homeowners, the hassle (and the expense) of renting may not be worth it.