Creath Partners Real Estate

Selling in this market? You can absolutely still win — but the approach matters more than it used to. 🏡

Today's buyers are informed, and they're not in a hurry. The homes that sit are usually the ones chasing a price the market has already moved past. "Testing the market" with an ambitious number costs real time and real money.

The playbook now: price right on day one, present well, and expect some negotiation. Do those three things and well-prepared homes are still moving — and priced accurately from the start, you may never need a reduction at all.

Thinking about listing? The smartest first step is an honest read on what your home is worth today.

Read the full article: https://jonathancreath.myagent.site/2026-mid-year-market-check-in-what-the-first-half-of-the-year-tells-us-about-your-next-move/

Mid-year rate update: the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.55% this week. That's up slightly from 6.49% last week, but down from 6.75% a year ago.

This isn't a dramatic drop — and it doesn't need to be one to matter. A steadier rate environment makes it easier to plan around the payment, compare homes thoughtfully, and make a decision based on your real timeline instead of a guess about next week's headlines.

The useful question isn't whether rates are perfect. It's whether today's numbers make sense for your budget, your move, and the home you want.

Read the full article: https://jonathancreath.myagent.site/2026-mid-year-market-check-in-what-the-first-half-of-the-year-tells-us-about-your-next-move/

Here's a shift worth noticing if you're buying: negotiation is a normal part of the process again.

Nearly half of sellers — 46% in May — gave buyers some form of concession, a record for that month. Price reductions are far more common than they were during the frenzy.

For buyers, that's not a warning sign. A reduced price is often an invitation to look closer, not a reason to stay away. Inspections, repairs, closing costs, timing — these are conversations again, not sacrifices you make to win a bidding war.

One honest caveat: more negotiation doesn't mean buyers control every market. A well-priced home in a tight area can still move fast. But the list price is no longer the whole conversation.

Read the full article: https://jonathancreath.myagent.site/2026-mid-year-market-check-in-what-the-first-half-of-the-year-tells-us-about-your-next-move/

For two years, the plan was basically the same for everyone: wait for rates to drop, then make a move. 🏡

That dramatic drop never really came — but the market changed anyway.

Halfway through 2026, buyers in a lot of markets have more homes to choose from, more time to decide, and more room to negotiate than they've had in years. Sellers are adjusting to a slower, more selective market.

Whether you're buying, selling, or just staying put, here's the short version: this is finally a market you can plan in, not just react to.

Read the full article: https://jonathancreath.myagent.site/2026-mid-year-market-check-in-what-the-first-half-of-the-year-tells-us-about-your-next-move/

Trying to make sense of the housing market this summer? Watch these three numbers. 📊

1. Rates — the 30-year fixed is hovering in the mid-6% range, and most forecasters expect it to drift slightly lower through 2026.
2. Inventory — about 4.5 months of supply, the most balanced it's been in years. More homes means more choice and less pressure.
3. Prices — largely flat nationally for 2026, so you're not chasing a runaway market.

Put together, it's a calmer, more balanced market than the past few years — which tends to favor prepared buyers who know their budget.

Call/text/email us at (512) 406-1086 or [email protected] if you have questions.

Summer edition 🏊 Would you rather…

🅰️ A home WITH a pool — instant staycation, great for entertaining, but more maintenance, insurance, and cost.

🅱️ A home WITHOUT a pool — lower upkeep, more usable yard, and budget freed up for other priorities.

There's no wrong answer — it comes down to how you'd actually live in space. A pool is a dream for one family and a deal-breaker for another (and it doesn't always add the resale value people expect).

Drop your pick — 🅰️ or 🅱️ — and tell us why 👇

Let us know in the comments.