News & Updates

In 2024, U.S. home sales hit a 30-year low, with 2025 sales down 1% nationally but up 3% locally as prices rose to $255,000 and days on market increased. Mortgage rates eased to about 6.24%, with forecasts near 6% in 2026 and a 14% sales increase. Buyer activity is expected to rebound after the holidays. Inventory is rising, creating more seller competition. Sellers must price realistically, focus on strong marketing, and prepare early for a more balanced 2026 market.

U.S. existing-home sales rose 1.2% month-over-month to a 4.10M annual rate as buyers benefited from lower mortgage rates, according to NAR. Sales increased in the Midwest and South, were flat in the Northeast, and dipped in the West. New listings fell 12.1%, while pending sales rose 9.6% and inventory edged up. Median sales price jumped to $305,000 locally and $415,200 nationally, marking 28 straight months of annual price gains.

Your home is listed and you expect lots of showings, but nothing happens. You may wonder why your agent isn’t hosting an open house. Real estate is local—while open houses work in big markets, they rarely generate offers in the North Country. Serious buyers here prefer private showings. Open houses mostly attract neighbors, curious homeowners, or agents. Still, they can refresh marketing and bring attention, even if they don’t directly sell the home.

U.S. existing-home sales rose 1.5% monthly and 4.1% yearly to a 4.06M pace as mortgage rates fell. Inventory increased and prices continued rising. Locally, new listings fell 3.8%, pending sales jumped 20.3%, and inventory rose 13.7%. Median price climbed to $289,500, with days on market and months supply both increasing.

The home sale capital gains exclusion helps homeowners adjust their living situations without major tax burdens. Those who’ve lived in their home for two of the past five years can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for couples) in profits. However, these limits haven’t changed since 1997, and rising home values mean many exceed them. Updating thresholds to match inflation would protect homeowners and sustain a healthy housing market.

U.S. existing-home sales rose 2.0% MoM and 0.8% YoY to 4.01M units (NAR), above forecasts of 3.92M. Sales rose in the West, South, and Northeast but fell in the Midwest. New listings rose 11.3%, pending sales 17.3%, and inventory 14.2%. Median sales price jumped 14.2% to $283,750. Days on market fell 6.8% to 69. Nationally, 1.55M homes were for sale in August—up 15.7% YoY—representing a 4.6-month supply. Median price rose 0.2% YoY to $422,400.

The Adirondack Champlain Valley REALTORS’ Wish Fund grants wishes for terminally ill adults in Clinton, Essex& Franklin Counties. Since 2016, 33 wishes have been granted, plus support for Honor Flight. Join us for the annual Charity Auction on Thurs, Nov 6 at Olive Ridley’s: Happy Hour 5pm, Silent Auction 5–6:30, Live Auction 6:45. $10 donation includes paddle, drink & apps. Support by donating items, buying raffle tickets, or attending. More info & applications: www.cvph.org

U.S. existing-home sales rose 2.0% MoM and 0.8% YoY to 4.01M units (NAR), above forecasts of 3.92M. Sales rose in the West, South, and Northeast but fell in the Midwest. New listings rose 11.3%, pending sales 17.3%, and inventory 14.2%. Median sales price jumped 14.2% to $283,750. Days on market fell 6.8% to 69. Nationally, 1.55M homes were for sale in August—up 15.7% YoY—representing a 4.6-month supply. Median price rose 0.2% YoY to $422,400.

PMI and homeowners insurance serve different roles in homeownership. PMI protects lenders when buyers put down less than 20% on a conventional loan and can usually be removed once 20% equity is reached. FHA mortgage insurance differs in that it applies to FHA loans and is harder to cancel. Homeowners insurance, required by lenders, protects your home, belongings, and liability risks. While PMI benefits lenders, homeowners insurance safeguards the homeowner’s investment.

U.S. existing-home sales fell 2.7% in July to a 3.93M annual rate, unchanged from a year ago. Sales dropped in the Midwest, Northeast, and South but rose in the West. Year-over-year, sales rose in the South and Midwest. New listings fell 16.6% to 221; pending sales rose 6.8% to 158. Inventory rose 13.5% to 739. Median price rose 2.7% to $241,250. National median hit $435,300, up 2%, with 1.53M homes for sale—a 4.7-month supply.

A podcast host claimed your home isn’t an investment, sparking debate. While homes can build equity and offer tax benefits, the main point is that your home should serve your needs and bring you peace. As a real estate professional, I guide buyers on value and resale potential. If a place feels right, it's often a smart long-term move. Owning provides stability, customization, and financial benefits, but most importantly, it should fit your life. That’s where real value lies.

U.S. existing-home sales edged up 0.8% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.03 million units, exceeding economists’...

Selling a home depends on market demand, location, pricing, and property features. Homes that appeal to a broad buyer pool typically sell faster. In the North Country, average days on market vary: Clinton County sees quicker sales (60 days,96.4% of list price), while Essex (136 days, 94.7%) and Franklin (116 days, 93.8%) take longer due to smaller buyer pools, such as for high-end or rural properties. Pricing is key—homes priced too high may sit unsold, while competitive pric

U.S. existing-home sales dipped 0.5% month-over-month and 2.0% year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.00 million units,...

I was raised with servant leadership and advocacy as core values, so getting involved in real estate advocacy came naturally. We advocate for our clients in every negotiation and, through our state and national associations, we fight for communities and property rights by lobbying legislators. We share real stories and data on how laws impact the public. Advocacy protects homeownership—one of the strongest paths to generational wealth—and keeps us engaged in solving the housi

U.S. existing-home sales decreased 5.9% month-over-month and 2.4% year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million...

In residential real estate, sellers often wait anxiously for buyer feedback after showings, hoping for validation or signs of interest. While it may feel important, feedback is often vague, misleading, or unhelpful. Relying too much on it can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. The truth is, serious buyers don’t leave hints—they make offers. If someone is genuinely interested, you'll know without having to ask.

U.S. existing-home sales rebounded from the previous month, rising 4.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.26 million units,...

Sometimes buyers ask me which house they should buy. I always explain that’s a decision only they can make. It’s their money, and they’re the ones who have to live there. My role is to offer professional insight—what a home might sell for, its long-term value potential, and any red flags that could affect resale. But ultimately, choosing the right home is a personal decision only the buyer can make.

U.S. existing-home sales fell for the first time since September, slipping 4.9% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of...