Kira Witherwax

Touring homes is exciting, but remember you are a guest in someone else’s space. Follow showing instructions, remove shoes when appropriate, and assume you may be recorded. Keep comments about price and negotiations private. Stay with your agent and keep children with you. Feel free to open built-in storage, but not personal belongings. Leave the home as you found it and report any concerns to your agent. A little courtesy helps protect you and creates a better experience for everyone.

U.S. existing-home sales fell 1.7% to a 4.06 million annual rate, while year-to-date sales are up 2.4%. Locally, new listings rose 5.1%, inventory increased 8.0%, and median sales price climbed 5.8% to $476,000. Pending sales fell 4.0%, while days on market rose to 42 and inventory reached a 3.8-month supply.

If your home has been on the market without an offer, review its activity with your real estate professional. Plenty of views and showings with no offers may indicate the price is too high, while little interest may mean buyers aren't finding it in their price range. A small reduction can re-engage existing buyers, while a larger reduction can put your home in front of an entirely new group. The goal is to price where today's buyers are shopping.