Waltergarretthomes

10/24/2026

10/24/2026

Homes Selling Above List: Sellers See More Bidding Success
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/walter-ray-garrett/2167702-Homes-Selling-Above-List%3A-Sellers-See-More-Bidding-Success

10/23/2026

Modesto Living for Just $120K
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/walter-ray-garrett/2193474-Modesto-Living-for-Just-%24120K

10/21/2026

U.S. Active Listings Rise 5.6%
We’re seeing a subtle but noteworthy shift in the national housing market: by late Q3 2026, active U.S. listings climbed about 6% year-over-year. That’s the third consecutive month of accelerating growth, which is starting to give buyers a touch more leverage than they’ve had recently. Just for context, annual listing growth had slowed to around 2% in late Q2—well off the 17% surge we saw the year before. Even with this uptick, national inventory was still a bit tight, sitting at 1.16 million active listings—about 5% below the late 2019 benchmark, just before everything changed. Higher mortgage rates and long-term yields (now at two-year highs) have cooled demand, and as the slower season settles in, many buyers are finding a little more room to negotiate. If you want a sharper picture here in Modesto or the surrounding counties, it’s helpful to compare today’s active listings per 1,000 households to the 2018–2019 average. That’s how I track whether our local supply is truly above or below pre-pandemic levels—a key factor for anyone thinking about buying or selling a home.

10/20/2026

Sell Your Home for the Best Price, Hassle-Free
Expert marketing, strategic pricing, and negotiation support to help you sell quickly and maximize your profit.
https://www.roomvu.com/services/page/home-selling?agent_profile_name=walter-ray-garrett

10/19/2026

New Homes Offer Better Value Nationwide
Lately, I’ve noticed a shift: new construction homes are offering real value across the country. Builders are responding to today’s tight inventory by cutting prices and providing incentives—options that most resale sellers simply can’t match. With so many homeowners holding on to their current mortgages, the number of existing homes for sale remains limited, which really puts new builds in the spotlight for anyone comparing cost and flexibility. In areas with a lot of building activity, the extra supply is making homes more affordable and giving buyers a wider range of choices, all while encouraging builders to compete even harder. Many are sweetening the deal with price reductions and perks like mortgage rate buydowns, so it’s smart for buyers to weigh new construction against resale options. That window of greater affordability might not last, though, especially if permitting slows down—so continued building and streamlined local rules are key to keeping options open. As someone who’s helped clients compare new and resale homes in our local market, I always encourage weighing the full range of opportunities to find the best fit.

10/18/2026

https://www.homes.com/property/4125-mchenry-ave-modesto-ca-unit-113/6wk6qzqwlqwx4/
Beautiful mobile home, triple wide in a 55 years of age and older park! Check it out! Do you know anyone looking for a home like this one?
Walter garrett HomeSmart PVA DRE #02074518

Listed for sale at $120000. Welcome to this spacious and well-kept 1,786 sq. ft. triple-wide in McHenry Mobile Manor, a 55+ gated community. This 2-...

10/15/2026

Housing Data Gives Buyers More Leverage
There’s been a noticeable shift in housing dynamics this fall. By late Q3, about 21% of active listings had price cuts, and inventory climbed to over 1.16 million homes—putting us within roughly 9% of pre-pandemic norms. Buyer activity remains measured; homes under contract dropped about 4% compared to last year for the second month in a row, a clear sign that higher mortgage costs continue to weigh on affordability. The national median list price sits around $419,000, down about 1% both month-over-month and year-over-year, marking the eleventh consecutive month of annual price declines. Price per square foot also slipped 2% year-over-year. Sellers are still holding steady, with about 6% of listings delisted—virtually unchanged from last year—but more owners are adjusting prices to encourage negotiation. The next question: will these price reductions bring more buyers off the fence, or will the market continue this gradual adjustment with rising supply and softer demand? As a local Modesto agent, I keep a close eye on these trends to help clients navigate negotiations and make the most of current opportunities.

10/14/2026

California Condo Owners Face $49K Assessments
Condo and townhome living in California can come with unexpected financial surprises—even for owners who diligently pay their monthly HOA dues. Lately, we're seeing significant special assessments for essentials like roofs, balconies, plumbing, and elevators. In some communities, rising repair costs, spiking fire insurance premiums, and mandatory balcony inspections have put additional pressure on HOAs, especially where reserve funds haven’t kept up with long-term needs. For perspective, one California condo complex recently faced $5.2 million in repairs, while another required each owner to pay a $49,000 assessment. Buyers are understandably more cautious, making HOA reserve levels, upcoming repairs, and pending assessments key parts of the home search and mortgage approval process. With new reserve requirements coming in 2032, there will be more safeguards, but older, underfunded complexes may still increase dues or pass on new fees. As someone who helps clients navigate condo purchases and sales throughout Modesto and nearby areas, I always keep an eye on these factors to help homeowners protect their investment.

10/13/2026

What does a home warranty cover and what's excluded?
When it comes to home warranties, it’s important to know exactly what’s protected—and what’s not. Most home warranty plans cover major systems (like HVAC or plumbing), appliances, or both, with options to add extra coverage if needed. However, things like structural components and any preexisting issues are typically excluded. Each plan is a little different, so it’s worth taking time to read the fine print and understand your limits. In my experience helping Modesto-area clients buy and sell homes, understanding these details can prevent surprises down the road and help you make confident decisions about protecting your investment.