Allison Norman, Realtor - Your Real Estate Connection

10/26/2026

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.

10/26/2026

🎃🍂 The Great Pumpkin Search Begins! 🍁🎃

📍 Where do you go to find your seasonal gourd? Whether it's a local farm, a quaint roadside stand, or a hidden gem in the city, we want to know! 🌽🌆

Drop your pumpkin-picking recommendations in the comments below, and let's share the harvest joy! 📸🧡

🍂🍃

10/26/2026

🌕 Embrace the enchanting glow of the Hunter Full Moon tonight! 🏹🌾

Also known as the Drying Rice Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon, this luminary spectacle pays homage to the hunting season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Let's bask in its mystical radiance and connect with the rhythms of nature. 🌌✨

🌕

10/25/2026

Looking to refresh your living room? 🎨 A simple color change can completely transform your space—find your perfect palette below! 😉

Let these amazing living room spark inspiration as you search for the perfect color palette for your own living space at home.

10/25/2026

Today, a growing number of homeowners who set out to sell end up as landlords instead. About 9% of homes for rent were up for sale first. In the industry, we call it “accidental landlords.”

And if you’re watching the market and trying to decide between selling or renting, here’s what you need to know…

While renting out your house can be a great fit for some people, being a landlord is a job of its own. Suddenly, you’re fielding weekend calls about a leaky dishwasher and you’ve got a plumber on speed dial. And you’re still on the hook for the mortgage any month the house sits empty.

That doesn’t mean renting is a bad option, it just means you have to know what you’re getting into. And if you’d rather sell, let’s talk. Because with the right price and a strong marketing plan it is still doable today.

10/25/2026

🎃👻 Deck the Halls with Spooky Thrills! 👻🎃

Where do YOU find the BEST Halloween decorations?

Share your go-to spots and help us create the spookiest space in town! 💀🏡🕷️

Comment your recommendations below, and let's make this Halloween unforgettable! 🎨🦇

🍂🎭

10/25/2026

Spooky fact:

An appraisal can make or break a sale—sending you forward or back to the negotiation table. 🤔

10/24/2026

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why.

In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month.

For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe.

And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first.

A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs.

10/23/2026

Did you know the average mortgage rate was around 8% just 25 years ago? 🤔

10/23/2026

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Your house isn't selling as quickly as you hoped. So, should you just rent it out instead? It's a question more homeowners are asking. And the numbers show just how common this backup plan is becoming.

According to Parcl, about 9% of homes currently listed for rent were originally listed for sale.

That's a lot of homeowners becoming landlords when selling didn't go according to plan.

But before you trade your "For Sale" sign for a "For Rent" sign, there's something worth considering.

Being a landlord isn't always the easy passive income opportunity it sounds like.
Landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more than regular homeowners insurance. Property management can eat up around 10% of your rental income.

And that's before unexpected repairs, vacancies, or late-night maintenance calls.
Suddenly, renting might not look quite as simple.

Now, that doesn't mean renting is a bad idea. For some homeowners, it's absolutely the right move.

But if selling is what you really want, don't give up on that plan just yet.
Sometimes, the difference between a house that sits and one that sells comes down to the changing the strategy.

Thinking about renting your house because selling feels harder than expected? Send a message. Let's compare the numbers and figure out which option actually makes the most sense for you.