Navigating today’s real estate market means contending with some real pressure on affordability. By late Q3, the typical US buyer’s monthly payment pushed to $2,600—a 14-month high—as mortgage costs rose and sale prices remained steady. The national median home-sale price saw a modest year-over-year increase of about 2%, reaching $399,000. This climb has kept pending sales flat month-over-month and lower compared to last year, with mortgage-purchase applications dipping slightly. Even with new listings slowing around the holidays, inventory is still modestly above this time last year, and active supply has improved by roughly 2% to 1.5 million homes—yet we’re still under a balanced market, with about four months of supply.
From my experience guiding buyers and sellers across Georgia and Alabama, I’ve seen firsthand how much seller strategy matters right now. About 21% of active listings made price cuts recently, and sharper, realistic pricing has been key to drawing in serious interest—while overpricing often leads to hesitation. My background in negotiation and paralegal work has taught me the value of precision and timing in every transaction. For those navigating these market shifts, a thoughtful, well-informed approach can make all the difference from consultation to closing.
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