Keys to the Market

Unlocking Insights, One Door at a Time

Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling? Read This First.

More homeowners are becoming “accidental landlords” when their listings don’t sell, but renting isn’t always the easy fix it seems. From repair costs and higher insurance premiums to midnight maintenance calls and tenant gaps, the risks can outweigh the rewards. Before renting, revisit your pricing strategy with your agent to get your home sold.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Builder Incentives Reach 5-Year High

Homebuilders are offering record-high incentives—66% providing deals like price cuts, rate buydowns, and closing cost help—to move unsold inventory. With discounts averaging 5% off, new construction is more affordable than it’s been in years, making now a smart time for buyers to explore their options.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What Mortgage Delinquencies Tell Us About the Future of Foreclosures

Foreclosures are rising slightly, but today’s mortgage delinquencies remain far below 2008 levels. While FHA borrowers show higher sensitivity to economic shifts, overall loan performance is strong. With record homeowner equity and stable delinquency rates, experts agree a foreclosure wave isn’t on the horizon.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

How To Afford the Home You Love When the Numbers Don’t Quite Work

Buying a home is more than just the list price—taxes, insurance, closing costs, and down payments all add up. The good news? With smart strategies like shopping for better loan rates, exploring down payment assistance, negotiating seller concessions, or refinancing later, you may still be able to land the home you love without stretching beyond your budget.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Builders Have Been Playing Catch-Up for 15 Years

After the 2008 crash, builders cut back so drastically that new construction lagged behind demand for over a decade. That underbuilding created today’s housing shortage, and even with rising activity, it would take years to close the gap. Unlike 2008, more new homes now doesn’t mean a crash—it means builders are finally catching up.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

History Shows the Housing Market Always Recovers

Housing slowdowns may feel discouraging, but history proves the market always recovers. From the 1980s to 2008 to COVID, each downturn was followed by a rebound. With experts forecasting more sales by 2026 as rates ease, today’s dip is only temporary—making now the time to prepare for the next wave of buyers.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What's Really Happening with Home Prices Right Now?

Wondering what's really going on with home prices? The truth is: it depends on where you live.

In the 50 largest metros, nearly half are still seeing prices climb. The other half are seeing slight declines.

It's a clear reminder that real estate is hyper-local. And understanding what's happening in your specific market is key.

Let's talk about what's unfolding in our area, and how that impacts the strategy for your next move.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?

Bidding wars are far less common than they were just a couple of years ago, with only 1 in 5 homes nationally seeing multiple offers. While hot spots like the Northeast still see more competition, many markets are cooling, giving buyers more time, negotiation power, and even seller concessions. Local trends matter, so connect with an agent for insight.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

After years of bidding wars and rushed decisions, homes now spend an average of 58 days on the market—giving buyers more time to think, negotiate, and make confident moves. While pace varies by location, today’s slower market offers less stress, more leverage, and better opportunities with the right local guidance.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers

With condo inventory up, prices cooling, and sellers more open to negotiation, buyers have more options and leverage than they’ve had in years. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to downsize, condos offer affordability, flexibility, and the chance to be selective in today’s market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Even a Small Change in Rates Can Lower Your Monthly Payment Chart

Mortgage rates recently hit their lowest point of the year, and even small shifts can mean big savings on your monthly payment. While major drops aren’t expected in 2025, smaller declines are still possible. Want to see how different rates affect your loan? DM me and I’ll run the numbers for you.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead.

More contracts are falling through today, with 15% of pending sales canceled this June—often due to inspection issues. A pre-listing inspection helps sellers get ahead of surprises, avoid last-minute renegotiations, and build buyer trust. Investing upfront can save thousands later and keep your deal on track.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?

Many buyers skip new construction due to outdated myths about price, negotiation, quality, and the need for an agent. In reality, new homes can be competitively priced, come with incentives, offer solid craftsmanship, and still benefit from expert agent guidance. Don't overlook this opportunity.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

Google search trends show home-buying interest is climbing, hitting a 2-year high in July. Despite high rates, motivated buyers are still browsing and ready to act. If you've been waiting to sell, now may be the time to list and capture this growing demand.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Selling your home without an agent might seem like a money-saver, but stats show FSBO homes sell for nearly 15% less. With more listings and buyer competition today, professional pricing, marketing, and negotiation are essential to avoid leaving money on the table.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan

A second home might be your secret weapon for a better retirement—offering rental income, long-term value growth, and portfolio diversification. With market conditions favoring buyers, now could be the right time to explore this powerful wealth-building strategy.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

2 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today

Since there are more new homes on the market, builders are motivated to sell and that's leading to two great perks: price cuts and lower rates. Let's connect if you want to see what builders are offering in our area.

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