Keys to the Market

Unlocking Insights, One Door at a Time

Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Patience Won’t Sell Your House. Pricing Will.

In today’s market, homes are sitting longer, not because buyers aren’t interested, but because many are overpriced. With list prices holding steady and buyers more selective, overpricing leads to fewer showings and no offers. The fix? Pricing your home in line with today’s market—not last year’s surge. Even a small adjustment can make all the difference.

Read More
Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year

Mortgage rates just had their sharpest one-day decline in over a year, hitting the lowest level since October 2024. Sparked by weaker job reports, this drop could save buyers nearly $200 a month compared to rates just four months ago. If you’ve been waiting to make a move, now may be the moment to re-run the numbers.

Read More
Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Number of Homes for Sale Is the Highest It’s Been Since 2020

The number of homes actively for sale is at its highest point since 2020 — and that’s a big deal for any homebuyer out there.

That gives you the widest selection of homes to choose from right now that you’ve had in five years.

That means a better shot at finding the home that truly fits and the chance to make a deal on your terms.

Read More
Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why 50% of Homes Are Selling for Under Asking and How To Avoid It

Half of today’s homes are selling below asking, but that doesn’t have to be your outcome. With the right prep, smart pricing from day one, and flexibility in negotiations, sellers can still land offers at or above their list price. The key is planning for today’s market, not yesterday’s frenzy.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More