As the holiday season begins, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the things that matter most — family, friends, and the community around us.
I’m especially thankful for all of you — my clients, friends, and neighbors — for your friendship, trust, and the support you’ve shown me and my business throughout the year. Your confidence and encouragement mean the world to me, and I’m truly grateful for every moment I get to spend with you—whether it’s catching up socially, sharing a laugh, or working together to help you reach your goals and be part of your journey.
This month, I hope you have the chance to slow down, enjoy some good food, laughter, and maybe even a little football, and appreciate the people and moments that make life special. Whether you’re spending the holiday at home or traveling to be with loved ones, I wish you a safe, joyful, and truly happy Thanksgiving.
Of course, it’s also a great time to think about real estate. Whether you’re planning a move soon, keeping an eye on the market, or just curious about what’s happening at Lake Norman, I’ve got all the latest updates and insights for you in this month’s newsletter. I hope you find it helpful — and maybe even a little fun!
~Bill (704) 912-0726
In this month's newsletter:
Do you see the same green I see?
Update - Lake Norman Area Market Trends
Should you buy a house without insurance?
Mortgage Rate Update
Plus—Painting the 5th wall, Buttering up for the holidays, and Is that a turtle or a tortoise?
On the lighter side - Feast & Family Word Search Puzzle
FEATURED LISTING
16215 Lakeside Loop Lane, Cornelius
3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,547 Sq. Ft.
Beautifully maintained and highly upgraded Portico plan in The Courtyards on Lake Norman featuring open, light-filled living and elegant finishes. The stylish kitchen with large island flows into the spacious great room and inviting den with built-ins. The split-bedroom layout offers a private owner’s suite with dual vanities and walk-in no-threshold shower. Enjoy the serene courtyard with lush landscaping, bubbling fountain, and covered patio.
Many of us have wondered: Do we see color the same way? When I see a blue sky, do you see the same blue I do? A recent study suggests the answer is yes. When different people look at the same color, their brains respond in strikingly similar ways.*
Our Brains "See" the Same Color Using brain-imaging scans, researchers discovered that each color creates a distinctive pattern of neural activity, and those patterns are so consistent that scientists could predict what color one person was seeing based on another person’s brain data.
But How Does Green Feel?
Still, that doesn’t solve the mystery of how color feels — the private inner sense of warmth, coolness, or calm that a hue can evoke.
Imagine two people standing in a room painted in soft sage green. Their brains recognize the same wavelength, and the same neural pathways fire, yet one person feels happy and peaceful while the other senses a hint of melancholy sadness. The color is identical; the emotion is not. That duality...a shared external reality layered with private interpretation...might be what makes color such a powerful element of design and human connection.
Something to think about next time you decide to paint the living room.
*Just a note to say that there are some people who are color blind or, more rarely, can't see color at all, a condition called achromatopsia.
October market trends
Lake Norman Market Update – October 2025
The Lake Norman market took a noticeable turn this October. New listings were down about 20%, giving buyers fewer fresh options to choose from, even as pending sales held steady. Closed sales dipped slightly, but pricing strength remained a highlight. The median sales price rose nearly 7%, and the average sales price climbed over 15%, showing continued demand for higher-end homes. At the same time, properties are taking longer to sell. Days on market increased from 44 to 60, and sellers received just a bit less of their original list price than they did a year ago. Inventory also edged up slightly to just under four months of supply—still leaning in favor of sellers, but clearly shifting toward a more balanced pace.
What It Means for Buyers
Buyers are finally seeing a bit more breathing room. Homes are sitting longer, sellers are more open to negotiation, and the pace of the market has eased just enough to make the process feel less rushed. Prices are still climbing, but the increased flexibility and reduced competition create real opportunities—especially for buyers who’ve been waiting for the market to slow down.
What It Means for Sellers
Sellers remain in a strong position overall, thanks to rising prices and steady demand. However, strategy matters. The market is less forgiving than it was even a year ago. Proper pricing, thoughtful preparation, and strong presentation are key. Well-priced homes are still selling well, but overpricing leads to extended market time and softer offers.
Looking Ahead
As we move toward the end of the year and into 2026, expect the Lake Norman market to continue settling into a more balanced rhythm. Inventory will likely grow slowly, buyer activity should remain steady, and price growth may moderate to more sustainable levels. In short, we’re heading toward a healthier, more predictable market—one that offers advantages for both buyers and sellers in the months ahead.
If you’re curious how these trends might impact your next move, let’s talk and create a plan that works for you.
Do you really need home insurance? Can you own a home without it?
There's no law against it There’s no law that requires homeowners insurance, but mortgage lenders almost always make it a condition of the loan. If you can’t show proof of coverage, the lender will typically block closing.
When can you go without insurance? If you own outright, having paid cash or paid off the mortgage, you can "self-insure," accepting full financial exposure to fire, theft, storms, and liability.
Pay for Damage or Pay for Insurance? 9 out of 10 homeowners do carry insurance, and claims are relatively few, with only a small percentage filing in a given year. Payouts range from around $13,000 to $16,000 on average. That makes it tempting if you live somewhere with very high insurance premiums to skip the coverage, save your money, and just pay for the repairs out of pocket—but that’s tempting fate. The payouts are an average...many repairs cost much more, while others cost much less—and few homeowners really save that money. Home insurance provides peace of mind as much as protection.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a high-insurance property, check with homeowners who live in the area. They might have coverage suggestions. Let me know if I can help with that research.
30‑Year Jumbo: ~6.44% (slightly up from ~6.39%) — ▲ ~5 bps
Mortgage rates continued to follow the trend of the 10‑year Treasury yield, which is hovering just above 4.10%.
Looking Ahead: Economic indicators show that inflation is gradually cooling, though not dramatically. Markets are less confident now that the Federal Reserve will cut rates again this year, which means mortgage rates may remain around this level for the near term.
What this means for you: If you’re considering buying or refinancing, now is still a good time to review your options. While rates aren’t falling significantly, they’re also not climbing rapidly — locking in a rate now could safeguard your financing before potential upward shifts.
