It’s hard to believe 2025 is coming to a close. Our team is incredibly grateful for everyone who trusted us with their real estate journey this year. It’s been a privilege to serve you.

 

As we wrap up the year, we’re looking ahead. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find a quick breakdown of 2026 market predictions from a top housing economist, plus a seasonal checklist to keep your home cozy and running smoothly this winter.

 

Whether you’re preparing for a move or just settling in for the season, we’ve got resources to support you every step of the way.

 

 

Real estate is always evolving, and this time of year brings a lot of questions about what 2026 will look like. While local trends vary, national forecasts offer a helpful big-picture view of what could be coming in 2026.

 

The National Association of REALTORS held their NAR NXT Conference a few weeks back and their Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, gave his 2026 housing outlook. Below are some of his major predictions:

 

 

According to the 2025 NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, the median time people stay in their homes before selling is now 11 years. A slight drop in mortgage rates could encourage more homeowners to sell, after all, after 11 years, most homeowners have built up equity, and may be outgrowing what once worked. This brings everything full circle and contributes to the expected rise in existing home sales.

 

If these predictions hold, 2026 could bring more opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're thinking about moving up, downsizing, or relocating, now is a smart time to start planning. We’d be happy to help you map out a strategy or connect you with a trusted agent through our PLACE network if your move takes you out of the area.

 

Already own your home? Reach out for a free home evaluation to see what it's worth in today’s market. You might be surprised by how much equity you’ve built.

 

Looking to buy? Let us know what you're searching for so we can keep an eye out. You can also browse available homes on our website to start getting ideas.

 

 

Winter officially arrives this month, and it's a great time to check off a few tasks that will help keep your home comfortable, safe, and running smoothly during the colder season.

Inspect Interior Plumbing
Look under sinks and in utility areas for any signs of leaks or drips. Catching small issues early can help prevent bigger problems later.

Test and Replace Filters
Swap out filters in your HVAC system, range hood, humidifiers, and air purifiers to maintain clean air and system efficiency.

Reverse Ceiling Fans
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air back down into the room and improve heating efficiency.

Clean Dryer Vents
Clear lint and debris from your dryer vent system to reduce fire risk and help your dryer run more efficiently.

Examine Weatherstripping and Thresholds
Check doors and windows for drafts and replace any worn weatherstripping to keep heat in and energy costs down.

Touch Up Paint and Caulking
Look for scuffs or peeling in painted areas and worn-out caulking in kitchens or bathrooms. A little maintenance goes a long way.