Gretchen Raad-Lancaster Raad Real Estate

This may come as a surprise, but first-time buyers are making a bit of a comeback.

Data shows first-time buyers made up 35% of everyone buying a home in May – their highest share of the market since 2020.

That’s up from just 30% a year ago. And if you’re wondering how that’s possible when affordability is so tight right now, it comes down to this: more choices.

With more homes for sale, buyers have more opportunity to find a home that works for their budget.

So, if you’re trying to buy your first place, don't count yourself out too soon. It may feel tough, but DM me and let's see what's possible.

Your peers are doing it, so maybe there’s a way for you to make it happen too.

If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're definitely not the only one.

Mortgage rates stayed higher than people hoped. Affordability was still tough. And every time it felt like things might improve, something else got in the way. But here's the good news.

A lot of housing experts think the second half of the year could start heading in a better direction. Not because everything magically gets fixed overnight...

But because if inflation cools off and things settle down overseas, mortgage rates could ease, more buyers could jump back in, and the market could finally start feeling a little less stuck.

Will everything suddenly be easy? Probably not. But after the first half we've had, "better" is a pretty good place to start.

If you're wondering what that could mean for your plans (or for our local market), send me a message.

I’ve got the latest forecasts on rates, prices, and more. And I'd be happy to walk you through...

What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your Community

Moving is both a personal milestone and an investment in your community. So, if the time is right for you, let's connect. You'll make a difference for more people than you know.

What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your Community Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger.