Sold by Lisa Douglas

MAY 2025 UPDATE:

As your local real estate professional, I'm constantly analyzing the pulse of our market. This May, we're seeing some interesting shifts that are worth paying attention to, whether you're looking to make a move or just curious about your home's value.

For My Buyers: Patience and Strategy Are Paying Off

I know, I know – mortgage rates around 6.8%-7% might feel like a hurdle compared to a few years ago. But here's the good news: buyers are adapting, and the market is responding. We're seeing more inventory hit the market – in fact, active listings are significantly higher than last year in many areas, a trend we haven't seen consistently in a while. This means you have more options, and that intense bidding war environment is easing in some segments.

While home prices are still showing appreciation nationally (hitting a new high in March), the pace of growth is slowing. This, coupled with increased inventory, could mean more room for negotiation on some properties. Don't be afraid to explore areas a little further out from the city center if affordability is a key concern – you might be surprised at the value you can find.

My advice? Don't wait for a dramatic rate drop – experts predict more gradual shifts. Instead, focus on finding the right home that fits your needs and budget now. We can explore strategies like rate buydowns with your lender to make those monthly payments more comfortable. The key is to be prepared, pre-approved, and ready to act when the right opportunity arises.

For My Sellers: A Nuanced Market, But Still Strong

If you've been holding off on selling, this could be a great window for you. While the market isn't as frenzied as it was in the peak of the pandemic, it's still largely a seller's market in many areas due to persistent supply gaps.

The good news: Buyer demand is still very much alive! Many buyers who have been "locked out" by higher rates are now coming to terms with the new normal.

The shift: With more homes coming onto the market, competition among sellers is increasing. This means strategic pricing is absolutely critical. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market, potentially requiring price reductions later. We're seeing about 4 out of 10 listings having price cuts before they sell, which highlights the importance of hitting that sweet spot from day one.

Historically, late May has been a fantastic time to list, capturing buyers eager to settle before the summer truly kicks in. If your home is well-maintained and priced competitively, we can certainly attract strong interest. We'll work together to present your home in its best light to stand out in this evolving market.

My Takeaway: Local Expertise Matters More Than Ever

The national headlines can be a bit overwhelming, but real estate is inherently local. What's happening in one neighborhood can be very different from another. My job is to provide you with the most up-to-date, localized insights to help you make informed decisions.

Whether you're curious about your home's current value, exploring your options, or ready to dive into the market, let's connect for a personalized consultation. I'm here to guide you every step of the way!

Who is lisa douglas

I am a United States Navy Veteran, Mom of 5 adult children, fur baby momma to Barnaby and Bella, Nana to 11, and your local Realtor with a goal of helping those seeking to upgrade their lifestyles.

Life is funny isn't it? Just yesterday we were 25 and had the world at our fingertips. Now, we find ladders a hazard, our home warranties are all but expired and what is that noise coming from the dryer??

We've raised our children and now find ourselves in the 'empty nest' category. It could be sad but I say it's AWESOME! It's our time to upgrade our lifestyles!

I know, I know, the thought of selling the family home is overwhelming and where do you even begin! Juggling life and navigating a move can be daunting itself, not to mention the kids are not all that thrilled with our impending decision to sell, so I work hard to ensure your transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Knowledge is power. When you work with me I make sure you know what’s going on and what to expect at every step of the process. I listen to your unique goals and customize my approach to match them. With strong connections to inspectors, interior designers, stagers, cleaning services, and more, you can bet I work to deploy cutting-edge strategies to find well-qualified buyers and get your home sold for top dollar in as few days as possible.

Whether you are looking for a current market analysis, need some guidance on selling or buying real estate, or just interested in current real estate news, take a look around.

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To your success!

Lisa

914-413-3149