Sharon R. Starke - NMLS 14138-Cardinal Financial

09/02/2026

Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

There are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. That means a lot of sellers know they’ll have to compromise a bit to get their house sold, which leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, exactly how much room you have depends on where you’re looking. But more and more markets are trending in favor of buyers, so let’s chat about what’s going on in our area.

Send a DM, and we’ll turn your negotiating power into a set of keys.

09/01/2026

🏡 First-Time Homebuyer Reality Check: What's happening with mortgage rates right now?

If you've been watching the housing market, you might have noticed interest rates creeping up this week. Here is a quick, plain-English breakdown of what is going on and what it actually means for your home search:

Why are rates rising? Global news and rising oil prices tend to push up inflation expectations. When inflation fears rise, bond yields go up—and mortgage rates follow right behind them.

Where are rates today? Average 30-year fixed rates hit around 6.89%.

Is this a panic moment? Not necessarily. While it's the highest we've seen in several months, it is still below the recent peak of 6.97% from June 2025.

Don't let daily news headlines derail your goals—focus on what you can afford comfortably today! Have questions about how current rates affect your purchasing power? Drop a comment or send a DM! 📩👇

MBS Live

09/01/2026

Sellers Outnumber Buyers Right Now

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 

08/31/2026

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/30/2026

Think every home on the market is out of reach? Not necessarily.

More than 40% of sellers are dropping their asking price right now. And the median list price this July was the lowest for any July in 5 years.

That means sellers aren’t banking on bidding wars or expecting buyers to pay whatever they ask. They’re more willing to meet you where you’re at.

And that could work in your favor. Want to find out how much wiggle room you have on price in our market? DM me.

08/29/2026

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

08/28/2026

A lot of people are hoping for the same thing. Lower mortgage rates. Lower home prices.

The problem? Forecasts show that’s probably not what’s in the cards. At least, not right now.

Mortgage rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically. And at the same time, home prices should keep rising at about the same pace they have been.

Now, that’s not what you wanted to hear, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's exploring what's still possible right now.

Other people are still making it happen even with rates and prices where they are. Maybe you can too.

Let's talk if you want help thinking it over.

08/27/2026

🏡 What does a meeting in Wyoming have to do with your future home loan?
If you're planning to buy your first home soon, you might keep hearing about the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium taking place this week.
It sounds super corporate, but here is why first-time buyers should care:
📍 What it is: Every August, central bankers and Fed officials meet in Jackson Hole, WY, to discuss inflation, the economy, and interest rate policies.
📈 Why it matters to you: What the Fed says about inflation and interest rates heavily influences the bond market—which directly impacts mortgage rates.
🔑 The Takeaway: While the Fed doesn't set home prices, their commentary signals whether home loan rates might trend down (giving you more buying power) or stay elevated heading into the fall.
Planning to buy in the next 6–12 months? Don't let market noise freeze your plans! The best first step is always getting pre-approved so you know your actual numbers.
💬 Got questions about how mortgage rates impact your budget? Drop them below or send me a DM!
👇 Tag a friend who’s house hunting!

Key Points for First-Time Homebuyers
Bond Market Sensitivity: Mortgage rates typically track the 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield. Keynote speeches from Jackson Hole can shift yields quickly, creating short-term rate volatility.

Buying Power Impact: A 1% shift in mortgage rates alters a buyer's purchasing power by roughly 10%, directly impacting monthly payment affordability.

Marry the Home, Date the Rate: Buyers waiting for "perfect" rates often face increased competition and higher home prices once rates drop, making baseline budgeting more critical than timing the market perfectly.

Source:.org

08/27/2026

Worried About a Housing Crash? The Numbers Tell a Calmer Story.

The rest of the world may feel unpredictable right now, but the housing market doesn't have to. Prices, inventory, and rates have all found solid ground.

If stability is what you've been waiting for, it's already here. Let’s connect if you want to talk through what that means for your move.

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

08/24/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.