Selena Ward - Sr. Loan Officer - Benchmark Mortgage

09/10/2026

The Housing Market Split in 2. Which Side Is Your House On?

Your home's price point is the real story right now, more than anything you're hearing in national headlines. Let's map out exactly where your house fits in this split market and build a pricing strategy that gets you the speed and price you're after.

Ask a couple people how the housing market is doing and you’ll probably get a couple different answers. That’s because right now, the market runs on 2 very different tracks, split by price point.

09/08/2026

New season, new guides. If you're thinking about buying or selling before the year wraps, the new Fall Buyer & Seller Guides are your cheat sheet.

They’ll give you the scoop on where the housing market stands right now, an overview of what's ahead for the rest of 2026, and tips on how to make a smart move heading into the year-end.

DM or drop a comment with "BUYER" or "SELLER" below to get your free digital copy.

09/07/2026

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

With remote work, where you live can be your decision instead of your employer's. And that puts more affordable places within reach.

Want to explore where that could take you? Let's connect.

For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away.

09/05/2026

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.

09/04/2026

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.

09/03/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.

09/01/2026

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.

08/31/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.

08/29/2026

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.

08/28/2026

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.