05/26/2026
Rates went up, but buyers aren't backing down! Yes, mortgage rates ticked a bit higher last week. And yet here's the headline that really matters: April pending home sales rose 1.4% month-over-month—the THIRD straight month of growth. 🎉
Translation? Serious buyers are still out there making moves, even with slightly higher rates. And the job market is helping fuel that confidence—private employers have been adding jobs at a pace of nearly 170K per month, one of the strongest stretches we've seen in a while. More jobs, more stability, more buyers ready to step into their next home.
Homeowners, we've got something for you too! 🏡
Home prices are up about 3.5x since 1997—great news for your equity, but here's a catch a lot of long-time owners don't see coming. The capital gains tax exclusions ($250K single / $500K married) were also set back in 1997 and haven't budged since. As a result, an estimated 13.1 million homeowners (about 15% of all owners!) now have gains above those thresholds.
A lot of those owners are in California, but rapid price growth in places like Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada has pulled even more homeowners into the mix. So if you've been in your home a long time and are thinking about selling or trading up, this is your friendly reminder to chat with a tax pro FIRST. A quick conversation now could save you a big surprise later! 💡
Whether you're buying your first home or thinking about your next move, the momentum is real—and we'd love to help you map out your game plan.
Take a peek at this week's Economic Calendar and reach out anytime!
