Sharon R. Starke - NMLS 14138-Cardinal Financial

06/18/2026

First-Time Home Buyer Update: Mortgage Rates This Week 🏠
Rates had been improving thanks to positive Iran peace deal news. Then the Fed’s meeting (first under new Chair Kevin Warsh) caused a quick spike.
The main culprit? The Fed’s “dot plot” — their forecast showing more members now expect rates to stay steady or rise slightly by end of 2026 (more hawkish than the market priced in).
Good news:
• Mortgage rates didn’t spike badly and recovered much of the damage by Friday.
• They follow longer-term bonds, which bounced back nicely.
• Overall, this week’s volatility was minor in the bigger picture.
What’s next? Iran peace confirmation + watching inflation data could bring more relief.
Bottom line for first-timers: Mostly noise, not a major setback. Rates are still in the recent range. Get pre-approved, stay ready, and focus on finding the right home instead of trying to time the market perfectly.
Questions? Drop them below! 👇


mbslive.net

06/18/2026

Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.

Right now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect your market.

Want to know which way our local market is leaning and what that means for your move? Let's connect.

Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.

06/18/2026

Has anyone taken the time to explain how much the market’s shifted? Or what it means for your move?

In 2021, nearly every major housing market in the country favored sellers. But now, only about 1 in 3 does.

And that changes the dynamics for you.

If you’re buying, you may have more negotiating power. If you’re selling, pricing and presentation matter.

But here's the catch, it's not the same story everywhere. Some markets are strongly in buyers' favor right now. Others? Sellers are still winning. It all depends on where you live.

That’s why you need a pro. A great agent knows which way our local market is leaning and how that can change everything about your strategy.

Want to know what's happening right here? Drop a comment or send me a message.

06/17/2026

Think Home Prices Will Crash? Here's What the Experts Actually Expect.

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts are saying.

If you're trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let's connect. That way you understand what's happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.

One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.

06/16/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 71% of Markets

Even though you may be hearing talk about prices crashing online, it’s not true nationally. While some areas are seeing slight declines, prices are still going up in 71% of markets. That means the majority are seeing prices rise, not fall. So, don’t believe everything you hear online. If you want the truth, lean on the pros.

06/15/2026

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is.

Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for our local market.

If you’re wondering what's normal in our area, what's worth negotiating, and where it makes sense to stand firm, let’s connect.

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

06/15/2026

🏡 FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER ALERT: Big news from the market this week! 🏡
If you’ve been watching the news lately, your head is probably spinning. One day there’s talk of inflation, the next day global headlines are shifting things around. It feels like a rollercoaster, right? 🎢

But if you strip away all the complex Wall Street jargon, this past week actually brought some really encouraging news for anyone looking to buy their first home.

Here are the 3 main takeaways you need to know right now:

📉 1. Mortgage Rates Just Hit a Multi-Week Low!
After a bumpy start to the month, mortgage rates dropped sharply at the end of last week, landing near their lowest levels in weeks. If you've been waiting for a breather on rates to make your monthly payment more affordable, right now is a great window of opportunity.

🏠 2. Home Sales Are Surging (And Affordability is Improving)
Existing-home sales just hit a 5-month high. Why? Because as rates cooled down, overall affordability ticked up, allowing more buyers to finally lock in a home. The market is moving, and people are finding options that fit their budgets.

🏗️ 3. New Factory-Built Home Options Might Be Coming
The government is moving to make prefab (factory-built) homes easier to build. For first-time buyers, this is great news because it means we could see a boost in affordable, modern inventory on the market in the near future.

⚠️ The Takeaway:
The market is highly sensitive right now, meaning these lower rates could fluctuate quickly based on what happens next week.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the "perfect" time, remember: you don't marry the rate, you marry the house. You can always refinance later if rates drop even further, but getting your foot in the door while rates are hovering at these current lows is a major win.

💬 Thinking about taking the leap this summer?
Drop a comment below or send me a DM! Let’s look at your numbers and figure out what your buying power looks like in today's market. 👇

Island Real EstateNews

Source:.net

06/14/2026

Lower Asking Prices Are a Win for Today’s Buyers

If affordability has been your top concern, the recent dip in prices is an opening. Want to see what that looks like in our area? Let’s connect.

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news.