Karen Sherrill - Realtor

Summer buyers often get labeled as casual, but in many markets the opposite is true.

By June, a lot of buyers have already done the early work — they’ve talked to lenders, narrowed neighborhoods, and figured out what they can realistically afford. They’re not just browsing. They’re trying to make a move before vacations, lease renewals, relocations, or the next school year.

That sense of timing matters. Serious summer buyers often make faster decisions because they feel the calendar more clearly.

If you’re selling, this is a good reminder: don’t assume summer shoppers are less motivated. A well-presented, well-priced home can still move quickly when it matches what buyers are looking for.

Let us know in the comments — do you think summer buyers are more serious or more selective?

If your energy bill keeps climbing, your home is telling you something. A simple audit can uncover drafts, insulation gaps, or an HVAC system that is not performing. Want a quick checklist or a trusted local pro? Message me.

📱713-817-5710
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Want to know the original house hack? Buy a duplex, triplex, or small multi-family. Live in one unit. Rent out the others. It's been working for decades — and it still does in 2026.

FHA loans allow you to buy properties with up to 4 units with as little as 3.5% down, as long as you live in one unit. Veterans can use a VA loan with zero down. And Freddie Mac's Home Possible program allows qualified buyers to put down just 3%.

The financing options are more accessible than most buyers realize. For those willing to share a property line with their tenants, the income potential is typically higher than an ADU, and the strategy is time-tested. If you're serious about house hacking, don't overlook the classic approach.

Read the full article: https://www.har.com/s/mPy4aWDRqRYu

Multi-generational home buying hit a record high in 2024. 14% of all home purchases were multi-generational. Gen X buyers led the way at 19%. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

This isn't a trend. It's a structural shift.

Among multi-generational buyers, 41% said the primary reason was to care for or support aging parents — the highest share since tracking began in 2015. Another 23% wanted to spend more time with their parents. For Gen X especially, who are often supporting both aging parents and adult children, a home designed to accommodate multiple generations solves several problems at once: caretaking, privacy, and cost.

House hacking doesn't always mean renting to strangers. Sometimes it means sharing a home — and the costs — with the people who matter most.

Read the full article: https://www.har.com/s/mPy4aWDRqRYu

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become the gold standard for house hacking in 2026 — and there's a reason why. 🏠

As of March 2026, Fannie Mae allows lenders to count projected ADU rental income toward your mortgage qualification — up to 30% of your total qualifying income. That means the income potential of an ADU can help you qualify for a home you otherwise couldn't afford.

ADUs include:
🔹 Detached backyard cottages
🔹 Converted garages
🔹 Basement suites with separate entrances

They're increasingly legal, financially supported, and proven in the rental market. If affordability is your biggest barrier to homeownership, an ADU-eligible property might be the solution.

Read the full article: https://www.har.com/s/mPy4aWDRqRYu

If you're thinking about selling your home, you've probably heard the term "months of supply" thrown around. But what does it actually mean?

Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all available homes at the current sales pace. It's one of the clearest indicators of whether we're in a buyer's or seller's market.

Here's the breakdown:
- Less than 5 months = Seller's market (low inventory, more competition among buyers)
- 5-6 months = Balanced market
- More than 6 months = Buyer's market (more inventory, buyers have negotiating power)

Right now, inventory levels are rising in many markets across the country. According to recent NAR data, we're seeing a shift from the extreme seller's market of the past few years. This means pricing strategy, home preparation, and timing matter more than ever.

If you've been waiting for the "perfect time" to list, understanding these metrics can help you make a more informed decision about your specific situation and local market conditions.

Call/text/email us at 713-817-5710 or [email protected] if you have questions.

Want top dollar for your home this year? I create a plan that maximizes value and timing. Message me now to get started!

📱713-817-5710
📬[email protected]