Blog

Author: Kyle Lubsen

  • Housing Inventory Hits 1.62 Million — 4.9 Months’ Supply, Highest in Over a Decade

    Housing Inventory Hits 1.62 Million — 4.9 Months’ Supply, Highest in Over a Decade

    Housing inventory has climbed to 1.62 million homes nationwide—translating to a 4.9 months’ supply, which is the highest level we’ve seen in over ten years. What does this mean for you? With higher mortgage rates and sales moving at a gentler pace, buyers now have more breathing room and a wider range of choices. For sellers, it’s a moment to be thoughtful and realistic with pricing. I’ve seen this shift firsthand while helping folks all across Shelby and Jefferson Counties—whether you’re ready to buy, thinking about a change, or just want to understand how these numbers shape your next move, I’m always happy to break things down and help you navigate the options. The right home is about so much more than numbers, but understanding the trends can make a real difference for your family’s plans.

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  • Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day

    Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
    We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
    We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

  • Discover this property for $264,900—a great opportunity that truly stands out.

  • Alabama home sales slow in August but remain well ahead of last year

    Alabama home sales slow in August but remain well ahead of last year

    This August brought some shifts to the Alabama real estate market: home sales dipped 9.3% from July, but if you zoom out, we’re still 10.6% ahead of last year with 6,680 homes sold. While the median price slipped 3.5% month-over-month, it’s actually up 18.8% compared to last August—which is a big jump for homeowners and buyers alike. We’re also seeing more listings than at any point since 2018, and mortgage rates inched up to 6.67%. Plus, foreclosures have increased by 26.8%.

    For those of you navigating Shelby and Jefferson Counties, this paints a more nuanced picture than headlines might suggest. Whether you’re a first-timer, moving up, or finding the right fit for your family, I believe context and patience matter. I always tell my clients: understanding the story behind the numbers is just as important as the numbers themselves. If you’re wondering how these trends might shape your next move, I’m here to walk through it with you—no pressure, just clear information.

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  • August home sales indicate traditional seasonal downturn has begun

    August home sales indicate traditional seasonal downturn has begun

    August’s numbers confirm what many of us in Alabama already sense: the seasonal slowdown in home sales has arrived. But here’s something worth celebrating—year-over-year, sales actually climbed by 10.6%. That means more buyers found their place this August than last. Median home prices rose too, up 18.8% to $277,750, reflecting both demand and the value people see in our communities. Listings reached a five-year high, giving families and newcomers alike more options than we’ve seen in a while. On the flip side, mortgage rates touched 6.67% and unemployment inched up to 3.4%, so it’s understandable if you’re feeling both hopeful and cautious. New home permits edged up as well, signaling builders are still betting on Alabama’s future. I’ve seen firsthand how every market shift brings new opportunities and questions—especially for families, first-timers, or anyone looking to make a change. My goal is always to help you navigate these twists with patience and clarity, so you can focus on finding a home that truly fits your life.

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  • Seller Concessions Reach a New US Peak

    Lately, I’ve noticed a big shift in how sellers are negotiating here and across the US. In the rolling three-month period ending mid-Q3, about 45% of home sales nationwide included a seller concession—the highest mid-Q3 share since at least 2020. That’s up from 43% a year ago, and it speaks volumes about how rising inventory and lighter competition are giving buyers more leverage at the table.

    Seller concessions aren’t just about dropping the price. They often include help with repairs, closing costs, or even mortgage-rate buydowns—giving buyers several ways to ease the upfront cost of their move. In fact, about 16% of homes sold nationally in mid-Q3 included both a price reduction and a concession, making it possible for buyers to find a better fit for their budget.

    If you’re navigating the current market—whether it’s your first home, a step up, or a downsize—know that the landscape is more flexible than it’s been in a while. As someone who’s guided folks through every kind of move in Shelby and Jefferson Counties, I can say that understanding these evolving options can make all the difference.

  • US Existing Home Sales Hit a 14-Month Low

    Lately, I've been watching the market with a professor’s eye for clarity—and the numbers tell a story. US existing home sales just slipped to a 14-month low, settling below 4 million in Mid-Q3 (specifically, a 3.98M annual pace after a 2% month-over-month dip). Nationally, we're seeing softer buyer activity, but that doesn’t mean the opportunities have dried up. In fact, with a 30-year fixed mortgage averaging near 7% and housing supply stretching to 4.9 months, buyers are getting more choices than we've seen in a while. Listings are building up across the country, and that gives you more room to negotiate—a point even the economists are highlighting. The median price for existing homes reached a Mid-Q3 record at $429,100, with higher-priced homes leading the way in activity. Rising wages and strong job gains are still supporting demand, and first-time buyers made up 30% of purchases in Mid-Q3. About 27% of deals were cash, and homes are spending an average of 31 days on the market. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking for something special for your family, there’s more to consider—and more room to make your move work for you.

  • The Housing Market Is Getting More Negotiable

    I’m seeing a real shift in the housing market here in Shelby and Jefferson Counties—buyers are getting a bit more breathing room lately. With more listings popping up, there’s less rush to make split-second decisions, and that means you can compare options more carefully. Homes that have lingered on the market or started off priced too high are now open to more negotiation, which can work in your favor if you’re searching for just the right fit.

    For sellers, this new landscape means pricing and flexibility matter even more—think about being open to repairs, concessions, or price adjustments to catch serious buyers’ attention. The days of every home selling in a flash aren’t the whole story anymore. Whether you’re buying or selling, a thoughtful approach and realistic expectations will help you stand out and move forward confidently. As someone who’s helped families, first-timers, and luxury seekers through all kinds of moves—and made those moves myself—I know how important it is to get this right for you and your crew.

  • States with the least—and most—housing market inventory heading into the fall

    States with the least—and most—housing market inventory heading into the fall

    As someone who’s spent more than a decade guiding families and individuals through the ups and downs of finding the right home in Shelby and Jefferson Counties, I know how much market inventory shapes your choices. Nationally, housing inventory is up just 2.1% from July 2025 to July 2026—a big slowdown from last year’s 24.7% jump. Even with 23,465 more homes on the market, we’re still sitting 9.1% below 2019 levels. If you’re eyeing the Midwest or Northeast, expect things to be especially tight. Whether you’re searching for your first home, planning to upsize for a growing family, or looking to simplify, understanding these shifts can help you set realistic expectations. My goal is always to break down what these numbers mean in real terms—so you feel confident about your next step, wherever you are in your home journey.

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  • The 18 states back above pre-pandemic 2019 housing inventory levels

    The 18 states back above pre-pandemic 2019 housing inventory levels

    It’s interesting to see how housing inventory is shifting: while national numbers are up 3.8% over last year, they’re still 7.7% below where we stood in 2019. Most states have only seen gentle growth—or even a dip—but 18 states, especially in the Sun Belt and Mountain West, are now hovering near or even above those pre-pandemic levels. Prices in those areas? Mostly holding steady. For families in Shelby and Jefferson Counties, these trends can feel distant, but understanding the broader landscape helps put our local options in perspective. After more than a decade of guiding buyers and sellers through upsizing, downsizing, and everything in between, I’ve learned that context matters—especially when finding a home that truly fits your life.

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