Heart & Home

Every season in real estate has its own rhythm, and this summer was no exception. Looking back, what stands out to me most is how much more balanced things felt compared to the whirlwind markets we’ve all gotten used to over the past few years.

For my buyers, that meant walking into showings with a little more breathing room. Instead of scrambling to submit an offer before they’d even left the driveway, they had time to see a few homes, compare, and even bring inspections back into the mix. More than once this summer, we negotiated repairs or credits—something that felt almost impossible not long ago.

For sellers, the lesson was clear: pricing has to be right from the start. Homes listed too high often sat, eventually needing price cuts. Well-priced homes still drew strong interest, but the “20 offers by Sunday” frenzy has cooled. That was especially true at the higher end of the market, where properties sometimes needed a little more time and patience to land the right buyer.

In Franklin and Worcester Counties, I noticed the same trend: more inventory hitting the market. That gave homeowners who want to upgrade, downsize, or simply move somewhere new a lot more options than we’ve seen in a while. It also meant buyers didn’t have to fight quite as hard for every single listing—a refreshing shift for families who’ve been waiting for their moment.

Looking ahead to fall, I expect those trends to hold steady. Inventory should stay healthy, giving buyers continued choices. Negotiations will likely remain a part of the process—repairs, credits, and thoughtful offers are back on the table. For sellers, it’s still possible to get a great price, but only if the home is priced and presented well.

And then there are interest rates. Everyone asks me where they’re headed. The truth? They’re edging in the right direction, slowly. Will a small drop completely change affordability? Probably not overnight. But even a little relief can make a monthly payment feel more comfortable—and sometimes, that’s all the difference a buyer needs to move forward.

So as we close the book on summer and step into fall, I’m carrying this reflection with me: the market is shifting toward balance. For buyers, that means opportunity. For sellers, it means strategy. And for anyone dreaming about a next chapter—whether it’s a bigger yard, less space to clean, or simply a new view out the kitchen window—this season may be the moment you’ve been waiting for.