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July 2026 Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know The July numbers are in, and the market continued to slow compared to both June and last year. While fewer homes were bought and sold, buyers still have more options than they’ve had in quite some time. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, here’s what you need to know.   Sales Activity Slowed July saw 1,518 homes sold, which was: 11.0% lower than June 11.3% lower than... [read more]

What Is a Conditional Offer? Not every accepted offer immediately becomes a firm sale. Many real estate transactions include conditions that must be satisfied before the agreement becomes legally binding. Understanding how conditional offers work can help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions. For more real estate advice and market insights, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   What Is a Conditional Offer? A conditional offer is an Agreement of Purchase and... [read more]

What Is a Final Walkthrough Before Closing? After weeks of searching, negotiating, inspections, financing, and paperwork, closing day is almost here. Before the keys are handed over, many buyers complete one final visit to the property. This is known as the final walkthrough, and it’s an important opportunity to ensure everything is as expected before ownership changes hands. For more real estate advice and market insights, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   What... [read more]

What Is a Status Certificate When Buying a Condo? Buying a condominium is different from buying a freehold home. You are not only purchasing your individual unit—you are also becoming part of a condominium corporation with shared expenses, rules, financial obligations, and common property. That is why reviewing the status certificate is one of the most important steps in a condo purchase. For more real estate advice and market insights,... [read more]

What Is Title Insurance? Buying a home involves much more than choosing the right property and securing a mortgage. Before closing, your lawyer will likely recommend purchasing title insurance. Many buyers simply agree to it without understanding what it actually protects. For more real estate advice and market insights, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   What Is Title Insurance? Title insurance is a one-time insurance policy that protects homeowners and lenders... [read more]

What Is a Home Appraisal and Why Does It Matter? You’re buying or selling a home. The price has been agreed upon. Everything seems to be moving toward closing. Then you hear the words: “The lender needs an appraisal.” For many people, this is one of the least understood parts of a real estate transaction. For more real estate advice and market insights, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   What Is a Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is an... [read more]

What Does “Days on Market” Really Mean? One of the first statistics buyers and sellers notice on a listing is Days on Market (DOM). Many people assume it’s simply the number of days a home has been listed. While that’s technically true, what it actually tells you can be far more important. For more real estate advice and market updates, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   Why Buyers Watch DOM Buyers often use Days on Market as a negotiating... [read more]

Should You Accept the First Offer on Your House? You list your home. A buyer comes through. An offer arrives quickly. And immediately, the question starts: “Are we accepting too soon?” Some sellers assume that if an offer comes early, a better one must be coming. That assumption can cost you money. For more real estate advice and local market insight, visit: https://stephenpaige.com   A Fast Offer Doesn’t Automatically Mean You Priced Too... [read more]

Why Isn’t My House Selling? 7 Common Reasons Homes Sit on the Market You’ve listed your home. The photos are online. The sign is on the lawn. And then… nothing. Few showings. No offers. Weeks begin passing. One of the hardest things for a seller to hear is that the market has already started giving them an answer. The question is whether they’re willing to listen. For more local real estate advice and market insight,... [read more]

Should You Sell Your Home Before Buying Another? One of the biggest questions homeowners ask is: “Should I sell my current home before buying my next one?” The answer depends on your finances, your comfort with risk, and the current market. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each approach can help you make the right decision. For more real estate advice,... [read more]