Is 2026 the Year You Make a Move?
A new year has a way of bringing big questions to the surface.
For many homeowners, one question quietly lingers in the background — sometimes for months, sometimes for years:
Is this the year we make a move?
Is 2026 the Year You Make a Move?
A new year has a way of bringing big questions to the surface.
For many homeowners, one question quietly lingers in the background — sometimes for months, sometimes for years:
Is this the year we make a move?
Homeowners who locked into near-3% interest rates during 2020–2021 are now hesitant to sell, because it means buying another property that could require a 6% rate or higher. This “mortgage lock-in effect” is causing many would-be sellers to stay put, which means a smaller housing supply in St. Louis — and fewer options for eager buyers.
One of the first questions people ask when getting ready to sell is “What is my home worth?” Setting the right asking price is crucial. Price it too high and it could be left on the market with no buyer in sight; ask too little, and you’re leaving money on the table.
Do homes sell in the winter? They sure do! In fact, last December in St. Louis, more than 1,200 homes sold within about a month, and almost all of them sold at or very near list price. Many sellers are reluctant to list in colder months, but if the price point and size of the house are right, buyers are willing to move any time of year.
Scrolling through Instagram and TikTok can certainly make homeowners nervous if they’re thinking about selling. It seems that every home on social media is straight out of a Magnolia magazine, with trending paint colors, perfect decor, and kitchen remodels that must have cost a fortune. Not everyone has the budget, time, or energy to make their home look like that in order to attract buyers.
As the holidays approach, your home becomes the heart of the season — the place where family gathers, friends visit, and memories are made. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just want your space to feel new and inviting, a few small updates can make a big difference.
Here are five simple ways to give your home a quick refresh before the holidays arrive.
1️⃣ Lighten and Brighten Your Entryway
Everyone knows that buying a house is expensive, but few buyers are well-aquainted with the laundry list of expenses involved. Even if you’ve saved up for a nice down payment on your home, you’ll still have to consider all of the hidden costs to budget in before going through with the purchase.
Here’s a look at some of the costs buyers encounter when buying a house, and some tips for staying within budget.
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