Jim and Melissa Kazebee-North County Real Estate

09/02/2026

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.

Message us if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

08/31/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.

Message us if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

08/30/2026

This market isn't broken, and waiting for a crash that isn't coming has a cost. Every month spent on the sidelines is a month someone else is building equity, locking in a price, or getting ahead of what most experts expect to be a housing surge once broader economic conditions settle.

Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, a local real estate agent can help you figure out what this market means for your specific situation and what your next move could look like.

You've probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately.

08/29/2026

Home price growth slowed way down, and now it's showing early signs of picking back up. Whether you're buying or selling, let's connect so you can see exactly what prices are doing in our local market and what that means for your plans.

After more than a year of headlines talking about how home prices are going to crash, the latest data shows that price growth may be starting to pick back up again.

08/29/2026

2026 Forecasts for Rates and Prices

Still waiting for mortgage rates and home prices to come down? Here’s what the forecasts shows. Expect more of the same. Rates likely won’t change much – and prices will likely rise. Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's finding out what's still possible right now. Let’s talk it over.

Message us if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

08/28/2026

This market isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you're wondering who has the upper hand where we live, let's talk. We'll show you exactly what the numbers look like in our market – and what strategy gives you the best shot at getting what you want.

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar.

08/28/2026

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

Message us if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

08/28/2026

Want to know who's got the upper hand in today's housing market? One number tells you almost everything you need to know. It's the months' supply of homes for sale.

If there's fewer than 4 months? Sellers have the advantage.
Between 4-6 months? Buyers and sellers are on equal footing.
More than 6 months? Buyers have the power.

Right now, nationally, this is the most balanced market we've seen in years. But balanced doesn’t mean the market’s the same everywhere.

Some places are already leaning much more toward buyers. Others still strongly favor sellers.

If you're wondering who's got the upper hand where we live, let's talk. I'll show you what the numbers look like in our market and what they could mean for your next move.

08/24/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

Message us if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.

08/24/2026

Torn between buying a home now or holding out for the perfect moment? Trying to time the market rarely works. Rates, prices, inflation… These variables are all beyond your control. So, if you want or need to move, focus on your numbers instead. Because… “Ultimately, whether it’s a good time to buy comes down to your personal financial readiness.” If the math works, you can move. It’s that simple. Let’s chat if you want help thinking it over. No pressure, just perspective.