The Key Team, Realtors

08/30/2026

20 Home Maintenance Tasks to Always Do in Fall

As the temperature drops and leaves change, there's work to be done. Be sure to you know these 20 projects to always do in fall.

08/29/2026

This is the secret behind a clutter-free home.

08/27/2026

Rare opportunity for land in . 🚨 TWO lots are available side by side equaling .70 acres in the heart of Historic Downtown Garner's vibrant business district! Surrounded by businesses, a bakery, a coffee shop, a tea shop, a wedding venue, a bar, an ice skating rink, and event venues, this site is perfectly positioned for commercial or mixed-use development in Garner's growing traditional business district.

🎯 As a potential Qualified Opportunity Zone investment, this property may qualify for significant tax advantages, including capital gains deferral and possible exclusion of appreciation if held for 10 years (consult a tax professional for eligibility).

📍 Just minutes from Hwys 70s and I-40, Amazon, White Oak shopping only 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh, these lot combines small-town charm with big-city accessibility.

📲 Call or Text me today for more information! 919.523.5065

08/25/2026

There’s more to this trend than aesthetics: bit.ly/3QcZrWj

08/21/2026

While some projects instantly increase resale value, others can cost you in the long run.

08/20/2026

08/18/2026

Your 3% mortgage rate may be one of the biggest reasons you haven’t moved. You love the rate. You may not love the house anymore.

Maybe you need more space. Maybe the kids are gone and you need less. Maybe you’d rather live closer to family, work, or somewhere that simply fits your life better.

But selling means giving up that low mortgage rate and financing your next home at today’s rate. For millions of homeowners, that math has been enough to keep them right where they are.

It’s called the mortgage rate lock-in effect, and it has had a major impact on the housing market.

🏡 Now there’s a proposal aimed at changing that.

The proposed MOVE Act would create a framework for portable mortgages, potentially allowing qualifying homeowners to take certain terms of their existing mortgage with them when purchasing another home.

Think about what that could mean.

Instead of automatically losing a low mortgage rate when you sell, mortgage portability could make it financially easier for some homeowners to move when their life changes.

- Need a bigger home? Move.
- Ready to downsize? Move.
- New job in another area? Move.
- Want to be closer to your children or grandchildren? Move.

And from a real estate standpoint, this could be significant. One of the biggest obstacles keeping homeowners from selling could potentially be reduced, putting more homes on the market and giving buyers more choices.

⚠️ But here’s the important part: this is a proposal, not current law.

There are still plenty of details that would have to be worked out, including eligibility requirements, lender participation, underwriting, property values, and what happens when someone needs to borrow more money for the next home.

So nothing changes for homeowners today.

But if mortgage portability eventually becomes a reality, it could fundamentally change the conversation many homeowners are having about whether they can afford to move.

If you could take your current mortgage rate with you to your next house, would you move?

Tell me in the comments: YES or NOT FOR ME.

08/18/2026

Knowing where your property starts and ends is essential. Here's how to quickly and easily find your property line.

08/16/2026

Skip the fan deck and opt for these pro-approved pigments.

08/13/2026

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re probably asking the same questions I’m hearing from buyers every day: Are mortgage rates ever coming down? Can I afford to buy? And are there actually enough homes to choose from?

Here’s what the latest housing data tells us.

Are mortgage rates ever coming down?

As of August 13, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.67%, according to Freddie Mac. (Freddie Mac⁠)

Could rates eventually move lower? Absolutely. But waiting for a return to the 3% mortgage rates we saw several years ago may mean sitting on the sidelines indefinitely. Buyers should make decisions based on today’s numbers and purchase when the payment, property and timing make sense for them.

Can I afford to buy?

Affordability is still a challenge, but there are signs of improvement. National housing affordability has improved compared with a year ago, helped by income growth and changes in mortgage rates. (Realtor⁠)

There’s another encouraging development: sellers are becoming more realistic. In June, the national median asking price was $430,000, down 2.5% from a year earlier. (Realtor⁠)

Is there anything to buy?

Yes, and buyers generally have more choices than they did during the tightest years of the housing shortage. National active inventory exceeded 1.1 million homes this summer, giving buyers more options than they’ve seen in several years. (Realtor⁠)

More inventory can also mean buyers have more time to evaluate homes, compare properties and negotiate rather than feeling pressured to make an immediate decision.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t the 2021 housing market, and buyers shouldn’t approach it like it is. Rates are higher, but inventory has improved, asking prices have softened nationally, and affordability is moving in a better direction.

The question isn’t whether this is the perfect market. It’s whether this market presents the right opportunity for you.

If you’re considering buying in Wake or Johnston County, I’d be happy to help you look at the numbers, understand the local market and decide whether now is the right time to make your move. 📲 919.523.5065.