Trobaugh Group

10/21/2026

Home sales may be slower than last year. But that doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

At the current pace, almost 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. That's about 11,000 each day, 450 an hour, and nearly 8 every minute.

Why? Because even in this market, there are still buyers out there who have a reason to move.

People get new jobs, families grow, people retire, downsize, and move closer to the people they love. And those changes create buyers and sellers in every kind of market.

In fact, the latest report from NAR shows sales actually ticked up slightly in September, even though they're still below last year's pace.

So, don't let a headline convince you no one is buying. You don't need every buyer. You just need the right one – and a strategy that helps your house get their attention.

If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to make yours one of the homes that sells.

10/19/2026

Are you 1 in 4 million?

If you don't own a home yet, rent is probably the biggest monthly expense you have. And if you're not getting credit for paying it - now you can.

There’s a change rolling out now that lets renters opt in to counting their on-time rental payments toward their credit history. And that could help as many as 4 million more people qualify for a mortgage.

Maybe you’re one of them.

Even if you're not ready to buy a home today, there's no downside to taking simple steps to build your credit profile for the future.

It's time to take credit for bills you already pay. Ask me how.

09/19/2026

Selling this fall? Starting strong matters even more this time of year.

In the fall, buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climbs. That means fewer buyers may be looking at more options – so you want your house to stand out from day one.

Here’s the cheat sheet for how to make that happen.

Price it for today’s buyers. Not what your neighbor sold for a few years back.

Make your house hard to pass up. Tackle essential repairs and spend time on your curb appeal.

Stay flexible when offers come in. This is not the season to play hardball.

And be ready to adjust when needed. If you keep getting the same feedback from buyers, take it to heart.

If you want to sell before the end of the year, let’s make sure you have the right strategy from the start. Because with the right plan, selling in the fall is a no brainer.

08/27/2026

‼️ ACTIVE LISTING ‼️

Check out 945 Neese Lane, New Market, VA – A Serene Mountain Retreat in the Shenandoah Valley.

➡4 Bedrooms
➡5 Bathrooms
➡5,000 Sqft
➡65 Acres

Discover unparalleled peace & privacy at this captivating estate nestled on 65 picturesque acres in Virginia’s historic Shenandoah Valley. This extraordinary property offers a blend of mountain elegance, expansive views, and thoughtful amenities, all within easy reach of city conveniences, highways, and the airport.
Key Features:
• Prime Location: Private East/West-facing setting on 65 acres, combining seclusion with accessibility to town, airport, and interstate.
• Expansive Living Space: Over 5,000 sq. ft. of quality finished living space, designed with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Stunning Views: Awe-inspiring vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, open fields, and wooded landscapes.
• Versatile Grounds: Open fields, gentle woods, and landscaped gardens, provide ample space for outdoor activities and exploration.
• Self-Sufficiency: Includes a well-maintained orchard, productive gardens, and a kennel, along with a quality-built equipment barn and additional outbuilding.
• Outdoor Living Enjoy the serenity of morning coffee or evening beverages on expansive decks and porches designed to capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
• Detailed Property Guide: A comprehensive Seller's description is available for more insight into the many features of this exceptional estate.

Showings by Appointment Only! Call: 540-476-1216

https://trobaughgroup.com/properties/945-neese-ln-new-market-va-us-22844-658233

08/24/2026

THINK ABOUT IT AND CALL US...............

If it's been a while since you've gotten a professional look at your home's value, let's change that.

Reach out for a free, personalized Home Equity Assessment that estimates what your house could sell for, how much equity you've likely built, and what that could mean for your next move.

You may have six figures of equity without even realizing it. And that’s enough to change everything about your next move.

-UpHomebuyer

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now.

08/07/2026

‼️ ACTIVE LISTING ‼️

Check out this beautiful Georgian Revival residence!

Inside you will find custom, detailed moldings, polished hardwoods, lots of light, and a floor plan designed for comfort. This home has been well-maintained with attention to detail inside and out. The spacious main level primary suite opens on to an expansive deck. There are 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, side entrance large two car garage, 3 levels of finished living space plus great unfinished space in the walkout basement.

Shown by appointment only. Call now - 540-476-1216

https://connexare.com/home-search/listings/1488505723311658661-2945-BROOKSTONE-DR

07/18/2026

Trobaugh Group Realtors is joining Connexa Real Estate.

These are two local firms, built in different seasons of the business, realizing they share the same standards.

Ethics first.
Clients protected.
Relationships matter.
Do the business the right way.

Sallye Trobaugh has built a respected local legacy through decades of client care, market knowledge, and professional leadership.

Connexa brings modern marketing, technology, national network reach, transaction support, and a brokerage platform built for where real estate is going.
Together, we are stronger.

For you here at Trobaugh, this means the relationships you trust are now supported by more tools, stronger systems, and expanded resources.

Sallye is not going anywhere! She is still serving, and is now stepping into a supervising broker and mentorship role within Connexa.

Different generations of the business.
Same standards.
Stronger together.
We’re excited for what this means for our clients, our agents, and the
Shenandoah Valley.

Learn more about these changes here >> https://connexare.com/blog/trobaugh-group-realtors-is-joining-connexa-real-estate

07/14/2026

Whether you’re buying or selling, deals are looking different at the moment.

Almost half of sellers gave buyers a concession recently – the highest share on record for this time of year. Builders are also compromising, with over 60% offering incentives like upgrades or discounts.

That says one thing: negotiations are back on the table.

For buyers, that means more chances to ask for a better deal – and maybe get it.

For sellers, it means buyers will expect you to meet them partway. Digging in your heels could mean a longer wait or a lost sale.

The magic words right now? Wiggle room.

Let's connect to talk about what's realistic to ask for, or offer, in our market.

07/03/2026

Today’s buyers are putting less money down. And that’s reassuring if you’ve been feeling priced out of the market lately.

The typical buyer put down about $23,400 in early 2026 – that's a 19% year-over-year dip, and the lowest down payments have been since 2021. How’s that possible?

A more balanced market and more moderate home prices are easing the pressure to put a big sum down. Plus, more buyers are opting for loans that require little or no down payments, like FHA and VA loans.

That combination is helping more people stop waiting and start buying.

So, if saving’s been the holdup, it’s time to explore your options.

06/23/2026

The home that’s been sitting on the market for a few weeks? Maybe even a month? Don’t scroll past it just yet.

Your first instinct might be to assume there’s something wrong, but you could be missing out. Especially if finding a house in your budget has been your #1 challenge.

Homes that have been on the market longest are the ones you should be looking at first.

Because the longer a house sits, the more open the seller usually is to dropping the price or negotiating.

So, before you write off a listing that’s been around for a while, let’s connect. I can help you decide which homes are worth a second glance.