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Recently, consumer confidence in the US dipped to its lowest level in seven months. While people felt more positive about current conditions—reflected in a nearly 7-point jump in the present-conditions index to 121—the outlook for income, business, and jobs over the coming months softened, with the expectations gauge dropping about 6 points to 68. This level is often associated with increased recession risk, and as someone who has navigated many market cycles, I know how these shifts can influence real estate decisions.

Early in Q3, the job market saw employers cutting 23,000 positions, and unemployment ticking up to around 4%. Importantly, this wasn’t due to more hiring but rather more workers stepping away from the labor force. Despite these changes and softer overall confidence, homebuying expectations only eased slightly and then continued to climb—showing just how resilient buyer demand remains. About 61% of consumers still expect interest rates to increase, and with federal policymakers holding rates steady, it looks like borrowing costs will remain elevated through the end of the year.

For buyers, sellers, and investors, understanding these trends is key to making informed decisions. I make it a priority to keep my clients updated so they can move forward with clarity, no matter how the broader market feels. Experience you can trust—service you’ll remember.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in the real estate landscape. For the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US increased by 0.4% week-over-week, with total homes for sale up 0.5%—the highest we’ve seen since early Q2. However, pending home sales dipped by 1.1% to a six-month low, as many buyers are pausing their search in response to elevated housing costs, even with more options becoming available nationwide. The median US home-sale price rose 1.9% year-over-year to just above $400,000, while the average mortgage rate hovered near 7%, close to a 13-month high.

For those navigating this changing market, I always emphasize that increased inventory and softer demand can provide meaningful opportunities. Buyers are finding more room to negotiate price reductions or request concessions, especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. On the other hand, sellers are achieving the best results when they price realistically—rather than chasing the highs of previous years. With over 17 years of experience guiding clients through shifting markets, I know that understanding timing and strategy is key to a successful transaction. As always, my focus is on providing clear information and thoughtful guidance, tailored to your unique real estate goals.

Luxury home sales across the United States are as diverse as the clients and communities I have had the privilege to serve over my 17 years in real estate. Recent data from a listings platform highlights just how wide-ranging these transactions can be: the highest recorded sale soared to $130M, while other leading deals came in at $47M, $40.2M, $40M, $21.2M, $19M, $18M, and $17.5M. In four particularly robust luxury markets, even the fifth-most expensive home sold for over $10M—an impressive indicator of deep luxury pricing that sets these metros apart.

What stands out to me is not only the headline numbers, but also the market nuances—one area exhibited a notably tight spread among its top five sales, ranging from $24M to $40M. These insights, based on publicly marketed listings, remind us that off-market and non-disclosed luxury sales may drive values even higher in some regions.

Having helped buyers and sellers navigate every segment of the market, I know that understanding local pricing trends is essential for making informed decisions, whether you’re investing in a high-end property or simply curious about how your own market compares. Real estate is always evolving, and staying educated is key to achieving your goals with confidence.

Here’s a quick look at the latest real estate activity in Frisco, Texas. Homes are selling at a similar pace as last year. The number of available and sold homes remains consistent, showing a stable market.

As we move through early Q3, the US existing-home market continues to show both stability and subtle shifts. While sales dipped 1.7% month-over-month, they still finished 0.7% above last year’s pace, highlighting that completed transactions are holding steady compared to the previous summer. The median price for existing homes reached $434,100, marking the 37th consecutive month of annual price growth—an ongoing trend that’s giving many homeowners additional equity to watch closely.

Inventory remains a challenge, ending early Q3 at 1.54 million homes—down 1.9% from last month and 0.6% from last year. For buyers, this means keeping a close eye on new listings is as important as ever in a market where options remain limited. Despite rising prices, national housing affordability has improved, offering a window for buyers who are prepared and patient to find the right fit when opportunity strikes.

Mortgage rates have been hovering in the high-6% range for a 30-year fixed loan, and any future rate relief could make a meaningful difference for those ready to take the next step.

Having guided clients of all backgrounds through changing markets over the past 17 years, I know that every real estate journey is unique. My approach has always been to keep you informed and empowered—whether you’re weighing your options as a homeowner, searching for your next home, or exploring investment opportunities. Experience you can trust. Service you’ll remember.

In real estate, we often hear about the pursuit of ‘price stability,’ but the reality is far more complex—especially in a market as dynamic as the US. Prices for certain goods may rise while others fall, reflecting how people shift their spending rather than a uniform increase across the board. For instance, while technology has become more affordable and accessible—think of how supercomputers now fit in our pockets—other limited resources like hotel rooms, sports tickets, and tuition have become more expensive.

This perspective challenges the notion that the central bank can ever truly create lasting price stability. With so many factors—from global supply chains to individual choices—impacting prices, the market is always in motion. For those navigating real estate decisions, this means understanding that a steady dollar could potentially unlock investments currently tied up in hedging against inflation. This might compress some prices, yet raise costs for scarcer assets.

Ultimately, lasting price stability isn’t something we can count on, and shifting prices often reflect a growing, evolving economy. My years of experience have shown me that what matters most is clear communication, staying informed, and adapting to change—qualities that help my clients move forward with confidence, no matter where the market goes.

As someone who’s spent more than 17 years guiding clients through every turn of the Texas real estate landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly our market can shift—and how resilience shows up even after challenging periods. Lately, Texas is offering some encouraging signals: inventory is tightening, which often points to a healthier balance between buyers and sellers. Homebuilders are now seeing their backlogs grow again, a sign that demand is picking up after the recent cooling period that hit Texas early. This, combined with an uptick in job growth, is creating a more supportive environment for those considering their next move—whether buying, selling, or investing. While broader economic pressures remain on the radar, these new trends are worth watching as Texas housing charts its recovery. My goal is always to keep you informed and confident, no matter where you are in your real estate journey.

Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.