Bridal Registry Program & Kathy Ziemke RE/MAX Advantage Plus

08/30/2026

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.

08/28/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.

08/28/2026

Do you know how the minimum payment on your credit card is calculated?

To avoid late fees and a possible increase in your credit card interest rate, make at least the mini...

08/23/2026

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?

Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbor's place sold for. What your house is actually worth today.

If you're like most people, it's been years. And that number is worth a second look, especially now because it also tells you how much equity you have.

Data shows homeowners have an average of about $311k of equity today. That’s six figures. Once you sell, you can use that to put more money down or even buy your next house in cash.

So, today’s rates and prices may not be holding you back as much as you think.

If you're even thinking about what's next, let's talk. I’d be happy to do a free equity assessment and show you exactly what you're working with.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

-UpHomebuyer

08/21/2026

Higher Rates Could Actually Help Housing Supply – Here’s How.

The number of homes for sale is growing slowly but surely, and that means more options for your move. Want to see what’s available in our area? Reach out, and let's take a look together.

You may have heard the number of homes for sale isn’t growing like it was. And maybe that has you worried you won’t find a home you love when it’s time to make your move.

08/21/2026

Pass along the financial lessons you've learned to the younger generations.

Teaching children manners and how to tie their shoes is one thing, but financial lessons are often p...

08/19/2026

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can't find in a standard one. That's what gets attention. And offers. So, let’s chat about what it could get you in our market right now.

That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house.

08/16/2026

Mortgage rates aren’t random. They’re affected by 2 numbers.

The 10-year treasury yield and something called "the spread." That's the gap between the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates, and it usually sits around 1.76 percentage points.

Back in 2023, the gap in the spread ballooned up to 3.19 in response to economic uncertainty. If it were still that wide today, rates would be pushing almost 8%.

But the good news is the gap has narrowed to 2.01 (a lot closer to the long-term norm). And that’s a big positive for rates. It’s why today’s mortgage rate is in the upper 6s instead of touching 8%.

Here's the part a lot of people miss. Where rates are right now are already pretty close to what a totally normal spread would produce – a mortgage rate around 6.5%.

In other words, the fact that the spread has narrowed in recent years has helped mortgage rates. Sure, they’re still higher than you may want, but it could be worse.

Wondering if...

08/14/2026

The Getaway You’ve Always Wanted Could Be Within Reach

Picture a vacation home of your own. Somewhere to get away whenever you need to. Where you’ll build memories with the people you love, year after year. And maybe even where you’ll retire someday. That getaway may cost less than you think – more than 37% of vacation-home sellers have cut their asking price recently. Ready to see what’s available? Let’s connect.

08/14/2026

Do you have a dark room that you'd love to lighten up? These tips can help.

Do you have a room in your house that always seems dark no matter what? Perhaps it’s due to lo...