Michael Boerner, Realtor at HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum

06/17/2026

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts are saying.

If you're trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let's connect. That way you understand what's happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.

One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.

06/17/2026

The era of the "fantasy listing price" is officially coming to an end. 🛑📋

Sellers are finally adapting to today's mid-6% interest rate environment. They are realizing that if they overprice a home, it will sit on the market, grow stale, and force a steep price correction later.

What this means for our Lake County market:
1. Less Back-and-Forth
2. Quality Rules the Day
3. The Power of the Inspection

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for prices to correct, the market is giving you a green light to start looking safely again.

06/16/2026

Even though you may be hearing talk about prices crashing online, it’s not true nationally. While some areas are seeing slight declines, prices are still going up in 71% of markets. That means the majority are seeing prices rise, not fall. So, don’t believe everything you hear online. If you want the truth, lean on the pros.

06/15/2026

If affordability has been your top concern, the recent dip in prices is an opening. Want to see what that looks like in our area? Let’s connect.

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news.

06/15/2026

The 20-Minute Budget Hack

The best real estate deals aren't found by waiting—they’re found by exploring. 🚗💨

When affordability feels tight, most buyers think they only have two choices: compromise on the quality of the house, or pause their move entirely. But there is a third option that smart buyers are using right now: The Radius Shift.

By expanding your search just a bit further out into the growing communities of Lake and Geauga Counties, the financial picture changes instantly.

Why the outer-ring strategy is paying off locally:
1. The Price-per-Square-Foot Advantage
2. Property Tax Relief
3. Room to Breathe

If you have remote work flexibility, a hybrid schedule, or simply don't mind a slightly longer weekend drive to your favorite spots, driving until you qualify isn't a compromise. It’s a massive lifestyle upgrade.

06/12/2026

Cutting Through the Inflation Noise

Inflation is moving, but that doesn't mean your life has to stand still. 🛑📊

If you’re watching the news, it’s easy to get discouraged. Stubborn inflation means the Fed is holding interest rates steady, and mortgage rates are sticking in the mid-6s for the foreseeable future.

But "harder to afford" does not mean "the market is crashing." The structural foundation of the housing market in Northeast Ohio is completely solid.

If a major life change—a new baby, a retirement downsize, or a job shift—is making your current home unworkable, waiting for a "perfect market" that doesn’t exist is just keeping you stuck.

06/12/2026

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.

06/11/2026

Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down."

06/10/2026

The mid-year numbers are in, and the 2026 housing market script just got rewritten. 📝📉
If you feel like the market has been unpredictable lately, you aren’t alone. Even the top economists at NAR, Zillow, and Fannie Mae just had to adjust their expectations for the second half of 2026.

Originally, experts predicted falling interest rates would spark a massive home-buying surge this year. Instead, stubborn inflation and economic uncertainty kept mortgage rates hovering right around **6.59%**. Because of this, national sales projections cooled from 4.5 million down to 4.2 million units.

The market didn't break; it just found its footing in a higher-rate environment. Success right now comes down to local data, not national headlines.

Buying, selling, renovating, or building a home can be overwhelming. I bring clarity to the real estate process, so you can move with more confidence.

06/10/2026

Moving this Summer, and not sure where to start? The new Summer Guides for buying or selling a home have your answers. For your free digital copy, let’s connect.