Marguerite Pate Page

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.



https://mpaterealty.net/

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.

08/20/2026

Own a house with room for multiple generations, with features like an in-law suite or a finished basement with a separate entrance? Buyers are looking for that right now.
These houses tend to get 13.5% more online views than standard homes. They also command a higher list price per square foot – 22% higher, thanks to the extra square footage and special features.
Thinking about moving and want to know what buyers would pay for your house? Reach out and let’s chat about it.



https://mpaterealty.net/

08/19/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 80% of Markets

Still waiting for home prices to come down? That's becoming less likely. Home prices are now rising in 80% of housing markets. That’s up from 71% last quarter. In other words, more markets are seeing prices go up — not down. Before you put your plans on hold, let's look at what's happening in our market. Waiting may not save you as much as you think.



https://mpaterealty.net/

08/18/2026

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?

This market isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you're wondering who has the upper hand where we live, let's talk. I'll show you exactly what the numbers look like in our market – and what strategy gives you the best shot at getting what you want.



https://mpaterealty.net/

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar.

08/17/2026

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.



https://mpaterealty.net/

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.

08/14/2026

Picture it. A getaway that’s all yours, where you’ll build memories with your loved ones year after year. And maybe even retire someday?

A vacation home of your own might be more within reach than you think. Nearly 40% of vacation-home sellers have lowered their asking price recently.

That place you’re imagining? DM, and let’s talk about what’s available there.



https://mpaterealty.net/

08/13/2026

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...



https://mpaterealty.net/

08/12/2026

Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are What They Are Right Now

That’s the trade-off with a narrowing spread. Rates may not be where you want them, but they're better than they could've been. If you want help figuring out what that means for your monthly payment, reach out to a local lender



https://mpaterealty.net/

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while.

08/11/2026

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.



https://mpaterealty.net/

08/10/2026

Repeat buyers, you’ve got a big leg up on your next move.

It’s your equity, the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. Sell, and that equity turns into cash you can roll right into your next down payment.

That’s how a lot of repeat buyers put down 20% or more. But why do they, especially when they don’t necessarily have to?

Because putting more down saves you money in the long run. A bigger down payment means a smaller loan, so your monthly payment is lower and you’re paying less interest over time.

You can also skip private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which is an additional monthly fee required for loans with less than 20% down.

Talk to a trusted lender to figure out what down payment makes the most sense for your budget. And when you’re ready to kick start your move, let’s talk.



https://mpaterealty.net/