Ever looked at a market update and felt like the silver medalist—so close to the peak that everything now feels like a loss? We unpack why that reaction is normal, how counterfactual thinking warps your view, and what changes when you switch frames. Using a powerful bronze-vs-silver mindset shift, we translate psychology into practical real estate strategy so you can price, negotiate, and time your move with less stress and more confidence.
We start with the facts on the ground: 1,624 single-family homes sold locally in the last 12 months, an uptick of about 10% year over year, while average prices held near $542,000 with only a slight dip. Days on market have stretched to around 60—slow only if you’re still comparing to the pandemic frenzy, and fast if you remember the six-month norms. From there, we get tactical: how to use pre-approval and payment-driven planning to avoid becoming house poor, why condition and pricing alignment matter more than ever for sellers, and how buyers can win with flexibility, clean terms, and realistic comps.
We also dig into who is moving the market. First-time buyers are older, repeat buyers are often cash-rich, and many owners are staying put due to the mortgage lock-in effect—tightening supply and propping up prices. That demographic shift shapes everything from inventory to negotiation power. Along the way, we share a story from the 1914 Christmas Truce as a reminder that perspective and human connection can steady us in uncertain times. Real estate is about more than transactions; it’s about making space for your next chapter with freedom, time, and purpose.
If you’re planning to buy, sell, right-size, or invest, we’d love to help you frame the decision, run the numbers, and move on your terms. Subscribe to the show, share it with a friend who needs some clarity, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Ready to talk through your plan? Call 828-393-0134 or visit realestatebygreg.com.
