Consumer confidence in the US recently dipped to its lowest point in seven months, even as people felt a bit more positive about current conditions in mid-Q3. The present-conditions index rose by about 7 points to 121, but the expectations gauge dropped roughly 6 points to 68—below the level often associated with recession risk. Early Q3 also saw employers cut 23,000 jobs, and unemployment inched up to around 4%, mainly because fewer people were participating in the labor force rather than because of increased hiring. Despite these shifts, homebuying expectations only eased slightly in mid-Q3 and, in fact, continued to rise. About 61% of people still anticipate interest rates will go higher. With the Federal Reserve keeping rates steady and markets expecting little immediate relief, borrowing costs are likely to remain elevated as we head toward year-end. As someone who guides clients through every facet of buying and selling, I know how important it is to stay informed on these shifts—and to approach each milestone with care and expertise.

We're seeing more homes come onto the market, as demand has started to cool slightly. Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US increased by 0.4% week-over-week, and total homes for sale rose by 0.5%—the highest we've seen since early in the second quarter. At the same time, pending home sales dipped by 1.1% to reach a six-month low, with elevated housing costs keeping many buyers on the sidelines, even though inventory is improving nationwide. The median US home-sale price is now up 1.9% year-over-year, sitting above $400,000, and average mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, close to a 13-month high. With more inventory and softer demand, buyers currently have more room to negotiate on price and concessions in many markets. From experience, homes that have been listed for several weeks often provide the most leverage for buyers, while sellers benefit from realistic pricing rather than holding out for last year’s numbers. My commitment remains to guide you through this changing market thoughtfully and to advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

Luxury home sales across the US can look dramatically different depending on the market. Recent data from a listings platform highlights just how wide-ranging top transactions are, with sales spanning from $3.7M all the way up to a record-breaking $130M. Some standout areas saw their fifth-highest sales still topping $10M, a clear sign of deep luxury pricing in those markets. In one metro, the five biggest sales ranged between $24M and $40M, showing a tighter spread among high-end properties. It’s worth noting these numbers are based on publicly marketed homes and may not include private deals—especially in nondisclosure states, where reported prices often reflect listing amounts. As someone who values precision and attention to detail, I always keep an eye on these trends to better guide my clients through the complexities of the luxury market. Every transaction represents an important milestone, and understanding these nuances is key to advocating for your best interests.

Here’s a quick update on the Southlake, Texas housing market. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, and fewer properties are changing hands. The number of available homes is similar to last year.

In real estate, we often hear about the importance of price stability, but the reality is much more nuanced. Across the US, prices don’t move in unison. When the cost of one thing rises, like tuition or sports tickets, it often means spending—and prices—shift elsewhere. Even as technology gets cheaper and more advanced, essentials or limited experiences like hotel rooms become more expensive. This shows that no central authority, not even the central bank, can guarantee constant price stability. Instead, countless everyday choices and global trends shape what things cost. For those of us guiding clients through major milestones, understanding this ebb and flow is key. A steadier dollar might lead to fewer inflation hedges and help compress prices in some areas, but it could also make unique or scarce goods even pricier. The takeaway for buyers and sellers: price changes aren’t always a sign of trouble. Sometimes, they reflect economic progress and shifting opportunities—a perspective that’s essential as we navigate property decisions together.

International buyers made a significant impact on the Texas real estate market this past year, investing $4.8 billion and purchasing around 7,800 homes. While national transactions slowed, Texas saw a 4% increase in activity—proof of our market’s unique resilience and appeal. The median price paid by foreign buyers was $375,000, representing about 2% of all existing-home sales statewide, which is higher than the national average. It’s fascinating to see where this demand is coming from: about 35% of these buyers hailed from Mexico, followed by India at 14% and China at 9%. Affordability played a major role, with a statewide median price of approximately $334,000, and nearly 60% of international buyers choosing suburb locations. Most preferred detached homes, and about 40% paid in cash. Texas continues to stand out as a top destination, accounting for roughly 12% of all U.S. foreign home purchases, even as some new restrictions have made the process more complex. As someone who guides clients through these significant milestones, it’s always rewarding to see our local market recognized on the global stage.