The Housing Market Is on Solid Ground, Even with More Foreclosures Completed foreclosures are up 33% from last year, and that headline is making a lot of people nervous. The data tells a much calmer story. Today’s numbers are still a small fraction of what the market saw during the 2008 crash. And they aren’t flooding the market with homes for sale. Right now, there’s about 4.8 months’ supply of homes for sale, according to the National Association of Realtors. Four to six months is considered balanced. In the years around the crash that ballooned up to 12 months. So why isn’t this turning into a repeat of 2008? Equity. Nearly two in three homeowners have paid off their mortgage or have more than 50% equity. Back in 2010, nearly one in four homes were underwater. Today, just 2% of homeowners are considered seriously underwater. That cushion gives today’s homeowners options if they hit a rough patch, which means far fewer distressed sales. Have other questions about what you’re hearing about the market? Comment below or reach out. Unfortunately, headlines often do more to terrify than clarify. #Foreclosures #HousingMarket #KeepingCurrentMatters

HONORING OUR HEROES – HAPPY VETERANS DAY! Freedom is never free. Today, we honor the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and courageously served to protect the freedoms we enjoy. To every veteran, thank you for your bravery, your sacrifices, and your unwavering commitment to our country. We also recognize the families who stood beside you and shared in those sacrifices. Your service has made a lasting difference, and your dedication will never be forgotten. ❤️ From all of us at The Sherpa Group Team at Real Broker, LLC, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every veteran. Today and every day, we honor you. With respect. With gratitude. With appreciation. #VeteransDay #HonoringOurHeroes #ThankYouForYourService #TheSherpaGroupTeam #RealBrokerLLC #YourSherpaToRealEstat

Low Rates or Lots of Leverage? Buyers Rarely Get Both. Higher mortgage rates come with a perk most buyers miss: negotiating power. Back in 2022, after two years of rates near 3%, 95 of the top 100 metros favored sellers, according to Realtor.com. Bidding wars and offers over asking were everywhere. Now rates are above 7%, and the picture has flipped. Today, 66 of those 100 metros lean toward buyers. And sellers are making deals to prove it. Redfin reports nearly half of buyers now get a concession from the seller, like help with closing costs, money for repairs, or even paying to buy down the mortgage rate. That’s the trade-off: buyers rarely get low rates and leverage at the same time. If rates dropped in a big way, more buyers would jump back in, and that leverage would likely shrink. That doesn’t mean you have to move right now. The right time to buy is when the numbers work for you. But if you’re ready to move, today’s leverage could help make the math more doable than you think. Just remember, every local market is different. Want to see how much negotiating power you’d have in this area? Let’s look at homes where sellers may be open to a rate buydown or closing cost help. #MortgageRates #HomeBuyingTips #KeepingCurrentMatters

🎄💚 THE GRINCH IS COMING TO TOWN! HAVE YOU SAVED YOUR SPOT? 💚🎄 The holiday fun is almost here, and we'd love for you and your family to be part of it! 📸 The Sherpa Group Team at Real Broker, LLC, invites you to our special Client Appreciation Event – Family Photos with the Grinch! Get ready for festive family photos, holiday cheer, laughter, and a little Grinch-inspired mischief! It's our way of saying THANK YOU for being part of our wonderful community. ❤️ 🎄 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Sunday, December 6, 2026 ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 The Price Tree Farm 228 Maple Rd, Lexington, SC 🎁 HAVE YOU REGISTERED YET? If you haven't saved your spot, there's still time! Bring your family, wear your favorite holiday outfits, and get ready to capture some unforgettable Christmas memories. 👉 REGISTER HERE: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflugqvtQz-hFKnJ0FJ4cGyAHcZ96hmBRAr4j_uh3ff6EmG0Q/viewform] And remember… the Grinch might try to steal the spotlight, but we're hoping you'll steal the show! 😉💚 We can't wait to celebrate the season with you! With gratitude, The Sherpa Group Team | Real Broker, LLC #TheSherpaGroupTeam #RealBrokerLLC #YourSherpaToRealEstate #ClientAppreciation #FamilyPhotosWithTheGrinch #HolidayFun #LexingtonSC #Christmas2026 #HolidayMemories

#HousingMarketNews #MortgageRates #KeepingCurrentMatters

🪔 HAPPY DIWALI FROM THE SHERPA GROUP TEAM! 🪔 May the festival of lights bring happiness, prosperity, peace, and new beginnings to you and your loved ones! Diwali is a beautiful reminder that home is where life's brightest moments begin. Whether you're celebrating in your forever home, dreaming of a new home, or planning your next move, we hope this season brings exciting opportunities and wonderful memories your way. 🏡❤️ At The Sherpa Group Team @ Real Broker LLC, we believe every home has a story, and we're grateful for the opportunity to help individuals and families find a place to call their own. Thinking about buying, selling, or exploring your real estate options? Our team is always happy to help you take the next step! Wishing you and your family a bright, beautiful, and prosperous Diwali! Let your dreams shine as brightly as the lights of Diwali! 📩 Connect with The Sherpa Group Team for your real estate needs. #HappyDiwali #FestivalOfLights #SherpaGroupTeam #RealBroker LLC #YourSherpaToRealEstate #RealEstate #HomeSweetHome #NewBeginnings #ColumbiaSCRealEstate #LexingtonSCRealEstate #SouthCarolinaHomes

What Experts Forecast for Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2027 Want to know what’s next for rates and prices? The forecasts are in. And the outlook for the housing market in 2027 comes down to one word: steady. The latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Wells Fargo show mortgage rates holding fairly flat through 2027. No big drop expected. No big spike either. Lenders agree. In a recent HousingWire survey, 70% of mortgage executives said they expect rates to be around 7.5% or higher six months from now. Home prices are on a steady path too. On average, those same forecasts show national prices rising about 1% to 1.5% a year through 2027. So what does that mean for you? If you’re buying, slower price growth gives you a little more breathing room. And instead of waiting on a rate drop that may not come, you can focus on what you can control, like a monthly payment that feels comfortable today. If you’re selling, your house should keep holding its value, which makes it easier to plan your move around your goals and timeline. Just keep in mind, these are national numbers. What’s happening in your neighborhood could look different. Curious what a move could look like at today’s rates and prices? Let’s run the numbers together. #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #KeepingCurrentMatters

HOMEOWNER TIP: IS YOUR HOME READY FOR COOLER WEATHER? November is the perfect time to give your home a little extra attention before winter arrives! A few simple maintenance steps can help protect your investment and keep your home comfortable. Here are 5 things every homeowner should add to their November checklist: 🍁 1. Clean Your Gutters – Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent drainage issues and water damage. 🔥 2. Check Your Heating System – Replace air filters and schedule routine maintenance to keep everything running efficiently. 🚪 3. Seal Doors & Windows – Check for drafts and seal gaps to improve comfort and energy efficiency. 🌳 4. Inspect Trees & Branches – Trim weak or overhanging branches to help protect your home during storms. 🚿 5. Protect Outdoor Faucets – Disconnect garden hoses and protect exposed pipes before freezing temperatures arrive. THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEXT MOVE? Whether you're planning to sell your home, searching for a new place, or simply curious about your home's current market value, having the right real estate team by your side makes a difference. The Sherpa Group Team at Real Broker LLC is here to help you navigate your real estate journey with local knowledge, personalized guidance, and dedicated service. 📲 Thinking about buying or selling in 2026? Let's talk! We'd love to help you plan your next move. 📍 Proudly serving Lexington, Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Blythewood, and the Greater Midlands of South Carolina. The Sherpa Group Team | Real Broker, LLC #TheSherpaGroupTeam #REalBrokerLLC #YourSherpaToRealEstate #HomeownerTips #NovemberHomeMaintenance #LexingtonSCRealEstate #ColumbiaSCRealEstate #MidlandsSC #SouthCarolinaRealEstate #BuyAHome #SellYourHome