Hello {{ recipient.f_name }},
Today's Market News:
Buyer's Market Continues to Improve
The housing market continues to favor home buyers as 2026 begins. Redfin data for November 2025 found that over 37% more home sellers than buyers were active last November. It's a slight increase from 35.6% more sellers during October 2025, and a major improvement for buyers since late 2024, when there were only 17% more sellers.
Real estate markets are defined as a buyer or seller market when there is at least 10% more within one category than the other. Under this definition, it's been a buyer's market since May 2024. However, it's only a buyer market for those who can afford to buy, and others have backed out because of concerns about economic stability.
Buyers may have more leverage in Austin, Texas, where there are an estimated 114% more sellers than buyers. Other hot buyer markets include Nashville, Tennessee, and Florida's Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Texas and Florida builders have been especially active, which is another factor that's shaping market conditions in these states. In addition, Florida is struggling with a forecast that includes more natural disasters, soaring insurance premiums and rising condo HOA fees. Many who are selling and departing Florida have mentioned these problems as their incentive to leave.1
LinkedIn's Newest Algorithm Explained
Some algorithms are designed to improve our user experience by introducing us to new products and services, whether we're listening to music or scrolling through social media. However, LinkedIn's algorithm uses a different strategy, which is to ensure that their members see more relevant content.
Here are details of LinkedIn's most recent algorithm update, which was introduced last month.
Unlike algorithms that encourage users to view new content — this is described as discovery — LinkedIn's algorithm presents site visitors with content based on their connections, type of business, and opportunities for joining conversations. The algorithm's strategy is to keep members engaged with people and ideas that matter to them.
Each time a LinkedIn member logs in, the algorithm loads the member's current connections, favorite topics, and conversations judged to be more appealing than others. For example, if you've been checking out real estate topics on the site over the past few weeks, you'll see more of these during your next visit.
Working on creating new LinkedIn content? Keep in mind that site visitors will probably see their connections' new posts before others. This means that you'll want to research and compose knowledge-rich content that your connections will share. (Need some help? Check out this guide to LinkedIn content creation.)
In addition to being shared by your connections, LinkedIn's algorithm rewards high-quality posts by extending their reach beyond the creator's network. This means that one or more of your posts could end up viewing viewed by non-connected users, as the algorithm has identified their main interests during previous visits.2
Make CMAs Your Superpower
While some top agents swear by traditional prospecting methods like door-knocking, sending Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports to prospects can be your key to more sales and referrals...especially if they're showing signs of nearing a decision.
Here's why both potential sellers and buyers appreciate these.
Sellers who are undecided about pricing can refer to a recent CMA to determine a competitive, realistic price for their home. They'll also have a much clearer view of the current market conditions in their neighborhood, such as how quickly other homes are selling.
A comprehensive CMA also enables sellers to compare their home's condition and features to others in their area. They can decide whether to carry out repairs or upgrades to make their home more attractive to buyers, or to adjust its price.
Buyers also find CMAs extremely helpful. It enables them to evaluate the seller's asking price and participate in preparing a reasonable initial offer. A well-researched CMA can also identify data that can help them negotiate for a lower price.
While sending CMAs requires more effort than other prospecting strategies, it gives prospects what they really want...accurate, up-to-date information about one of life's biggest financial decisions.3
Provide Would-Be Buyers with The Smarts They're Seeking
Credit agency Experian recently published results of research conducted with renters who expect to be able to buy a home within four years. According to the study, 47% of current renters believe they will be ready to purchase a home within the next four years, with that figure rising to 67% who plan to buy within eight years.
Younger renters, particularly Generation Zers (ages 18 to 29) and Millennials (ages 30 to 45), reported the highest levels of optimism. Nearly 48% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennials said that they expect to be ready to buy a home by 2029. However, their perceived barriers to home ownership were similar to those mentioned in previous years. Saving a down payment was the most common challenge, followed by high property prices.
Buyer education was also mentioned. Renters identified topics where they needed help to prepare for a property purchase. Two of these were a clearer understanding of the type of financing they could qualify for (51%) and improved financial knowledge (38%). Improving their credit scores was another topic.
This year's renters want to strengthen their financial profiles and improve their readiness for the mortgage process. This is where you and I can team up to assist them. Contact me to learn about the educational materials I can provide your buyer prospects.4
Luxury Home Buyers Head to Florida
The most expensive sale was a property on Florida's famed Gordon Drive, which closed at a staggering $133 million. This property is the center parcel of one of the largest beachfront properties in the nation.
Homeowners on smaller budgets didn't do nearly as well, as the typical home in the Sunshine State went down in value by $20,444. That's a 5.1% decline, and the steepest of any state in the nation.
However, a five-year study had better news. A study that analyzed Zillow data from August 2020 through August 2025, reported that the value of an average house in Florida went up by 46.5% during those five years. So, the only buyers actually losing money are those who bought in the last few years.
Data for the 10 most expensive home sales during 2025 included four Florida properties, five in California and one in Hawaii.5
Sources: 1redfin.com, 2buffer.com, 3youtube.com, 4nationalmortgageprofessional.com, 5nationalmortgageprofessional.com
Recent Comments