Melissa Tierney, Realtor

09/04/2026

Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

There are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. That means a lot of sellers know they’ll have to compromise a bit to get their house sold, which leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, exactly how much room you have depends on where you’re looking. But more and more markets are trending in favor of buyers, so let’s chat about what’s going on in our area.

Send a DM, and we’ll turn your negotiating power into a set of keys.

09/02/2026

Sellers Outnumber Buyers Right Now

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 

08/31/2026

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/30/2026

“I’ll never be able to afford a home in Santa Barbara.”

I hear this every single week.

So I put together 5 real ways renters are becoming homeowners here — without $1M+ in the bank. Swipe through 👉

Myth: You need $1M+ just to get in the door.
Truth: Buy the 1-bed, not the dream house.

Myth: You have to live in whatever you buy.
Truth: Let a tenant make your mortgage payment.

Myth: Roommates are just a college thing.
Truth: Rent out the rooms, keep the equity.

Myth: You can’t do this without a spouse or partner.
Truth: Buy with friends, split the down payment.

Myth: Your family can’t help until they’re gone.
Truth: Let them help you buy now, not someday.

None of this requires being a millionaire. It requires a plan.

Save this so you have it later. Send it to the friend who keeps saying “I’ll never afford it here” — this one’s for them.

08/28/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.

08/24/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.

08/21/2026

That room was FULL. 🏡✨

Yesterday’s “Retire the Terrible T’s” seminar was everything I hoped it would be — great questions, great energy, and honestly the best kind of Saturday morning.

A few things we covered 👇

🚽 The 5 things every landlord eventually gets tired of (you know the list)

💰 A tax rule most people have NEVER had explained to them — how a property’s cost basis changes completely depending on whether it’s inherited or gifted. Same property, two totally different tax bills.

🔑 Delaware Statutory Trusts — a tool wealthy families have quietly used for decades that most investors have simply never been shown

📈 A real Santa Barbara story: a client who deferred $176K in capital gains taxes and traded tenant phone calls for truly passive income

To everyone who came, asked questions, and stuck around after — thank you. This is exactly why I do this. 🥹

Couldn’t make it? Left with more questions than answers (totally normal)? Let’s talk — I do free, no-obligation Strategy Sessions, in person or over Zoom. Link in bio 📲

08/21/2026

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.

08/19/2026

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.

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.

08/17/2026

You may not want to give up real estate. You may just want to stop managing it.

Join Melissa Tierney on August 20 to discuss The Exit, The Trade and The Offset.

10:30 AM | Maravilla, Santa Barbara.

Reserve your seat → Link in Bio.