Frank & Tracy Murphy, LLC - FTM Realty

09/10/2026

There’s no need to panic, but this is the reality of today’s market. Rates are where they are.
I still talk to people who tell me they’re waiting for mortgage rates to come back down to COVID levels. I understand why. Those rates made buying power look very different than it does today.
But I wouldn’t build a real estate decision around waiting for those rates to return. The crazy-low rates we saw during COVID were the result of extraordinary economic circumstances and probably some irresponsible, short-sighted Fed decisions. If we ever find ourselves back in a situation that requires rates like that again, there will probably be much bigger economic concerns to worry about.
The market has been adjusting ever since. We can debate all day about why rates are where they are, but for someone deciding whether to buy or sell a home, that really doesn’t change the situation in front of us today.
If the only thing keeping you from making a move is waiting for COVID-era mortgage rates to come back, you could be waiting a very long time.
That doesn’t mean everyone should buy right now. Many people should NOT buy right now. Now. It means your decision should be based on your finances, your needs, your timeline, and what makes sense for you in the market we actually have, not the market we had several years ago.

09/10/2026

Data centers are showing up in more communities, and naturally, homeowners and buyers want to know what that could mean for nearby houses.

One of the biggest concerns that comes up is home values. But research from HousingWire found that areas with large data centers generally saw home values track similarly to comparable areas without them.

That doesn't mean proximity never matters. Noise, infrastructure, future development, and potential utility costs are all worth considering.

But a data center nearby isn't automatically bad news for your home's value.

Have one near you or one coming soon? Let’s look at what it could actually mean for your home and your neighborhood.

09/09/2026

The Housing Market Split in 2. Which Side Is Your House On?

Your home's price point is the real story right now, more than anything you're hearing in national headlines. Let's map out exactly where your house fits in this split market and build a pricing strategy that gets you the speed and price you're after.

Ask a couple people how the housing market is doing and you’ll probably get a couple different answers. That’s because right now, the market runs on 2 very different tracks, split by price point.

09/08/2026

Fall Guides for Buying or Selling a Home

The last months of 2026 are here.. The new Fall Guides walk you through what’s ahead, show you what Fall’s market actually looks like, and give you tips on how to make a smart move before the year ends. Get in touch for your free digital copy today.

09/07/2026

First-time buyers, your remote job might give you a homebuying advantage you haven't thought about.

If you can work from anywhere, you can buy just about anywhere, too. And searching in a lower-cost area could mean more homes within your budget. It could also mean spending less on everyday things like gas and groceries after your move.

These states are some of the spots where your money may go the furthest, but they aren't your only options. Every state has pockets with better affordability.

A local agent can match your budget and lifestyle to a shortlist of areas, whether that's a new state or somewhere closer to where you already live. Let's connect and start building yours.

09/06/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.

09/05/2026

👓 Step inside 171 Cranes Cove with me—filmed from my point of view wearing Meta glasses! Experience this beautiful home as if you're right here, walking through each room. 🏡
Here’s what makes this home truly special (and even better on video!):
🌳 The front courtyard is a peaceful retreat—complete with fountains, lush plantings, shade, and the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee. ☕️
🍽️ The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living area under a vaulted ceiling with skylights, filling the space with natural light all day. ✨
💼 The versatile front bedroom is set up as an office and workout space—see how it can fit your lifestyle! 🏋️‍♂️
🌲 Out back, a private deck leads to a boardwalk winding through the pines down to the water—your own slice of nature. 🌊
🎈 Open House Today! Saturday, September 5 | 1:00–4:00 PM. If this walkthrough catches your eye, come see the magic in person—I’m confident you’ll love it!
📍 171 Cranes Cove, Vass (Woodlake)
🌐 171CranesCove.com
📞 910-585-5772

09/05/2026

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.

09/04/2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here's what doesn't change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Let’s have a quick conversation about what's happening in our market and see whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

09/03/2026

Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now.

New homes may actually cost less than an existing home right now. And that’s opening up a window for you to get brand-new for less.

If you want a list of new home communities near you that are currently offering incentives or doing price cuts, let’s connect. That way you have someone in your corner helping you get the best deal possible.

Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards.