Mortgage rates are staying stubbornly close to 7%, and that means affordability continues to be a challenge for many in our communities. Unless we see inflation cool enough to shift the Federal Reserve’s direction, these higher rates could stick around through the end of the year. Ongoing inflation and the possibility of another Fed rate hike could even nudge borrowing costs higher, while wider mortgage-backed securities (MBS) spreads add extra pressure. For anyone looking to buy, sell, invest, or refinance—especially here in Canton, Greater Boston, and across Massachusetts—today’s rate environment is the reality to plan around. Any future relief in rates will depend on several factors aligning: sustained progress on inflation, steadier long-term yields, positive signals from the Fed, and improved MBS spreads. As always, my focus is on helping clients navigate these complex conditions to achieve their real estate goals—whether you’re settling into your first home, making a move, or expanding your portfolio.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

I've been closely watching negotiation trends in our market, and here’s something worth noting: in the rolling 3-month period ending Mid-Q3, about 45% of home sales across the U.S. involved sellers offering concessions—the highest share for this time of year since at least 2020. That’s up from roughly 43% a year ago, reflecting how increased inventory and lighter competition have given buyers more room to negotiate. Concessions these days often mean assistance with repairs, closing costs, or even mortgage-rate buydowns, providing buyers with more ways to lower their total purchase costs than just price reductions. Sellers are adapting, too—more frequently offering closing-cost credits and rate buydowns, which is changing the dynamics of negotiations and giving buyers greater flexibility in structuring deals. Nationally, around 16% of homes sold in Mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a seller concession, making it a bit easier for buyers to manage upfront costs. As someone who helps clients navigate both residential and commercial real estate in Canton, Greater Boston, and throughout Massachusetts, I know how important it is to stay on top of these evolving trends to help you reach your goals.

If you’re looking to make a move in 2026, timing can make all the difference. According to recent projections, the week of September 27 to October 3 stands out as a prime window for homebuyers. During this stretch, buyers could benefit from a robust selection of listings—active inventory may be up 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than the average week. That means more choices for you across the board. Even better, listing prices are projected to sit about 3.5% below their seasonal high—roughly $14,000 in potential savings on a median-priced home around $416,000. Competition is also expected to ease, running 30.1% lower than the yearly peak, and homes may spend about 64 days on the market, giving buyers more breathing room to consider their options. As someone who guides clients through the Greater Boston and Massachusetts real estate landscape, I always keep a close eye on these trends to help you find the right opportunity—whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or seeking the perfect investment. If you’re considering a move in the coming years, this fall window could offer a balanced blend of inventory, price, and flexibility.

When you walk into a beautifully staged home, it’s easy to be swept away by the décor and ambiance. But as someone who guides home buyers throughout Canton, Greater Boston, and across Massachusetts, I always encourage clients to look a little deeper. Presentation is just one piece of the puzzle. Take time to examine the home’s overall condition—is it well-maintained beneath the surface? Small details often reveal lasting value and can set one property apart from another. Don’t forget the neighborhood’s role in your decision. Explore the surrounding area, check out local development, and note any new businesses popping up—these signs often point to a community on the rise. My goal is to help you weigh both the big picture and the finer points, so you can make truly informed decisions as you find the right place to call home.

September’s housing trends offer some clear signals for anyone navigating the Massachusetts market right now. Pending home sales have finally turned slightly negative year-over-year after eight months of steady gains, a shift that reflects how rising borrowing costs are starting to tap the brakes on buyer activity. We’re seeing contract signings ease, homes taking about 60 days to sell, and mortgage rates drifting from roughly 6% in late Q1 to the high-6% range at present. For buyers, there’s a bit more leverage than earlier this year: the median list price has dipped to $424,500, price cuts now affect around 20% of listings, delistings are down compared to last year, and active inventory is up by about 4%. Still, national inventory remains about 11% below what we’d expect in a typical pre-pandemic year, illustrating that supply is tight even as some buyers pause. As someone who tracks both local and broader market signals—especially here in Greater Boston and Canton—I’m watching how sellers adjust pricing strategies, what’s happening with delistings, and whether we’ll see regional differences continue to shrink as everyone adapts to this firmer rate environment.

Here's a quick update on the Canton, MA housing market. Homes are selling at a steady pace, with more properties changing hands than before. The number of homes for sale remains consistent, and prices are holding steady.