Starter-home market cools, buyers gain leverage

I've been keeping a close eye on the starter-home market, and lately, things have shifted: more affordable listings are popping up, price cuts are happening, and those wild bidding wars are starting to cool off. The result? Sales in the starter-home segment have dipped by 5.4%. Meanwhile, luxury sales actually climbed 6.2%. High mortgage rates—right around 6.8%—are still making homeownership a stretch for many, but for buyers, there's finally a little breathing room and less competition to worry about. For my fellow VA buyers and military families in Duval County, this means there are new opportunities (and fewer headaches) as you look for your next place. Having helped over 100 families find the right fit, I know how important timing and leverage are—especially when the market shifts in your favor.