Hickory Area Happenings!

Had the pleasure of meeting one of the most forward-thinking and successful real estate agents of the modern time, Ryan Serhant, this week at a next-level training with his team.

I believe home is the foundation of life. It’s where you recharge, where family gathers, where memories are built.

For a retiree, “home” might mean a smaller place with less upkeep and more freedom to travel. For a relocating family, “home” means a safe community with good schools. For someone selling an estate, “home” represents years of love and history.

That’s why buying or selling is such an emotional journey. And that’s why I treat every client’s move with care. Because it’s never just a house—it’s home.

?? CTA: What does “home” mean to you? Share your thoughts with me—and if you’re ready to find your next one in Catawba Valley, let’s talk.

One of the biggest myths I hear from buyers in Hickory is: “I can’t buy a house until I have 20% down.”

Here’s the truth:

FHA loans may require as little as 3.5% down.
VA loans (for veterans) can require 0% down.
USDA loans (available in parts of Catawba County) also allow 0% down.
North Carolina programs offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers.

Waiting to save up 20% can keep you out of the market unnecessarily. With interest rates and housing prices moving, getting in sooner could save you money long-term.

?? CTA: Wondering what programs you qualify for? Let’s schedule a call and explore your options.

Sheree Byrd, Realtor®

There comes a time in life when the walls around us begin to feel a little different. The rooms that once echoed with laughter, family dinners, and the shuffle of busy mornings may now feel quieter—sometimes too quiet. For many retirees, the idea of downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller space. It’s about facing memories, change, and the very meaning of what “home” really is.

Downsizing isn’t easy, and it’s not simply about square footage. It’s about asking ourselves tender questions:

Will I feel like I’m leaving behind a part of my story?
Will a smaller home still feel like “mine”?
What if I let go of too much?

These thoughts are deeply human, and they often stir up feelings of loss, uncertainty, or even guilt. After all, the family home can carry decades of milestones—baby steps, holiday traditions, and handwritten marks on the doorframe showing just how tall the kids grew. Letting go of that can feel like letting go of a piece of yourself.

But here’s another truth: downsizing can also mean creating space for a new chapter. For some, it’s freedom from maintenance and yard work. For others, it’s about having more time, energy, and resources to focus on health, family, or travel. And for many, it’s simply about choosing a home that feels right for this season of life, rather than holding onto one that fit a season long past.

It’s okay to feel conflicted. It’s okay to hold both gratitude for what has been and curiosity about what lies ahead. Downsizing is not about giving up—it’s about reshaping life to fit your present and future needs.

If you find yourself standing at this crossroads, know this: you are not alone. Thousands of retirees wrestle with these same feelings every day. The choice is not about “less”—it’s about what matters most.

Sometimes, home isn’t defined by the number of rooms, but by the peace, comfort, and joy it gives you each day.

Sheree Byrd, Realtor®

After years of suppressed supply, U.S. housing inventory is seeing a significant boost. As of July 2025, active home listings rose nearly 25% year-over-year—the 21st straight month of growth—bringing national inventory above 1 million for the third month in a row. States like Nevada (+52.9%), Maryland (+48.2%), and North Carolina are leading the surge New York Post.

Yet, despite more choices, affordability remains the market’s most pressing challenge. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 25% of buyers cite housing affordability as their top concern, followed by hopes for lower mortgage rates (19%) and lingering inventory shortages (17%) National Association of REALTORS®. Mortgage rates for 15-year loans could dip to around 5.5% in late 2025—but prices are still climbing, making timing decisions tricky Ramsey Solutions+1.

2. A Market Tilt Toward Moderate Regional Growth

National home values are inching upward—home prices have seen modest gains of around 2–3% year-over-year HouseCanaryHAR.com. Still, growth isn’t evenly distributed. Smaller and more affordable markets—like Brunswick, GA (up 7.1%), Grand Island, NE (6.3%), and Glens Falls, NY (5.9%)—are outperforming many larger urban areas HouseCanary. At the same time, once-booming markets in Florida are cooling sharply, placing among the coldest in 2025, as rising property taxes and insurance costs dampen buyer enthusiasm Business Insider. Homes are also spending more time on the market in cities like Nashville, Orlando, Miami, and Tucson New York Post.

3. A Window of Opportunity on the Horizon

Experts now see the U.S. housing market in a “post-rate-cut opportunity” phase. A combination of easing mortgage rates, shifting investor behavior—including renewed bets from the likes of Warren Buffett—and adjustments in macroeconomic policy are creating potential openings for strategic investors AInvest. Meanwhile, projections for the market remain steady; analysts foresee house prices possibly growing but at a slower rate than before Norada Real EstateAInvest.

4. Premiums Persist in Top School Districts

While broader trends show moderation, homes in high-rated school districts continue to command hefty premiums—on average $1.21 million, or 135% above regional medians. Areas like Texas’s Carroll Independent School District ($2.16M, +391%), Laguna Beach Unified in California (~~$5M, +322%), and Reed Union near San Francisco (~~$4M) exemplify this trend New York Post. For families chasing education access, these markets remain fiercely competitive.

What It Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

Buyer’s Brief:

Where to look? Smaller cities and mid-size markets may offer more growth potential and affordability.
Choose your moment: More inventory and softening competition are giving buyers leverage—especially in previously overheated markets.
Mind the premiums: Top school zones still come with deep price tags. If school proximity isn’t a must, consider exploring nearby alternatives.

Seller’s Snapshot:

Set smart expectations: Slower sales and price adjustments are becoming more common, especially in South and West metros.
Highlight what matters: If your home boasts access to great schools, good mortgage terms, or energy-efficient upgrades, promoting those features can help differentiate.

Investor’s Insight:

Watch for the rate shift: If the Fed lowers rates in Q3, refinancing and acquisition opportunities may open up.
Eye growing markets: Investors looking for yield or growth may find better value in emerging markets outside coastal centers.

Final Thoughts

2025 is shaping up to be a nuanced housing year. The market is easing—but not crashing—thanks to rising inventory, persistent affordability strains, and shifting demand toward more affordable, often overlooked regions. Meanwhile, pockets of resilience like top school districts and rate-sensitive zones still command attention. Layer in the potential boost from expected mortgage rate cuts, and you’ve got a market that’s moving away from pandemic extremes toward a more considered and strategic landscape.

Let me know if you'd like a deeper dive into any of these trends—whether it’s regional snapshots, financing forecasts, or how proptech and AI are reshaping real estate dynamics.

Sheree Byrd, Realtor®

When people think of retiring in North Carolina, they often picture coastal towns or mountain retreats. But there’s a hidden gem right in the Catawba Valley: Downtown Hickory.

Here’s why retirees are choosing Hickory as their new home:

Walkability – You can enjoy restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and the Hickory Farmers Market all on foot.
Healthcare Access – Excellent healthcare facilities are nearby, an important factor for retirees.
Community Vibe – Downtown Hickory offers concerts, festivals, and community events that make it easy to feel connected.
Affordability – Compared to larger cities, Hickory offers lower housing costs without sacrificing amenities.

I’ve worked with several retirees who chose downtown living because it keeps them active and connected. They love the blend of convenience and charm.

Curious about homes or condos in Downtown Hickory? Let’s schedule a tour together and explore what retirement living here could look like for you.

Sheree Byrd, Realtor®, Faith Parker Properties

828-391-9535; info@shereebyrdrealtor.com

Ever heard the word “contingency” and wondered what it really means? ?? It’s just a fancy way of saying “this deal depends on X, Y, or Z happening first.” Whether it’s financing, inspections, or another key detail, contingencies are there to protect you. I’ll walk you through every step so nothing catches you by surprise! Ready to get started?

#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #househunting #a072125 #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #investment #happyhomeowners #dreamhome

The 3-month (partial) reprieve on tariffs between US and China sparked joy for the stock market, but saw the bond market sell off.

All this crazy volatility reminds me how nice it is to own a home: no daily investment stress & powerful long-term wealth creation.

Hope you enjoy my update on national and local real estate!

https://www.listreports.com/share/shareables/social?sid=U7pPu4CJN

#housingmarket #realestatenews #housingmarketupdates #realestatemarket #mortgage #realestate #whatsupwithrealestate

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”

But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead:

What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now?

Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?

If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it’s not immediate, it’s worth thinking about your timeline.

Because even a year or two can make a big difference in what your next home might cost you.

What the Experts Say About Home Prices over the Next 5 Years

Each quarter, Fannie Mae asks more than 100 housing market experts to weigh in on where they project home prices are headed. And the consensus is clear. Home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029 (see graph below):

While those projections aren’t calling for big increases each year, it's still an increase. And sure, some markets may see flatter prices or slower growth, or even slight dips in the short term. But look further out. In the long run, prices almost always rise. And over the next 5 years, the anticipated increase – however slight – will add up fast.

Here’s an example. Let's say you'll be looking to buy a roughly $400,000 house when you move. If you wait and move 5 years from now, based on these expert projections, it could cost nearly $80,000 more than it would now (see graph below):

That means the longer you wait, the more your future home will cost you.

If you know a move is likely in your future, it may make sense to really think about your timeline. You certainly don't have to move now. But financially, it may still be worth having a conversation about your options before prices inch higher. Because while rates are expected to come down, it’s not by much. And if you’re holding out in hopes we’ll see the return of 3% rates, experts agree it’s just not in the cards (see graph below):

So, the question really isn’t: “why would I move?” It’s: “when should I?” – because when you see the real numbers, waiting may not be the savings strategy you thought it was. And that’s the best conversation you can have with your trusted agent right now.

Bottom Line

Keeping that low mortgage rate is smart – until it starts holding you back.

If a move is likely on the horizon for you, even if it’s a few years down the line, it’s worth thinking through the numbers now, so you can plan ahead.

What other price point do you want to see these numbers for? Let’s have that conversation, so I can show you how the math adds up. That way, you can make an informed decision about your timeline.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

This home is built for high energy efficiency with ICF (Insulated Concrete Form walls) with concrete finish on the exterior. The front entrance stairway leads to main level large 2 story great room, open dining room, kitchen and 2 bedrooms. Kitchen is loaded with custom cabinets & silestone tops. Laundry on main has built-in cabinets and desk work area.  Upper level has an open loft for sitting area. Spacious master bedroom has sitting area which leads to walk out balcony to enjoy views of the lake. Master bath has jetted tub, separate shower, dual sinks, large walk-in closet. Second bedroom upper level also has a balcony. Basement includes bedroom or office, full bath, workshop & triple garage. Hardwood flooring throughout except kitchen, bathrooms & laundry with ceramic tile, spot lighting, central vac, security system, screened porch & patio area. Many more features throughout this custom home. HVAC multi-zoned replaced 1 unit in 2012 and 1 in 2014.

Located in Olivers Landing   269 Players Ridge Rd  Hickory, NC 28601
Call 828-612-9826 today for your tour.

Click on the link to below to view this home.

269 Players Ridge Rd Hickory, NC

Hickory Area Happenings!

Serhant Training

Why Home Is More Than Four Walls

Busting The 20% Down Myth

When "Home" Feels Too Big: The Heart of Downsizing in Retirement

The U.S. Housing Market in Transition: Trends & Takeaways for 2025

2. A Market Tilt Toward Moderate Regional Growth

3. A Window of Opportunity on the Horizon

4. Premiums Persist in Top School Districts

What It Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

Buyer’s Brief:

Seller’s Snapshot:

Investor’s Insight:

Final Thoughts

Why Retirees Love Downtown Hickory

What is a contingency?

Weekly Market Update

Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?

What the Experts Say About Home Prices over the Next 5 Years

Bottom Line

269 Players Ridge Rd Hickory, NC

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