🏡 How a Government Shutdown Impacts the Housing Market — And What It Means for You

You may have seen headlines about a government shutdown and wondered: Is the housing market grinding to a halt? 🤔

The short answer: No.

The housing market doesn’t stop. Homes are still being bought and sold, contracts are still being signed, and closings are still happening. While some parts of the process may experience slight delays, the overall market continues to function—and a trusted local expert like Chris Nash with Century 21 Real Estate can help you navigate it smoothly.

⚡ What Typically Happens During a Government Shutdown

When the federal government shuts down, some agencies temporarily close or scale back operations. This can cause minor hiccups in real estate transactions, especially for government-backed loans and insurance:

• FHA, VA, and USDA Loans: These account for about a quarter of all mortgage applications. Agency furloughs can cause processing delays.

“Applicants for FHA, VA, or USDA loans… may encounter significant processing delays due to agency furloughs.” – Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality

• Mortgage Closings: Zillow estimates that more than 2,500 mortgage originations per working day could be delayed during a shutdown.

• Flood Insurance Approvals: The National Flood Insurance Program may pause approvals, which can slow closings in flood zones. 🌊

Even with these challenges, most real estate transactions continue. Buyers keep buying, sellers keep selling, and agents like Chris Nash keep guiding clients through the process.

📈 The Housing Market Usually Bounces Back Fast

History shows that short-term slowdowns from a government shutdown are temporary. During the 35-day shutdown at the end of 2018:

• Existing home sales dipped slightly

• Sales rebounded quickly once the government reopened

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that delayed closings worked their way through the system, and the market recovered without long-term impact.

What this means: Even if your transaction experiences a minor delay, it’s usually a short-term blip—not a deal breaker.

🏠 What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

If you’re currently buying or selling a home, don’t panic. Most deals move forward, even if it takes a few extra days.

“If you’re expecting to close in a week or a month, there could be some slight delay, but for most people, it’s probably going to be a blip more than a real deal killer.” – Jeff Ostrowski, Housing Market Analyst at Bankrate

If you’re just starting your home search, this situation could even work in your favor:

• Less Competition: Some buyers and sellers may pause during uncertain times

• More Negotiation Power: Motivated sellers may be more flexible 💪

• Opportunity for Well-Prepared Buyers: Brief slowdowns can create windows to act strategically

With guidance from a local expert like Chris Nash at Century 21, you can navigate these shifts confidently and find the right home—or the right buyer—without unnecessary stress.

✅ Bottom Line

A government shutdown may cause short-term delays, but it does not derail the housing market. History shows the market rebounds quickly, and opportunities still exist for buyers and sellers alike.

If you’re unsure how a shutdown might affect your plans, or want expert guidance on timing your move, reach out to Chris Nash with Century 21 Real Estate. With local expertise and real-time market insights, Chris can help you navigate any uncertainty and make confident decisions.

📞 Contact Chris Nash today:
Email: cnash@sellzhomez.com

Why Now Could Be the Perfect Time to Restart Your Home Search

If you paused your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now may be the ideal moment to take another look. With more homes on the market, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something buyers haven’t seen in a while: options.

And when it comes to navigating these changes, having a trusted local expert like Chris Nash with Century 21 can make all the difference.

Affordability Is Finally Improving

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, points out that affordability is starting to turn the corner:

“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”

With mortgage rates easing from recent highs and price growth slowing, homes are more affordable than they’ve been in months. That combination is opening the door for buyers who may have felt priced out in recent years.

Working with Chris Nash at Century 21 ensures you understand exactly what you can afford and helps you move quickly when the right opportunity comes along.

More Homes, More Options

One big reason prices are easing? There are more homes on the market. Realtor.com reports that there are 17% more homes for sale today than at this time last year. That means:

• More choices

• Less competition

• A better chance to find a home that truly fits your needs

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), adds:

“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.”

Regional Differences Still Matter

While inventory has increased nationwide, not all markets are experiencing the same recovery.

• South & West: Inventory has fully recovered and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

• Northeast & Midwest: Supply is still slightly below pre-pandemic norms.

Even so, the overall trend is positive: more homes are available, and buyers now have more negotiating power than they did a year or more ago.

With Chris Nash and Century 21, you’ll get guidance specific to your neighborhood and zip code so you can find the homes that truly fit your lifestyle and budget.

Why This Matters for You

If you stepped away from your home search because prices were high, competition was fierce, or the process felt overwhelming, this could be the moment to revisit your options.

And if you’re not ready to jump in yet, that’s okay. Start by planning ahead:

• Work with a trusted agent like Chris Nash to define your budget

• Narrow your search to neighborhoods and homes that fit your needs

• Be prepped and ready when the right home hits the market

Bottom Line

Want to know what’s happening in your local market? Reach out to Chris Nash with Century 21 for a custom overview of available homes and expert guidance tailored to your situation.

This isn’t 2021. This isn’t even 2023 or 2024. The market has changed—and with the right expert by your side, you might be surprised by what you find.

📞 Contact Chris Nash, Century 21 today:
Email:cnash@sellzhomez.com

💡 The Simple Step That Can Help Your Home Sale Go Smoothly

If there were one simple step that could make selling your home easier and more successful, wouldn’t you want to know what it is?

Selling a home involves a lot of moving parts — from the moment your house goes under contract to the day you hand over the keys. And while most deals go off without a hitch, some sellers are running into a common (but preventable) roadblock that can cause buyers to back out.

Here’s the good news: this issue is completely avoidable with a little preparation and the right real estate professional guiding you every step of the way.

That’s where Chris Nash with Century 21 Integrity Group LLC comes in.

📊 Why Some Home Sales Fall Through

According to recent data from Redfin, about 15% of pending home sales are falling through — slightly higher than the 12% average before 2020. That means roughly 1 in 7 deals doesn’t make it to the closing table.

But here’s what surprises many sellers: it’s not buyer financing causing most deals to fall apart. The biggest culprit today is inspection and repair issues.

Here’s why:

• 🏠 Buyers are already stretched thin by high home prices and mortgage rates — unexpected repair costs can be deal-breakers.

• 🔧 Many buyers now prefer move-in ready homes instead of taking on expensive projects.

• 🏡 With more listings on the market, buyers can easily move on if a property feels like too much hassle.

That’s why proactive sellers are taking an extra step that keeps them ahead of these challenges — the pre-listing inspection.

🕵️‍♀️ What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection (and Why It Matters)

A pre-listing inspection is simply a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your home on the market.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it’s worth considering:

“A pre-listing inspection allows sellers to address repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It helps avoid surprises that could cause buyers to back out before closing.”

Think of it as peace of mind in advance. You’ll know what potential issues could arise and have time to fix them or disclose them upfront. This helps your listing stand out as well-maintained and trustworthy — two qualities today’s buyers love.

No surprises. No panic. No lost deals.

💰 Is It Worth the Cost?

Most pre-listing inspections cost just a few hundred dollars — a small price for what could be a huge return. The information it provides is invaluable.

Before scheduling one, connect with Chris Nash, your trusted Fort Atkinson and Jefferson County real estate expert. Chris will help you:

• Prioritize which repairs are worth your time and money

• Connect with reliable local contractors

• Navigate disclosure requirements with confidence

• Strategically position your home to attract the strongest offers

With expert guidance from Century 21 Integrity Group LLC, you can prepare your home the right way — saving time, stress, and potential deal breakers down the road.

✨ The Bottom Line

If one simple step could make your home sale smoother, wouldn’t you take it?

A pre-listing inspection helps ensure your property is ready for the market — and ready to close successfully.

Before listing your home, reach out to Chris Nash with Century 21 Integrity Group LLC to discuss whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your situation.

You’ll gain expert insight, local market knowledge, and the confidence to move forward knowing your home is set up for success.

💡 Why Your Home Equity Still Puts You Way Ahead

If you’ve owned your home for a few years, you may be sitting on a surprising amount of equity — and that’s great news. Even as the housing market shifts and prices cool slightly in some areas, most homeowners remain in an incredibly strong financial position. Your home equity is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools you have, and it’s likely keeping you far ahead of where you think you are.

📈 Understanding How Home Equity Works

Home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you owe on your mortgage. Over the past few years, home values across the country saw record growth — and that surge translated directly into rising homeowner equity.

While prices may have leveled off recently, they haven’t erased the gains made during that rapid appreciation period. In fact, according to national housing data, home prices have risen roughly 45% since 2020, and even where small declines occurred, the overall equity picture remains extremely positive.

In other words, the average homeowner today still holds substantial financial advantage — even compared to just a few years ago.

🏡 Why Your Equity Still Matters — Even if Prices Are Stabilizing

Equity isn’t just a number on paper; it’s an asset that can open doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to sell, upgrade, downsize, or simply improve your current home, that equity gives you flexibility and security.

If you plan to sell, your equity can help cover your next down payment or allow you to move without taking on significant new debt. If you’re staying put, it can be tapped for home improvements, education costs, or long-term investments.

Even in a “cooling” market, most homeowners are far ahead thanks to years of appreciation and consistent mortgage payments. Remember: real estate is a long-term game — and time in the market nearly always beats trying to time the market.

💬 The Bigger Picture: Homeownership Still Builds Wealth

Owning a home remains one of the most reliable paths to financial stability. Each payment you make not only secures your living space — it builds equity, strengthens your net worth, and contributes to your long-term financial future.

So don’t let negative headlines or short-term fluctuations distract you. Your home equity is proof that your investment is paying off, putting you way ahead in the wealth-building race.

✨ Ready to See What Your Home Equity Can Do for You?

Whether you’re curious about your home’s current value or considering your next move, now is the perfect time to connect with a trusted local expert.

Reach out to Chris Nash with Century 21 Integrity Group LLC for a personalized home-equity review and market strategy designed around your goals.

📧 cnash@sellzHomz.com
🌐 Visit Chris online: century21integritygroup.sites.c21.homes

Navigating Today’s Market with Expert Guidance

As you prepare to sell your home, one of your first questions is likely, “How long will this take?” This is understandable; knowing what to expect is crucial.
While every real estate market varies, looking at national trends can provide a helpful baseline. For a more localized perspective, it’s best to consult a local real estate agent who is familiar with your area and can explain current conditions and how they compare to broader trends.
Here’s what a knowledgeable agent can guide you through during your discussion.

Increased Inventory is Impacting Selling Times

Recent data from Realtor.com shows that the number of homes for sale has risen this year. This influx gives buyers more choices, which is beneficial for them, but as a seller, it means your home may stay on the market a bit longer as buyers weigh their options.
In previous years, homes sold quickly due to limited inventory. With more properties available now, it’s natural for the pace of sales to slow slightly. Currently, it takes an average of 55 days from listing to closing, according to Realtor.com.
However, it’s important to note that while homes may not be selling as swiftly as they did last year, they are still moving faster than they did in pre-pandemic years. From 2017 to 2019, homes typically took 60 days or more to sell. Today’s selling process remains quicker than average.
Despite the increased inventory, demand continues to outstrip supply. As NerdWallet points out, “Good homes sell quickly . . .” If your home is appealing and priced appropriately, it can still attract buyers rapidly.

Your Agent Can Make Your Home Stand Out

To facilitate a swift sale, collaborating with a skilled local agent is essential. They will assist you in pricing your home correctly, staging it to highlight its best features, and developing a marketing strategy that attracts potential buyers. Additionally, they will provide valuable insights about your specific market, helping you navigate the selling process smoothly.
While homes may remain on the market slightly longer than before, the right agent and effective strategy can lead to a sale that exceeds your expectations.

Conclusion

If you’re gearing up to sell your home, understanding the timeline is key to planning your next steps. By teaming up with a local expert, you can approach the pricing, marketing, and selling of your home with confidence.