Why a “Messy” Market Is Actually Your Secret Advantage
According to recent Redfin reports, pending home sales fell 6% this winter as many would-be buyers opted to sit out the slow season. Simultaneously, a record number of purchase agreements (nearly one in seven) fell through in January, marking the highest cancellation rate ever recorded for that month.
Economists are calling it the “Great Housing Reset.” This period involves a slow return to “normal” where US sellers now outnumber buyers by nearly 44%. For the first time in years, the “picky buyer” has returned and that’s great news for you. Buyers are using this newfound leverage to walk away from deals that do not meet their exact standards for condition or price.
Why Deals are Falling Out of Escrow
The record-breaking cancellation rates represent a strategic shift. In a market with higher inventory and more days on market, buyers have the freedom to prioritize inspection issues or appraisal gaps. When a property fails to measure up or when economic uncertainty creates financial jitters, buyers exercise their right to exit and move on to the next option.
A Message From Debbie
I have spent the last 25 years helping families in Massachusetts navigate every kind of market cycle. This current landscape rewards patience and expert strategy.
Your secret advantage in this market is the power of the second chance. The headlines talk about people walking away because clients finally have the breathing room to make the right choice rather than a fast choice.
For my buyers, this shift means we can use the high cancellation rate as leverage to negotiate buyer-friendly advantages like better inspections and push for significant seller concessions. We can find those hidden gems that came back to the market and secure them for less.
Whether you have questions about how economic headlines affect your qualification or you want to know if current rates still make sense for your budget, I am here to provide the clarity you need. Let’s sit down and look at the actual numbers for your specific city or town so you can make your next move with total confidence.
If you’re planning to start your homebuying journey in 2026, please reach out. I’ll help you get prepped and positioned so you can move quickly and confidently to find your dream home.
Home Improver: Check for Ice Dams During the Warmup
Surviving the “False Spring” Shift
The forecast shows a sudden warmup just a week after our record-breaking blizzard. While the sight of melting snow feels like a sign of spring, Massachusetts homeowners know this is often just a brief break before “second winter” arrives. This rapid temperature swing creates specific risks for your home, particularly regarding ice dams and frozen pipes.
Preventing Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when heat escapes through your roof and melts the bottom layer of snow. This water runs down to the cold eaves and freezes, creating a barrier that forces liquid water under your shingles and into your walls.
You can prevent this damage by keeping your gutters clear of debris and using a roof rake to remove snow from the first few feet of your roof line. Ensuring your attic has proper ventilation and insulation is the most effective long-term solution. These steps keep the roof temperature consistent and prevent the melt-and-freeze cycle from starting.
Protecting Your Pipes
Frozen pipes remain a threat during these fluctuating temperatures. Pipes located in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls are the most vulnerable to the “flash freeze” that occurs when the temperature drops again after a thaw.
You can protect your plumbing by wrapping exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape. During extreme cold snaps, let a faucet connected to an exterior wall drip slowly to keep water moving. Opening cabinet doors under sinks allows warm air from your home to reach the plumbing. These small adjustments can prevent the massive headache of a burst pipe and the resulting water damage.
Preparation for the Next Round
The current thaw is the best time to inspect your home for vulnerabilities. Check your basement for new cracks and ensure your sump pump is in working order to handle the snowmelt. Taking these actions now keeps your home the dry, safe sanctuary needed when the next winter storm inevitably hits. I don’t mean to sound negative about the winter. I’m just following the groundhog’s prediction.