If you've been reading the national news lately, you might have seen headlines like:

"Housing Inventory Surges in Many Markets"

"Home Prices Begin to Dip After Years of Growth"

These stories make it sound like the housing market is shifting dramatically -- with more homes for sale and prices starting to slide. But before you apply those headlines to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, here's an important reminder:

What's happening nationally isn't always happening locally.

Our Market Looks Different

In most segments of our local market, we're not seeing a meaningful increase in housing inventory. Supply remains tight, and while home prices aren't rising as quickly as they did in 2021 or 2022, they are still rising in many or most parts of our market.

So why the difference?

Many national headlines are focused on large metro areas -- where prices may have overheated and are now correcting. 

Our local market has remained steadier, likely due to:

• A diverse local economy

• Stable employment from major local employers (JMU, Sentara RMH, Merck, public schools, etc.)

• A continued shortage of housing supply in many price ranges

Could It Change? Sure -- But It Isn't Right Now

No market is completely immune to broader economic trends. But just because you hear about corrections happening elsewhere doesn't mean they're happening here.

If you're trying to make sense of what the market is doing -- whether as a buyer, seller, or homeowner -- the best approach is to look at local data and trends, not national headlines.

And if you'd like to talk through what's happening in your particular neighborhood or price range, I'd be happy to help!