"Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving." - Warren Buffett

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Ridgeline Rundown!

Ready to make a move in the new year? Now that Thanksgiving has passed, it's the perfect time to start thinking about your real estate goals. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest, I can help you navigate the market.

As always, I'm here as a no-strings-attached resource for any real estate questions, market insights, or local happenings. Enjoy this week's updates, and reach out anytime!

Mortgage Minute

Despite a slight weakening in the bond market today, mortgage rates dipped to their lowest point in over a month. This is due to a combination of factors: rates are often set based on the previous morning's bond market, which was stronger; lenders only adjust rates in response to significant market fluctuations; and some lenders repriced their rates higher today, offsetting yesterday's improvements. The net effect is a slight decrease in average mortgage rates.

The Insider’s Guide to Real Estate | Tips

Sell Your House During the Winter Sweet Spot

A lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to sell a house. And sure, buyer demand usually picks up at that time of year. But here’s the catch: so does your competition because a lot of people put their homes on the market at the same time.

So, what’s the real advantage of selling your house before spring? It’ll stand out.

Historically, the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the cooler months – and that means buyers have fewer options to choose from.

You can see how that trend played out over the past few years in this data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Each time, the supply of homes for sale dipped during these cooler months. And then, after each winter lull, inventory started to climb as more sellers jumped into the market closer to spring (see graph below):

Here’s why knowing how this trend works gives you an edge. While inventory is higher this year than it‘s been in the last few winters, if you work with an agent to list now, it’ll still be in this year’s sweet spot. So, while other sellers are taking their homes off the market, you can sell before the spring wave of new listings hits, and your house will have a better chance of standing out.

Why wait until spring when you can get ahead of the curve now?

Fewer Listings Also Means More Eyes on Your Home

Another big perk of selling in the winter? The buyers who are looking right now are serious about making a move.

During this season, the window-shopper crowd tends to stay busy with other things, like holiday celebrations, and avoids looking for homes when the weather’s cooler. So, the buyers out looking aren’t casually browsing—they’re motivated, whether it’s because of a job relocation, a lease ending, or some other time-sensitive reason. And those are the types of buyers you want to work with. Investopedia explains:

“. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy.”

Bottom Line

With less competition and serious buyers on the hunt, you’ll be in a great position to sell your house this winter. Connect with a local agent to get the process started.

Featured Listing

Colorado Springs Social Scene

Military News and Updates

Fort Carson Apache helicopter pilots working with Gray Eagle drones amid 'gap' left by Shadow drone divestment

FORT JOHNSON, La. • As drones have flown to the forefront of military planning, some Fort Carson helicopter pilots were getting their first chance to work in coordination with large drones in recent war games here at the Joint Training Readiness Center.

In practicing with the Gray Eagle drones, the Apache helicopter pilots expected to gain insight on their enemy hiding in the densely forested landscape at Fort Johnson. Where Fort Carson’s high desert allows for pilots to see for miles, flying low over the heavy foliage Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ryan Gabrukiewicz, said he couldn’t see beyond a kilometer.

Feel free to reach out with any real estate questions—I’m here to help, no matter the state!

Referrals are the biggest compliment, so send anyone my way. Until next time!