Yes — and arguably one of the best times in the past two years. York County prices: +11% Adams County: -4% Carroll County: +4% Interest rates: lower than last year When you factor in prices, rates, and wages, affordability is actually better today than it has been in recent years. How are rising gas prices affecting buyers right now? Right now — they aren’t. If gas prices stay elevated long-term, it could impact affordability. But as of today, we’re not seeing it affect buyer behavior. Are higher living costs slowing down the market? Slightly — but not significantly. We’ve actually seen a surge in activity over the past two weeks, which signals the spring market is heating up. External factors (like global tensions) may create short-term hesitation, but demand is still there. Should buyers wait for rates or prices to come down? Waiting usually costs more than acting. As rates drop → competition increases More competition → higher prices + stronger offers required In our area, prices are unlikely to drop meaningfully due to: Low housing supply Strict building/permitting constraints Other markets may adjust — but Hanover is structurally undersupplied. How do global events impact our local market? Short term: Minimal impact Long term: Higher global instability → higher fuel + goods costs Higher cost of living → people stay in homes longer Result: lower inventory, tighter market Are home prices expected to rise in 2026? Yes — but at a more normal pace. Most projections: +2% to +5% growth We’re shifting from aggressive growth → steady appreciation What matters more — purchase price or monthly payment? Monthly payment. Always. List price is often misleading: A home can be overpriced by $100K and “sell under asking” Another can be underpriced and sell above asking — and still be a deal What matters is: What the home is worth to you What it costs you monthly Are certain areas becoming more popular due to commuting costs? Yes — especially South Hanover and areas closer to the MD/PA line. These locations consistently see: Higher demand Slightly higher price points Strong appeal for Maryland commuters How is limited new construction affecting the market? It’s a factor — but not extreme. Building here is more restrictive than many parts of the U.S. However, we still have ~7 active builders locally This creates: A steady flow of inventory Competitive pricing environment No massive supply spikes What should buyers or sellers do in the next 3–6 months? Get prepared now — don’t wait. Get pre-approved Interview Realtors (don’t just pick one blindly) Get access to accurate MLS-level data And most importantly: Don’t force a deal But be ready to act when the right one shows up My Straight Take This is a steady, opportunity-driven market — not a crash, not a frenzy. The people who win right now are: Prepared Patient Decisive when opportunity hits