From the journal

Jack Lalone

Jack Lalone | November 9, 2026

Homes Are Sitting Longer This Fall

Prices haven't crashed, but the pace has changed. Here's what longer days on market mean if you're buying or selling your first home before the end of the year.

Jack Lalone | November 2, 2026

Hold Off on the New Couch Until Closing

Your offer got accepted and the hard part feels over. One swipe at a furniture store can still push your closing back, so here's what to hold off on until you have keys.

Jack Lalone | October 26, 2026

What a Small Rate Drop Really Saves You

Rates eased a little this fall, and buyers keep asking me if they should wait for more. Here's the payment math on a half point, and why I think waiting is the riskier move.

Jack Lalone | October 19, 2026

Your Inspection Report Is Not a Report Card

Your inspection report shows up at 52 pages with red flags on every other photo, and it feels like the house just failed. It didn't. Here's how I read that report with my buyers, and what's actually worth asking the seller for.

Jack Lalone | October 12, 2026

The Slow Season Is Your Best Shot

My phone gets quieter every October, and that quiet is the most useful thing in the market right now. Here's what it means if you're buying or selling before the end of the year.

Jack Lalone | October 5, 2026

The Ugly Carpet Might Be Your Best Deal

Most first time buyers walk right past the house with the dated bathroom and fall for the one with new floors. Here's why I'd take a second look at the one you skipped.

Jack Lalone | September 28, 2026

Seller Credits Are Back This Quarter

Homes are sitting longer this fall and seller credits are quietly coming back. Here's what that means whether you're buying your first place or selling it.

Jack Lalone | September 26, 2026

Don't Spend Every Dollar on the Down Payment

Hitting 20% down feels like the responsible move. Here's why I'd rather see you keep a real cushion in the bank on move-in day.

Jack Lalone | September 7, 2026

Sellers Are Setting Prices Wrong This Quarter

The market has shifted just enough that pricing strategy matters more than it did six months ago. If you're thinking about listing, this one's for you.

Jack Lalone | August 31, 2026

First Time Buyers Overthink the Perfect Home

You're not looking for a forever home right now. You're looking for a smart first move, and most buyers mix those two things up.

Jack Lalone | August 24, 2026

Inventory Is Climbing and That Changes Everything

More homes are hitting the market than we've seen in a while, and if you're buying or selling for the first time this quarter, that shift matters more than you think.

Jack Lalone | August 17, 2026

First Time Buyers Rush the Pre-Approval

Most first-time buyers get pre-approved once and think they're done. That single step can cost you tens of thousands if you don't shop it around.

Jack Lalone | August 10, 2026

Interest Rates Shifted and Nobody Noticed

Rates dropped a bit recently and most first time buyers didn't even catch it. Here's what that actually means for you this quarter.

Jack Lalone | August 3, 2026

First Time Buyers Waive Inspections Too Easily

Skipping the home inspection feels like a power move. It's not. Here's why I push back on it every time.

Jack Lalone | July 27, 2026

Buyers Have More Room to Breathe Right Now

The pace of the market has shifted this quarter, and if you're buying or selling for the first time, the timing is actually working in your favor for once.

Jack Lalone | July 20, 2026

First Time Buyers Misunderstand Closing Costs

Most first-time buyers budget for the down payment and forget about the other check they'll need to write. Let's talk about it.

Jack Lalone | July 13, 2026

Sellers Are Getting Surprised Right Now

If you're thinking about listing your home for the first time, the feedback loop between list price and actual offers has shifted. Here's what I'm seeing.

Jack Lalone | July 6, 2026

First Time Buyers Skip This Step Constantly

Most first-time buyers think they need to find the perfect house first. But the thing they actually get wrong happens way before that.

Jack Lalone | June 29, 2026

Price Drops Are Showing Up More Now

Homes are sitting longer and sellers are adjusting. If you're a first time buyer or seller, here's what that actually means for you right now.

Jack Lalone | June 22, 2026

You Don't Need to Love the House

First-time buyers keep making the same emotional mistake at the offer stage. Here's what I tell every single one of them.

Jack Lalone | June 15, 2026

Inventory Is Up and That Changes Everything

More homes are hitting the market than we've seen in a while. If you're a first time buyer or thinking about selling, here's what that actually means for you right now.

Jack Lalone | June 9, 2026

Your Pre-Approval Letter Is Already Expired

Most first-time buyers get pre-approved once and forget about it. That little detail can cost you a deal.

Jack Lalone | June 8, 2026

What Q3 Actually Looks Like Right Now

The market's doing some interesting stuff this quarter and if you're thinking about buying or selling for the first time, here's what I'm seeing on the ground.

Jack Lalone | June 1, 2026

Stop Waiting for the Perfect House

Most first-time buyers hold out for a home that checks every single box. Here's why that strategy prolly costs you more than you think.

Jack Lalone | May 25, 2026

What Q3 Actually Looks Like Right Now

The market's shifting a bit this quarter and if you're thinking about buying or selling for the first time, here's what I'm actually seeing out there.

Jack Lalone | May 18, 2026

Stop Obsessing Over the Interest Rate

First time buyers get stuck on one number and it costs them. Here's what I actually think about waiting for the "perfect" rate.

Jack Lalone | May 20, 2026

What Q3 Actually Looks Like Right Now

The market's shifting a bit this quarter and if you're thinking about buying or selling for the first time, here's what I'm seeing on the ground.

Jack Lalone | May 4, 2026

Stop Waiting for the Perfect House

Most first-time buyers make the same mistake, and it's not about money or credit scores. It's about expectations.

Jack Lalone | April 27, 2026

What This Quarter Actually Looks Like for Buyers

The market's shifting a little and if you're thinking about buying or selling for the first time, here's what I'm actually seeing right now.