Last week we looked back at 2025 and did a results analysis on my 2025 predictions and actually I did a pretty solid job.   This only gives credence to the “sometimes a blind hog finds and acorn” theory, more than it does to my ability to see the future, but regardless I always enjoy making predictions and then seeing how they turn out and it sounds like our readers enjoy them as well.  That being said, lets take a peek into what is going to happen in 2026!!
1.      Overall housing inventory will remain steady. 
I expect to see the current White House administration do something in an attempt to stimulate the housing market, but outside of the “portable mortgage” option, I don’t see much that will move the needle in a meaningful way to impact overall affordability.  You see, interest rates are not the panacea for affordability.  Lower interest rates will help, but to really impact affordabil ...

Happy New Year!  As we enter into 2026, let’s look back at last year’s predictions!  …..some hits and some misses, but to be honest this is one of my better years.  The great Carnac would be proud. Next week we will look ahead, but for this week……its life through the rear-view mirror.  So here we go…….
 
Prediction #1. Prices will at a minimum hold strong, but likely will continue to increase!
This one was a hit!  Prices have held strong for the most part and what we have seen are slight increases across nearly all price points. Overall appreciation was at 2.5% in 2025…..as compared to 2024.  My prediction was 4% appreciation….so pretty close.  
Prediction #2. Interest rates may vary wildly, but will average in the mid 6% range for the year.
With current interest rates at or slightly at 6.25% affordability was still center stage for home buyers in 2025.  Interest rates held ...

Dear Dave,
I’m a veteran thinking about buying my first home, but I’m not sure if a VA loan is really worth it. I’ve heard it can be complicated, and some people say sellers don’t like them. Can you explain how the VA home loan program works and whether it’s a good option right now?
— Chris, Grand Junction

Dear Chris,
First off, thank you for your service—and congratulations on taking the first steps toward homeownership. You’re asking a great question. There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about VA loans, but the truth is, this is one of the best benefits available to veterans and active-duty service members. In today’s market, the advantages of a VA loan are hard to beat.
Let’s look at what makes them special and what to keep in mind as you move forward.

1. The VA Loan Advantage
VA home loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and they exist to make homeownership more accessible ...

Dear Dave,
My husband and I are buying a new construction home and are very excited to build a house we love. We’ve decided on our lot and are about to meet with our builder to decide on some major aspects of the home. Our question for you is—what upgrades should we go for? What holds the most value? High-end finishes vs. larger square footage? I’m sure our builder will also have an opinion, but we’d love to hear what you think as well!
– Becca, Grand Junction

Dear Becca,
First of all—congratulations! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of building a home from the ground up. Having the chance to customize your space and design a home that fits your lifestyle is a unique opportunity, and it’s smart to approach those decisions with an eye on both livability and future resale value.
When it comes to choosing upgrades, start with the basics—your lot and floor plan.
1. Pick the Right Floor Plan
Go for a layout that&rsq ...

Dear Dave,
We’re getting ready to sell our house but know the market is shifting. Someone suggested offering "concessions" to make our listing more attractive. What are concessions exactly, and when does it make sense to offer them?
—Pat & Simone, Grand Junction

Dear Pat & Simone,
Great question—concessions are becoming more common these days, especially as more homes are for sale and buyers get more picky. Before you launch your listing next year, understanding concessions will give you some useful tools to close a deal on favorable terms.
Here’s what you should know, and how to use that knowledge wisely.

What are Concessions?
Concessions are incentives that a seller offers to help sweeten a deal for buyers.
These might include:

Paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs
Covering repairs (or offering credits in their place)
Lowering the sale price in some way to account for things buyers will have to fix or ...