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,
We’re getting ready to list our home but keep seeing that some houses in Grand Junction sell in a weekend while others sit for months. What actually makes the difference between a fast sale and one that struggles to find a buyer?
— Jan & Lisa

Dear Jan & Lisa,
That’s one of the best questions any seller can ask—because the answer usually determines how smooth (or stressful) your sale will be. There’s  a clear pattern between homes that move quickly and those that linger. Let’s walk through the biggest factors that separate the two—and what you can do right now to hopefully land in the “sold fast” group.

1. The Right Price Is Everything
The number-one reason homes sit on the market is simple: they’re priced too high. It’s natural for sellers to want top dollar, but buyers today are incredibly price-aware and savvy. They have instant access to comparable sales, marke ...

Dear Dave,
We’re planning to sell our home in the next year, and we’re trying to figure out what matters most as we get ready. We’ve heard about staging and updates, but if we only focus on a few things (because time and budget are real), what rooms really move the needle for buyers?
— Laura & Simon, Grand Junction

Dear Laura & Simon,
Great question!  There are a handful of rooms that consistently stand out in terms of buyer impact. So let’s walk through them—and I’ll tell you how to apply this here in Grand Junction.

Top Rooms to Focus On - Based on what buyer-agents report:

Living Room
Primary (Master) Bedroom
Kitchen

These are the rooms where buyers spend the most time (in person or in their minds), and where staging or condition make the biggest difference. Homes where these areas feel welcoming, functional, and move-in ready tend to sell faster and for moremoney  This also allows you to be strategic w ...