Mirissa Good's blog

Why 2026 Is a “Preparation Year”

With mortgage rates easing compared to last year, 2026 could finally open the door for buyers who’ve been waiting. But the biggest takeaway from the article isn’t about rates—it’s about readiness.

Homes don’t wait for buyers to “get ready.” The buyers who succeed are the ones who prepared before the right home shows up.

Step 1: Do a Real Financial Check (Before You Browse)

Before looking at listings, it helps to get honest about where your money stands.

Ask yourself:

• How much do I actually have saved?

• What’s...

Source note: This post is inspired by Redfin’s 2026 housing market predictions. The insights below are based on their national data, paired with what I’m seeing and hearing locally here in Lincoln County.

A Market Reset, Not a Market Crash

According to Redfin, 2026 won’t bring dramatic price drops or a sudden boom. Instead, we’re entering what they call a “Great Housing Reset”—a slower, more balanced phase where the market starts to feel more normal again.

That matters, because many buyers and sellers are still waiting for “the perfect moment.” The reality is the market...

Mortgage rates have been moving up and down all year, and that leaves many New Mexico homeowners especially in places like Ruidoso, Roswell, and Las Cruces, wondering whether they should lock their rate now or wait and “float” for something better.

Experts agree on one thing:

The best timing often depends less on predicting the market and more on your personal readiness.

What Locking Your Rate Means

Locking your mortgage rate simply means you’re reserving today’s rate for a set period (usually 15–30 days). If the market jumps tomorrow, your locked rate won’t.

This...

Across the country, more cities are transitioning from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market—giving homebuyers more choices, more negotiating room, and a little less pressure. Realtor.com’s latest data shows that several Western metros, including Denver and Austin, have already crossed into buyer-friendly territory due to rising inventory and slower sales pace.

So what does this mean for us here in New Mexico?

While our market hasn’t made the official “buyer’s market” list yet, we are seeing similar trends:

• More homes staying on the market a bit longer

• Gradual...

When people ask me what I do, I always say "I'm a Realtor" – but honestly, that's just the beginning of my story here in Lincoln County that I’d like to share with you!

Fall in Ruidoso isn’t just about golden aspens and crisp mountain air—it’s also when the real estate market gets exciting! If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy a home in Ruidoso, this season may be your chance.

In Part 1, we talked about why fall is the smart season to buy a home in Ruidoso—balanced inventory, realistic sellers, and motivated buyers. Now, let’s explore price points and how Ruidoso’s lifestyle makes this season even more appealing.

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