Home Services by Tish Charles

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Home Services by Tish Charles Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate Sales, Home Financing. Serving the state of California. Real Estate Agent

10/12/2026

New Homes Offer Better Value Nationwide
Lately, I’ve been guiding more clients toward new construction homes—and for good reason. Across the country, builders are offering compelling incentives and price reductions that often outshine what’s available in the resale market. With many homeowners staying put due to existing mortgage rates, the inventory of previously owned homes remains tight. That limited supply makes new builds stand out, especially for buyers weighing costs and flexibility.

In areas where construction is booming, we’re seeing real improvement in affordability. More choices mean builders are actively competing for your attention—with perks like mortgage rate buydowns and other buyer-friendly benefits. It’s a reminder: if you’re searching for a home, comparing new and resale options can really open doors.

Just keep in mind, these opportunities may not last. If permitting slows and building tapers off, affordability gains could fade. Supporting continued construction and streamlined local policies is key to keeping choices open for buyers. With my background in lending and property management, I’m always watching these shifts to help clients unlock the best possibilities in today’s market.

10/11/2026

Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day

Homebuyers: Lending Standards Are Still Tight, but New Credit Scores May HelpAfter 15 years in real estate, I’ve seen ho...
10/11/2026

Homebuyers: Lending Standards Are Still Tight, but New Credit Scores May Help
After 15 years in real estate, I’ve seen how lending standards shape the path to homeownership. Right now, home sales are hovering near a 31-year low, with strict lending requirements, high mortgage rates, and rising costs making it tough for many to get the keys to their new home. There’s some movement—new credit scoring models that factor in rent and utilities are emerging, which could help more buyers qualify. Yet, it’s clear that many low-income and minority buyers still find themselves on the outside looking in, even as their actual delinquency and default rates remain low. Navigating these challenges takes a real understanding of the full picture, and I’m committed to helping each client explore every possible door to homeownership.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tish-charles/2079092-Homebuyers%3A-Lending-Standards-Are-Still-Tight%2C-but-New-Credi

Gen Z buyers lead every generation on affordability trade-offsHaving spent over 15 years helping clients navigate the re...
10/10/2026

Gen Z buyers lead every generation on affordability trade-offs
Having spent over 15 years helping clients navigate the real estate landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how each generation approaches homeownership differently. Recent findings show Gen Z buyers are leading the way in flexibility—they’re more open than any other age group to cutting back on spending or choosing smaller homes just to get their foot in the door. Canadians, in particular, are embracing this willingness to downsize, while British buyers are holding out for more space. For those considering a move or a first-time purchase, understanding these trends can offer a new perspective on what’s truly important in the path to owning a home. My background in lending and property management has shown me that adaptability often opens up new possibilities, and Gen Z’s approach is a great reminder of that.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tish-charles/2092125-Gen-Z-buyers-lead-every-generation-on-affordability-trade-of

California's median rent jumped from $452 to $2,036 over the past 40 years, analysis findsOver the past 40 years, Califo...
10/09/2026

California's median rent jumped from $452 to $2,036 over the past 40 years, analysis finds
Over the past 40 years, California’s median rent has climbed dramatically—from $452 to $2,036. That means rent now takes up 24% of the median income, reshaping the way many of us approach our finances and even our daily commutes. As someone who’s worked across real estate, lending, and property management, I see firsthand how these rising costs impact families and individuals trying to find their footing. Solutions like expanding housing, preserving affordable units, and supporting tenant protections are all part of the bigger picture. Guiding buyers and sellers through these changing times is about more than just closing deals—it’s about unlocking new possibilities in a challenging landscape.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tish-charles/2101178-California%27s-median-rent-jumped-from-%24452-to-%242%2C036-over-the

10/08/2026

The Housing Market Is Getting More Expensive to Wait Out
As someone who's spent over 15 years helping clients navigate the twists and turns of real estate, I know firsthand that timing your home purchase is always a balancing act. Lately, I've seen higher borrowing costs making it more expensive for buyers to wait on the sidelines—if you hold off and rates stay elevated, your future monthly payments could actually increase. Home prices aren’t dropping fast enough to make up the difference, so waiting for a deal doesn’t always add up to real savings. That said, there are still negotiating opportunities out there, especially in areas where inventory has grown and sellers are eager to stand out. From my experience in lending and property management, it’s clear that deciding to wait shouldn’t be about interest rates alone. It’s about weighing the full cost—financing, price, and your leverage in negotiations. Every situation is unique, and my role is to help you unlock the right possibilities for your next move.

10/07/2026

Bargain Hunting With Rates Above 7%
With mortgage rates holding above 7%, affordability is front and center for many buyers considering their next move. I’ve seen firsthand how market shifts—like recent increases in Treasury yields—can quickly change the landscape for those planning to purchase. One smart strategy I often recommend: build in a rate cushion as you plan ahead. According to a recent study, buyers might want to anticipate a half-point increase within 3 months, three-quarters by 6 months, and up to a full point by the end of the year.

Timing can make a difference: buyers who waited until early Q4 typically found homes around 5% cheaper than those bought in late Q2, with less competition and more room to negotiate. In fact, with about a 5-month supply on the market last month, buyers were able to negotiate not just on price, but often on closing costs, discount points, or even temporary rate buydowns.

For those still on the sidelines, it’s true that the market is watching the Fed closely as more tightening is priced in. However, the long game is still about easing inflation, which could bring some relief for mortgage rates down the line. With my background in real estate, lending, and property management, I’m always looking for ways to help clients navigate these shifts and unlock the right possibilities for their next chapter.

10/06/2026

Bay Area Apartment Demand Draws More Investor Capital
In the Bay Area, apartment demand continues to capture investor attention—San Francisco and San Jose just reached impressive multifamily occupancy rates of 97.6% and 97.4%. Rents are also on the rise, up 10.6% in San Francisco and 6.1% in San Jose. With new construction limited and AI-fueled demand driving even more interest, it’s no surprise that both sales and rent growth are accelerating. Having spent over 15 years in Bay Area real estate, I’ve seen firsthand how market shifts like these present both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers. My lending and property management experience helps me guide clients as we navigate these dynamic changes together—unlocking possibilities every step of the way.

10/05/2026

Seller Concessions Reach a New US Peak
Seller concessions have truly reached new heights this year. In the latest rolling 3-month period ending Mid-Q3, about 45% of US home sales involved sellers offering concessions—the highest mid-year figure since 2020. That’s up from roughly 43% a year ago, a clear sign that buyers are gaining more leverage as inventory rises and competition cools. These concessions aren’t just price cuts—they include help with repairs, closing costs, and mortgage-rate buydowns, giving buyers more ways to make a purchase work. I’ve seen firsthand how sellers are stepping up with closing-cost credits and rate buydowns, shifting the negotiation landscape and allowing for more flexible deals. For those keeping track, about 16% of homes sold in Mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession—another creative approach to lowering entry costs. As someone with both real estate and lending experience, I know how these evolving strategies can unlock new opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.

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Castro Valley, CA
94552

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