Twyla Rist with Access KC, Compass Realty Group

10/29/2026

Rates are up. Here’s what I’m actually telling my buyers right now. 👀

Don’t panic. Don’t rush. Get your real numbers, shop your rate, and keep an eye out, because fewer buyers can mean better deals.

Your rate depends on your credit, down payment, and lender, so talk to a licensed loan officer about your options.

Thinking about buying? DM me “RATES” and let’s make a plan.

10/29/2026

Daily Market News

Don't Let the Fear of a Buyer Backing Out Scare You Away from Selling

What if you finally get an offer on your house... and then the buyer backs out?
It's every seller's nightmare. And with headlines about canceled contracts on the rise, it's a concern worth talking about.

But here's what those headlines aren't telling you: 85–90% of home sales still make it to closing.

And there's more good news. You can actually take steps to protect your sale before your house even hits the market.

According to a Redfin survey, 70% of agents say inspection or repair issues are a reason buyers back out. That's the biggest reason reported, by far.

So, what's one smart move you can make?

Consider getting a pre-listing inspection. It could help you spot potential problems early, decide what to fix, and avoid surprises that might send a buyer running.

And that's just one piece of the puzzle. The right preparation, pricing, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.

Selling your house doesn't have to feel like a gamble. A little preparation can give you a much stronger start.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let's talk about how to set your sale up for success.



Want to know more about what’s going on in this current market? Give me a call at 913-269-0929.

10/28/2026

It never feels like work when a first-time buyer cries in the driveway.

Happy tears. I still tear up too.

You forget, doing this every day, that for them it's not just a transaction. It's years of saving, waiting, wondering if it would ever actually happen — and then it does, and it hits all at once, standing in a driveway that's suddenly theirs.

Those are the moments that remind me why I do this. Not the paperwork, not the negotiations, not the late-night calls. This.

If you're saving for your first home and wondering if it's even possible right now — let's talk. I'd love to help you get to your own driveway moment.

10/28/2026

Daily Market News

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

More than 1 in 4 homes are being bought with cash right now. But here's something that might surprise you about who's buying them.

It's not just wealthy investors swooping in with deep pockets.

A lot of these cash buyers are everyday homeowners who've built up serious equity over the years. And that equity is giving them more buying power than they may have ever imagined.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $310,000 in equity.

Think about what that could mean for your next move.

You might have enough equity to buy your next home outright. No mortgage payment. No worrying about today's interest rates.

And even if you can't pay all cash, that equity could help you borrow significantly less.

But what if you're buying with a mortgage?

Here's some good news: Nearly 3 out of 4 homebuyers are still using financing. You're actually in the majority.

So don't let the headlines about cash buyers make you second-guess what's possible for you. Whether you're buying your first home or using equity to make your next move, there may be more opportunities than you think.

Wondering how you stack up in today's market? Send me a message. Let's talk about your options.



Want to know more about what’s going on in this current market? Give me a call at 913-269-0929.

10/26/2026

When the holidays become your biggest party, you need a layout that handles the crowd and the cooking. Open‑plan kitchens, seamless flow to the dining room, and a guest suite that feels like a retreat are the sweet spots I keep on my radar.

10/26/2026

Daily Market News

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.



Want to know more about what’s going on in this current market? Give me a call at 913-269-0929.

10/26/2026

Here are 5 questions to ask before you hire one:

How many homes did you close last year? Not "how long have you been licensed" — actual transactions, this year.
What's your average list-to-sale price ratio? This tells you whether their clients tend to leave money on the table or actually get what the home is worth.

What happens if my house doesn't sell in 30 days? Their answer tells you if they have an actual strategy or just a listing and a prayer.

Can I talk to your last two clients? Not a testimonial they picked — ask to choose which ones you talk to.

Who's actually showing up to my showings and negotiations — you, or your team? A lot of "top agents" hand off the parts that matter most.

None of this is about finding the agent with the most followers. It's about finding the one who actually gets deals done.

If you're interviewing agents right now, feel free to ask me these same five questions. I'll give you real answers.

10/23/2026

Daily Market News

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today



Want to know more about what’s going on in this current market? Give me a call at 913-269-0929.

10/23/2026

This is the question that tells me if a buyer's actually ready, or just looking.

It's not "what's your budget" or "how many bedrooms." Those answers are easy to give and don't tell me much.

The real question is: "What happens if we don't find something in the next few months?"

Buyers who are actually ready have an answer. Maybe it's a lease ending, a growing family, a life change that's already in motion. There's a reason behind the timeline, and they know what it is.

Buyers who are just looking usually pause. Not because they're not serious people — just because there's no real pressure behind the search yet. And that's okay. It just means we're at a different stage.

Neither answer is wrong. But knowing which one I'm working with changes everything about how I help you.

If you're not sure which one you are, that's a good place to start the conversation.

10/22/2026

Daily Market News

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.



Want to know more about what’s going on in this current market? Give me a call at 913-269-0929.

Selling your house is a big step, and you want it to go smoothly. And with houses taking a little longer to sell these days, renting it out might start to sound like a nice backup plan.