By Paul Andres Domenech
Every new year brings the same familiar question every Realtor hears: “So… how’s the market looking?”
For some people, the answer feels negative. Yet very often, the problem is not truly the market itself. The real difference is attitude and expectation. When expectations don’t line up with affordability and availability, frustration grows. When attitude aligns with reality and strategy, opportunity shows up.
The word that continues to define today’s market is affordability. The key question for a seller is simple: Is your home being priced in alignment with the buyers currently searching? When price meets reality, homes move. When price ignores reality, homes sit.
Real estate is fair in a unique way. If you sell for more in a strong market, you often pay more when you buy. If you buy at a discount, you likely sold at one too. Some people do catch amazing timing, but that usually comes from staying prepared, patient and engaged, not guessing perfectly. Good things happen to people who stay ready.
What to Expect Heading into Spring
Many people held off during the holidays and will now enter the market at once. That means competition will increase. Homes that didn’t sell last year normally weren’t victims of a “bad market.” More often they were misaligned on price, presentation, or strategy. Look closely at what is currently not selling; that tells the truth about buyer behavior.
The properties that did sell were the desirable ones. They were priced right, well-prepared, or offered value in location, upgrades, or lifestyle. It is rarely just “seasonal.” It’s about value that matches today’s buyer.
Time on market also has a cost. Every extra month adds stress, mortgage interest, upkeep, utilities, and missed opportunity. Sometimes giving the buyer a slight advantage saves far more than waiting.
For Buyers
Be ready. The best homes still move fast, and sellers know spring brings activity. Have lending prepared and be willing to act when you see the right fit. Look at comparable properties and write your best offer the first time. Early in the year, multiple offers are common on desirable homes. Avoid the regret of saying, “I wish I would have gone higher.”
And most of all, keep faith and a positive mindset. If you lose a home after doing your best, something better is ahead. We worry most where we trust least, move forward with confidence.
For Expired Listings
If your listing expired last year, it is not over. Regroup, reset, and recharge. Treat the property as a fresh listing in a fresh market. Review whether you had a real pricing and marketing strategy or simply “listed and hoped.” Identify the moment momentum stopped, and be honest about whether decisions were data-driven or emotional.
Sometimes the best plan is simple: start again, new photos, new presentation, new price alignment. There is a buyer for every home when strategy, price, and attitude all match.
The Bottom Line
Attitude is not everything, but it is the difference maker. With professional guidance comes competence. With competence comes confidence. And confidence shapes the attitude that attracts success.
Let’s make 2026 a year of movement, clarity, and action. The market doesn’t control us.
We lead it.
Visit Thedomenechgroup.com, contact me directly at 850-543-1418, Paul@thedomenechgroup.com or contact a trusted real estate advisor.
