Headlines say home sales fell sharply in January. We zoom out to reveal what really happened, why Henderson County held steady, and how weather, seasonality, and improving affordability change the picture for buyers and sellers. Along the way, we dig into the real barrier first-time buyers face—upfront cash—and share practical ways families can use home equity responsibly to close down payment gaps without risking retirement.

We walk through current local data: inventory under four months, about 425 active single-family homes, an average price near $541K, and roughly a third of purchases in cash. With rates trending into the fives and seven straight months of better affordability, we see a market recalibrating rather than retreating. Delayed inspections and closings from winter storms likely shifted sales into February and March, aligning with the annual spring rebound we’ve seen year after year.

We also explore a powerful mindset shift inspired by Die With Zero: timing support when it creates the most meaning. The coming $68–$84 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer invites a question—when will help matter most? For many families, a modest, well-structured contribution toward a first home now can change a life’s trajectory, turning rent into equity and uncertainty into stability. Whether help takes the form of a partial gift, a family loan, or covering closing costs, the focus is impact with guardrails: protect retirement, coordinate with advisors, and design a plan that fits your values.

If you’re weighing a move or just want clarity, let’s talk. Subscribe for more local insights, share this episode with someone starting their home journey, and leave a review to help others find the show.