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Lately, I’ve been hearing a new concern: “Will tariffs derail the housing market?” With headlines swirling and economic forecasts shifting by the day, it’s a fair question.

The truth is, tariffs had been creating some real uncertainty. Materials like lumber, steel, and appliances—key components for new construction and remodeling—saw some price increases, putting pressure on builders and, in some cases, raising concerns about affordability. Even more notably, the uncertainty that all of this creates among consumers can result in a “wait and see” mentality from some buyers and sellers.

But in recent days, the outlook has improved. The U.S. and China are reportedly negotiating a reprieve ...

People often think real estate is all about numbers—prices, interest rates, investment returns. And sure, those things matter. But here’s the truth: real estate is deeply personal. It’s about people, relationships, and trust.

I think of Jan and Don. They retired to Table Rock Lake years ago, excited for the next chapter—boating, relaxing, soaking in lake life. They made memories on the water, hosted grandkids, and enjoyed everything the Ozarks have to offer. But as time passed, their needs changed. A couple of years ago, they called and said, “It’s time to downsize.” They wanted something easier to manage, closer to town.

So we found the right home—low-maintenance, convenient, and just ...

Lately, a lot of people have been wondering—are home prices just way too high? It’s a fair question, especially after the wild market we’ve seen since the pandemic. But here’s the thing: while prices shot up fast, it wasn’t all just a bubble. Sure, ultra-low interest rates and government stimulus fueled demand, but this surge also made up for a decade of sluggish growth after the 2008 financial crisis.

Historically, home values rise about 4% per year on average. After 2008, though, things stalled for a long time. Instead of a smooth climb, prices stayed flat for years, then took off like a rocket post-COVID. In a way, the market was just making up for lost time.

Take Stone and Taney Cou...

Branson's Airbnbs: Boom or Bust?

People have been asking me since 2019 if our market is saturated with short-term rentals. The fact is, based on changing consumer preferences, short-term rentals are here to stay as more people opt for vacation rentals over traditional hotels, drawn by space, privacy, and unique amenities. 

Part of the increase in Airbnb demand is the lack of newer quality hotels in our area. Branson hasn't seen a new hotel built in over a decade, but traveler demand remains steady. The lodging market is shifting, with vacation rentals filling the gap.

While rental revenues are slightly off from their post-COVID peak, short-term rental income remains steady. The market ...