A fresh start, a smart plan, and a calm kind of confidence for 2026
If you’re anything like me, New Year’s isn’t just a holiday—it’s a reset button.
It’s that quiet window where we all start looking at our lives a little more clearly: what’s working, what needs simplifying, and what we want more of this year (more ease? more space? more sunlight? more time near the people we love?).
In real estate, that mindset matters. Because buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a lifestyle decision. And the best decisions happen when you’re informed, unhurried, and supported by someone who knows how to protect your time, your privacy, and your money.
So as we step into 2026, here are a few grounded, real-world insights—and a simple plan—whether you’re thinking about making a move in Lake Minnetonka, along the South Florida coast, or you’re just curious about what this year could bring.
What I’m watching as we head into 2026
Luxury real estate rarely moves in one dramatic direction—it shifts based on timing, inventory, and buyer behavior. And right now, a few themes are consistently showing up in conversations with clients:
1) Preparation is the new power move.
The homes that stand out aren’t always the biggest—they’re the most intentional. Thoughtful updates, clean design choices, and strong presentation are still the difference between “sits” and “sold.”
2) Buyers are decisive… but selective.
When something feels right and priced correctly, it moves. When it doesn’t, buyers wait. In a market like this, strategy matters more than ever.
3) Lifestyle is leading the decision.
I’m seeing people prioritize walkability, water, wellness, privacy, space for guests, and “daily joy” amenities—saunas, gyms, golf simulators, dock access, outdoor kitchens, and truly livable floorplans.
If selling is on your radar this year
Even if you’re not ready today, New Year is the perfect time to get a plan in place—because the best launches don’t start with a sign in the yard. They start with clarity.
Here’s my simple “calm and confident” seller roadmap:
Step 1: A realistic pricing conversation
Not a guess. Not a neighbor’s opinion. A strategy based on real comps, buyer behavior, and what your home will compete against.
Step 2: Prep priorities that actually matter
Not everything needs to be renovated. I’ll help you identify the 2–5 items that create the biggest return (and skip the noise).
Step 3: Presentation + marketing that feels elevated
Luxury marketing should be clean, intentional, and beautiful—without being cheesy. The goal is simple: make your home feel like the obvious choice.
Step 4: Timing the market to your advantage
Whether you want to list in winter, spring, or later in the year, we’ll build a timeline that fits your life—not the other way around.
If buying is part of your 2026 vision
If you’re planning to buy this year—especially in competitive pockets of Minnesota or Florida—preparation makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
A few ways to start smart:
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Get clear on your “non-negotiables” vs. “nice-to-haves.”
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Understand your true monthly comfort zone, not just what you qualify for.
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Build a plan for winning a home you love—without overpaying or rushing.
And if you’re relocating, buying a second home, or splitting time between states, I can help you think through timing, taxes, and the lifestyle fit—so you’re not making decisions based on pressure or guesswork.
A personal note as we start the year
I’m incredibly grateful for the clients, referrals, friends, and community that make this work meaningful. Real estate can be loud, chaotic, and overly salesy—and that’s never been my style.
My goal is to make your experience feel:
clear, protected, well-paced, and quietly exceptional.
If 2026 is the year you want to:
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explore a move without pressure
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understand what your home could sell for (and what it would take to get top dollar)
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buy a home that feels like you
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or simply get a plan in place for “sometime this year”
…reach out. I’m always happy to talk through options, even if you’re months away.
Here’s to a new year with more intention, more peace, and more homes that truly fit the life you’re building.
Happy New Year.
Mark
