There’s been a lot of economic news over the past couple of weeks, and while most of it gets talked about at a national level, some of it actually matters locally here in Sanford.

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A few headlines in particular stood out to me because of how they connect back to real estate, home values, and buyer and seller confidence.

One of the big stories has been around oil and gas prices. More control over supply and additional oil hitting the market could help stabilize gas prices. When energy costs come down or even level off, that tends to help inflation. And when inflation cools, that usually takes some pressure off interest rates over time. It’s not instant, but it matters.

Another piece of news that didn’t get a ton of attention was the trade deficit. Recently, it hit one of the strongest levels we’ve seen in decades. In simple terms, the U.S. is exporting more and importing less. That’s generally a sign of a healthier economy, and a healthier economy brings confidence. Confidence is a big deal in real estate, especially when people are deciding whether to buy, sell, or stay put.

The third headline that really caught my attention was the renewed focus on housing affordability. There’s been talk of significant investment into mortgage-backed bonds with the goal of easing pressure on mortgage rates. Even small improvements in rates or stability can bring buyers and sellers back off the sidelines, especially here in Sanford where demand has stayed relatively strong.

When you zoom out, cheaper energy, stronger economic indicators, and a real push toward affordability all create potential tailwinds for real estate. That doesn’t mean the market suddenly changes overnight, but it does mean there’s opportunity if you understand what’s happening and how it applies locally.

If you’re a homeowner, or you’re thinking about making a move at some point, now is a smart time to get clarity. Not guesses. Not headlines. Actual numbers and an actual strategy based on what’s happening right here in our market.