Blog
Tales, Tips & Trends from the Ozarks
Market updates, buyer and seller guides, and local real estate insights from Kathryn Cole in Springfield, Missouri.
Springfield MO Market Updates
2026 Housing Market Outlook
The 2026 housing market is not headed for a crash like 2008. Persistent housing shortages, strong household formation, and tighter lending standards support stable prices. Springfield and the Ozarks remain affordable compared to coastal metros, with modest appreciation expected rather than a bubble burst.
Read article →Local Real Estate News
October 2025 U.S. Housing Market Update
October 2025 brought modest cooling from summer highs but demand remained stronger than a year ago. Median existing home prices held near $411,000 nationally while mortgage rates ticked slightly higher. The Ozarks showed steadier, heartland-style growth compared to fast-moving southern metros.
Read article →Selling a Home
Is Now a Good Time to Sell Your Home in Springfield, MO?
Springfield's housing market has leveled out after rapid price jumps. Median sale prices near $225,000–$236,000 and moderate days on market suggest a balanced market for well-prepared sellers. The right time to sell depends on your equity, next-home plans, and pricing strategy — not headlines alone.
Read article →Springfield MO Market Updates
What Will 2026 Bring in the Springfield, MO Housing Market?
Springfield home values in 2026 are expected to rise modestly — around 2–4% — as inventory stays tight but improves slightly. Mortgage rates, job growth, and new construction will shape affordability. The Ozarks remain attractive for first-time buyers and relocators compared to larger Missouri metros.
Read article →Home Buying Tips
Two Homes Under $200k in the Ozarks
Homes under $200,000 in the Ozarks are increasingly hard to find as prices have risen. When sub-$200k listings appear, they move quickly. Kathryn Cole helps buyers set alerts, get pre-approved, and act fast when the right affordable home hits the market.
Read article →real estate
What Is Seller's Agency?
Seller's agency is a written agreement where a Realtor® represents the seller in a transaction. The listing agent owes fiduciary duties to the seller — honest advice, effective marketing, and negotiation aimed at the seller's goals — in exchange for a commission typically paid at closing.
Read article →real estate
What Is Buyer's Agency?
Buyer's agency is a written agreement where a Realtor® represents the buyer. The buyer's agent owes fiduciary duties — honest advice, negotiation, and confidentiality — while helping find the right property, write offers, and navigate inspections and closing.
Read article →Home Buying Tips
FHA Rehab Loans (Fixer-Upper Financing)
An FHA rehab loan (203(k)) lets borrowers finance both the purchase or refinance of a home and the cost of repairs in one mortgage. The standard 203(k) covers major renovations; the limited 203(k) covers smaller projects. Kathryn Cole connects buyers with lenders experienced in 203(k) financing.
Read article →home equity
Tap Into Your Home's Equity Using a HELOC
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by your home equity. Lenders set a credit limit based on appraised value minus your mortgage balance. You draw funds during a draw period, then repay principal and interest during the repayment period — often at a variable rate.
Read article →
Ready to make a move in the Ozarks?
Whether you are buying your first home, selling to move up, or just curious what your home is worth, Kathryn Cole is ready to help. Reach out today — she responds quickly.