by Tammy Murphy | Feb 12, 2026 | BLOG, Buyers, Current Events, Investor Relations, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Sellers
While National Sales Slowed in January… Dayton Started 2026 Strong
January 2026 housing data is a tale of two markets.
Nationally, the numbers came in softer than expected. Existing-home sales declined 8.4% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million. Month-over-month and year-over-year sales fell across all regions.
Economists pointed to unusually cold temperatures and above-normal precipitation as likely contributors, making it difficult to determine whether January’s dip reflects broader economic forces or simply weather-related delays.
However, there is an important national takeaway: affordability has been improving for several consecutive months, and homeowners continue to build long-term equity and wealth.
So while transaction counts were lower nationally, the fundamentals are stabilizing.
And then there’s Ohio.
Ohio Outperformed — And So Did Dayton
After attending our State Winter Conference and hearing the national economic review firsthand, one statement stood out:
“Ohio outperformed the national average by 6.9% in 2025.”
That strength carried right into January.
According to Dayton-area MLS data, our local market told a very different story:
And it gets even stronger.
Sales Volume
Pricing Strength
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Average sale price: $276,169 (up 2.5%)
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Median sale price: $237,500 (up 3%)
Inventory Growth
And remember — this happened during one of the coldest January stretches in recent years.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers in Dayton
While national headlines highlight slowing sales, Dayton demonstrated:
✔ Stable demand
✔ Healthy appreciation
✔ Increasing listing activity
✔ Balanced inventory growth
This is not a stagnant market.
This is a steady, functioning, resilient one.
Affordability is gradually improving due to wage growth and slightly lower mortgage rates. Combine that with Ohio’s relative price point, and our region continues to be positioned as a value-driven market with long-term upside.
The Bigger Picture
National media often focuses on slowdown, price corrections, or interest rates.
But real estate is hyper-local.
And locally?
Dayton began 2026 with:
That tells a very different story than the national narrative.
If you’re watching the market — whether as a homeowner, buyer, investor, or simply someone who cares about local economic strength — January shows that our region remains notably strong.
And that’s something worth paying attention to. Want an even more micro-view on your neighborhood activity? Tammy is happy to pull the specific data for you 🙂
by Tammy Murphy | Feb 10, 2026 | Buyers, Current Events, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
🏡 A New Way for Ohio Buyers to Build Their Down Payment Faster
If you’ve been watching the market and thinking, “I’m close… but I need a little more saved,” this new statewide program may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Ohio has launched a savings initiative designed to help residents grow their down payment funds more efficiently through participating banks and credit unions. Instead of a standard savings account earning minimal interest, qualified buyers can take advantage of enhanced earnings while they prepare to purchase.
In today’s environment — where purchase prices and interest rates require thoughtful planning — structured savings can make a real difference.
Why This Is Important for Buyers
One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership isn’t monthly affordability — it’s the upfront cash needed for:
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Down payment
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Closing costs
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Prepaid escrows
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Moving expenses
We regularly meet buyers who are financially responsible, gainfully employed, and fully ready for ownership — but they need more time to strengthen their savings.
This new Ohio program creates:
✔ A disciplined savings pathway
✔ Potential interest advantages
✔ Possible state tax benefits
✔ A defined timeline to move from “thinking about it” to “ready to buy”
And when you combine smart saving with proper pre-approval planning, the buying process becomes much more strategic.
What Buyers Should Know
The program is designed for Ohio residents preparing to purchase a primary residence in Ohio. Funds are intended specifically for down payment and closing cost use.
There are minimum and maximum balance guidelines and a five-year usage window — so this isn’t just a savings account, it’s a goal-oriented one.
Participating financial institutions are already enrolling eligible applicants, and additional banks and credit unions are expected to join.
(We’ve linked directly to the official Ohio Treasurer page here for full details and enrollment information.)
The Bigger Picture
Programs like this signal something important:
Ohio wants to strengthen homeownership.
And that aligns directly with what we believe at RH2L — homeownership builds stability, equity, and long-term opportunity for families and communities.
If you’re:
• Renting but considering ownership
• Planning a move within the next 1–3 years
• Helping a child or grandchild buy their first home
• Or simply unsure what your buying power looks like
Now is a great time to create a strategy.
Let’s Build a Plan — Not Just a Wish
Saving is one part of the journey. Understanding credit, debt-to-income, loan options, and local market trends is the other.
If you’d like a customized homebuyer readiness conversation — no pressure, just information — I’d love to help you map out your next steps.
Because “almost ready” is often closer than you think. ❤️🏡
by Tammy Murphy | Jan 2, 2026 | BLOG, Current Events, GLOBAL, Investor Relations, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
🏡 Dayton Housing Market Update: November 2025
Sales Ease Seasonally While Prices Continue to Rise
As we moved deeper into fall, the Dayton housing market showed a familiar seasonal pattern in November — slower sales activity paired with continued price strength. According to the latest data from Dayton REALTORS®, buyer demand softened modestly, but home values remained firmly on an upward trajectory.
📉 Fewer Sales, Stable Dollar Volume
November recorded 1,049 closed sales, down 6.8% compared to November 2024. Despite fewer transactions, the total dollar volume reached $312 million, essentially flat year-over-year.
This balance between fewer sales and steady volume highlights an important trend: homes are selling for more, even as activity slows.
💰 Prices Continue to Appreciate
Home values remained strong throughout November:
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Average sale price: $297,596 (+7.5%)
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Median sale price: $259,900 (+4%)
These gains reinforce what we’ve seen all year — Dayton remains a market where homeownership continues to build equity, even amid changing market conditions.
🏠 Inventory Grows, Market Becomes More Balanced
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New listings: 1,169 (down 2.7% from last year)
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Active inventory: 2,518 homes available
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Months of supply: 2.4 months, up from 1.9 months last November
While still firmly a seller’s market, the increase in inventory and supply suggests a slight shift toward balance, offering buyers a bit more breathing room than earlier in the year.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
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Sellers: Prices remain strong, and homes continue to sell close to list price. Proper pricing and presentation still matter greatly.
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Buyers: Increased inventory and a more balanced pace provide opportunity — especially for those prepared and working with a local expert.
As we approach the close of 2025, the Dayton market reflects stability, sustainability, and long-term value rather than the extremes seen in recent years.
by Tammy Murphy | Dec 9, 2025 | Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News
When you’re preparing to buy a home in the Dayton region, choosing the best local mortgage lenders in Dayton Ohio is one of the most important early steps. Getting pre-approved not only strengthens your position as a buyer—it also helps you compare loan programs, rates, and fees to ensure you’re choosing the lender that’s truly the best fit for you.
Because of this, we encourage buyers to speak with 2–3 lenders as they begin the process. Comparing options helps ensure you get the best interest rate, lowest fees, strongest loan program, and highest level of service—all of which impact your financial future for years.
Are you a ?
• New buyers looking for a trusted starting point
• First-time buyers unsure which lender or program best fits
• Current homeowners interested in refinancing, lowering monthly payments, or exploring home equity options
No matter your situation, the right lending partner makes a meaningful difference.
- Justin Williams — Guild Mortgage, Loan Officer NMLS #2030668 Office: 937-367-8197 [email protected]
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Drew Huggins — CrossCountry Mortgage, Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #428025 Direct #: 937-641-8974 [email protected]
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Ben Milam — Guaranteed Rate, SVP / Branch Manager, NMLS #191897 Direct#: 630-364-7523 [email protected]
Why We Update Lender Recommendations Regularly
Real estate is always moving, and so is the lending market. It’s common for lenders to:
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Transition to new mortgage companies
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Gain access to improved or specialized loan programs
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Update phone numbers, email addresses, or office locations
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Offer new products such as first-time buyer grants, renovation loans, HELOCs, or refinancing opportunities
Because these changes can directly affect your financing options, we regularly refresh the lenders we recommend. These professionals have consistently delivered excellent communication, reliable service, and successful results for our clients.
Why Working With Local Mortgage Lenders in Dayton Ohio Matters
Your mortgage isn’t just an approval—it’s a long-term financial commitment. Taking the time now to compare lenders helps you understand differences in:
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Interest rates and loan terms
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Closing costs and fee structures
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Available programs based on income, down payment, credit score, or property type
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Personal service and communication speed
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Flexibility during underwriting and closing
While large national online lenders may offer quick approvals, we consistently see better outcomes—stronger offers, fewer delays, and smoother closings—with local lenders who provide personalized support and real-time communication.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re:
…your lender plays an essential role in the process.
Market conditions evolve, programs change, and your financial needs shift. Having trusted, current, and local lender options ensures you’re positioned to make the best decisions for your future.
If you’re ready to explore your buying power or want guidance on refinancing or equity solutions, we’re here to help you navigate every step with confidence.
by Tammy Murphy | Nov 8, 2025 | BLOG, Commercial Properties, For Rent, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Property Management, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, RENTAL, Spring Valley
New Listing Spotlight: A Lease Opportunity That’s Truly One-of-a-Kind
I don’t always send out blog updates like this, but when a space as special as this comes along, I know it’s worth sharing — not just as a real estate opportunity, but as a moment where historic charm meets modern-day flexibility.
Let me introduce you to 1 W Main Street in Spring Valley, OH — a newly renovated, mixed-use lease property that’s truly unlike anything else in the region.
A Home with History — and a Vision for What’s Next
This two-story brick beauty was originally built in the 1850s, and it’s been lovingly refreshed with new windows, fresh paint, updated kitchen and baths, and energy-efficient upgrades — all while maintaining the charm of its original black walnut staircase, high ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. SEE MORE DETAILS HERE
But what really sets it apart is this:
You can LIVE, WORK, and RELAX all in the same space.
Yes, it’s zoned for both residential and commercial use — opening the door for a variety of unique tenant possibilities.
Who This Might Be Perfect For:
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A traveling nurse looking for quiet, character-rich short-term housing
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An entrepreneur ready to launch a boutique, gallery, or therapy studio downstairs while living upstairs
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Someone looking to host creative workshops or events in a charming small-town setting
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A small business owner needing office visibility and walkable foot traffic
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Or even a couple just wanting to live in a home that feels like something from a storybook
Here’s How You Can Help
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Know someone looking for a unique rental or flexible space? Please forward this!
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Interested yourself? Reach out and let’s talk about what might be possible.
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Want to share this opportunity with your online community? I’d be so grateful.
You can learn more at RH2L.com or email me directly at [email protected].
Let’s find the perfect fit for this one-of-a-kind space. Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s someone you know. Either way, thank you for helping me continue to match Real Homes to Love with amazing people across our community. 😉
by Tammy Murphy | Oct 26, 2025 | BLOG, GLOBAL, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
Dayton Real Estate Market Heats Up: Strong September Shows Double-Digit Growth
The Dayton housing market is showing impressive strength this fall — with home sales, prices, and listings all on the rise. According to the latest report from Dayton REALTORS®, the region’s September sales volume surged to $386 million, marking a 17.7% increase compared to September 2024.
More Homes Sold — At Higher Prices
Dayton REALTORS® reported 1,328 closed transactions in September, up 10% year-over-year, signaling steady buyer confidence despite market shifts earlier in the year.
Prices also continued their upward climb:
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Average sale price: $291,145 (up 6%)
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Median sale price: $251,514 (up 8%)
These price gains reinforce that buyer demand remains strong, and Dayton continues to be an affordable yet appreciating market for homeowners and investors alike.
Year-to-Date Numbers Hold Strong
Through the first nine months of 2025, 10,995 properties have sold across the Miami Valley — only 0.4% below last year’s pace. Yet total sales volume rose 5.4% to $3.2 billion, reflecting higher property values and strong market fundamentals.
The average sale price year-to-date sits at $294,434 (a 5.8% increase), while the median price reached $255,000 (up 6.2%). These gains show continued upward momentum, even as national markets adjust.
More Listings Entering the Market
Inventory is also expanding, with 1,612 new listings added in September — a 10% increase over last year. Year-to-date listings total 14,079, up 4.5%.
However, at month’s end, the MLS inventory stood at just 2,562 active properties, representing less than two months of supply — still solidly a seller’s market. Homes that are well-priced and well-presented continue to move quickly.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
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Buyers: More listings give you options, but the competition for desirable homes remains strong. Be ready to act quickly when you find “the one.”
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Sellers: Rising prices and strong demand make this an excellent time to list. Proper preparation and pricing can help you maximize your return before year-end.
❤️ Local Strength, Lasting Value
The Dayton region continues to showcase resilience and growth — a true reflection of our community’s appeal, affordability, and stability. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or investing, now is a smart time to explore your next move.
Ready to Talk About Your Real Estate Goals?
Let’s review your options together — whether buying, selling, or simply curious about your home’s value, I’m here to help you navigate today’s market with confidence and care.
Contact Tammy Murphy, Broker/Owner – RH2L Real Estate ❤️
Call or text: (937) 838-0997
www.RealHomesToLove.com
