Welcome to the January/February 2026 issue of our newsletter!
In this issue, we share our latest Market Update, introduce our newly launched Trusts & Estates Property Advisory (along with our first Playbook), and highlight a selection of local events and happenings. We also include a Valentine’s Day playlist and more! See “In This Issue” for a quick preview.
Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day, and thank you for your continued support of our team! |
| - Market Update
- Trusts & Estates Property Advisory
- Selected Local Events and Happenings
- Etcetera
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Planning Now, Advantage Later
Early signs point to a more confident spring market
Early 2026 is shaping up to be a more balanced and practical market across our area. Inventory remains higher than this time last year, giving buyers more choice and a bit more breathing room. Sellers who price with today’s conditions in mind are still seeing solid activity, while homes priced above current market conditions are seeing longer days on market.
Looking ahead to the spring market, early indicators suggest a healthier and more engaged start than we have seen in recent years. Buyer inquiries are picking up and activity is starting earlier, with well-prepared homes already drawing attention as sellers get ready for the spring market. Rather than a sudden surge, this spring is shaping up to be more confident and sustained, and sellers who plan ahead on pricing, timing, and presentation are likely to be best positioned as momentum builds.
Pricing has largely leveled out, and buyers are responding positively to clarity and realism. Interest rates continue to matter, but they are no longer the sole driver of decisions. The pace feels steadier, quieter, and more intentional, with fundamentals once again doing the heavy lifting. |
| Commercial Sidebar:
What We Are Seeing
Office vacancies remain elevated, particularly for older or less flexible buildings, and tenants continue to prioritize efficiency and adaptability. At the same time, there is steady interest in neighborhood retail, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse opportunities, especially from owners and investors taking a longer-term view.
Well-located commercial assets tied to essential services and daily-use businesses continue to perform best. As with residential, spring planning is already underway, and execution will matter more than headlines. |
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What is Next? If you are considering a real estate decision in the coming months, now is a good time to start the conversation. Early planning helps sellers position their property thoughtfully and allows buyers to stay informed as activity begins to pick up. As always, we are available to talk through your plans and help you make informed decisions.
Julie & Robert |
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New Advisory Launch: Trusts & Estates Property Advisory
We recently launched our Trusts & Estates Property Advisory, a dedicated practice focused on advising personal representatives, executors, trustees, fiduciaries, and families navigating real estate decisions tied to trusts, estates, and probate.
This advisory builds on our broader real estate practice, with an added emphasis on fiduciary standards, process, documentation, and risk management. If you are serving as a personal representative, executor, or trustee, or advising someone who is, we are happy to share more about how this framework can help. |
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As part of this launch, we introduced the Executor’s Real Estate Playbook, a practical guide designed to bring structure, clarity, and accountability to what is often a complex and time-sensitive process. The Playbook outlines best practices for valuation, preparation, documentation, coordination with advisors, and decision-making, helping personal representatives and executors make sound fiduciary decisions with confidence. The Executor’s Real Estate Playbook is available upon request (to request your copy, simply reply “PLAYBOOK”).
We recently completed our first estate property closing under this advisory using the Executor’s Real Estate Playbook framework. |
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Coming Soon: More Playbooks
Our next playbook will focus on real estate considerations specific to trusts. |
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SELECTED LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS |
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Read our most recent past newsletters here:
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Thank you for reading! Julie Fontanez and Robert Laing |
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