Tuesday’s Home Strategy Weekly · Issue 377

At Home With Paul

This past week felt like one long stretch of bundling up, staying warm, and doing our best to push through the deep freeze. We made it through, and while a thaw would certainly be welcome, there is also something about winter that forces you to slow down and settle in. Hearing that Punxsutawney Phil is calling for six more weeks of winter felt like a reminder to be patient and make the most of the season while it’s still here.

With all that cold, it has been nice having a few things to look forward to. We are getting ready to gather with some friends to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday. It usually turns into a good mix of football, food, and conversation, and I have a feeling many people are starting to ease into their own Super Bowl plans as the weekend approaches.

The weekend itself started off simply with a quick bite to eat at our country club. It was an easy way to ease into things before the rest of the weekend picked up. Saturday was busy on the work front. I spent a good part of the day with clients, and once again, it stretched a bit into the evening. When things finally slowed down, we settled in and watched the Netflix movie The RIP. It’s a crime thriller centered around a group of detectives pulled into a dangerous investigation where trust and loyalty are constantly tested. It stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and their chemistry really carries the story. I found it engaging and tense in parts, and it held our attention all the way through. For a Saturday night at home, it fit the bill.

Once the ice and snow were finally off the roads earlier in the week, I started hitting the pavement again in the early mornings. Getting back to running after the deep freeze felt good and helped shake off some of that cabin fever that tends to build up when you are stuck inside for too long.

Sunday included some client work in the afternoon, and once that wrapped up, I made a stop at Tyler State Park to get outside and enjoy a scenic walk. Even in the cold, it felt good to get some fresh air and clear my head for a bit.

And just to remind us that the seasons do keep moving, today is Truck Day for the Phillies. The trucks are loaded and headed to Clearwater, with pitchers and catchers reporting next week. That alone makes winter feel a little more manageable.

For now, it’s about staying warm, keeping a steady pace, and easing through these winter weeks as they come.

A Market Thought I'm Seeing

January brought a healthy reminder that real estate isn’t just about numbers. It’s about rhythm. And from what I observed across the Philadelphia suburbs, that rhythm is starting to shift in a way that feels promising.

Showings picked up after the holidays, and there was a noticeable uptick in serious conversations around spring moves. What stood out to me wasn’t just the volume of activity, but the tone of it. Buyers seemed less hesitant. Sellers seemed more open. It’s as if the market took a breath and remembered how to move again.

Mortgage rates hovered in a relatively steady range, which helped. People like knowing what to expect, and when rates feel less erratic, confidence has a way of quietly returning. I also saw a few homes come on the market with strong early interest, a signal that pricing right and timing well still matter more than trying to “wait out” the perfect moment.

If this pace continues, February could be the month that sets the tone for the spring. The energy is still early, but it’s definitely moving.

Local Market, At A Glance

With the New Year officially underway, last week felt like that natural transition point between holiday mode and getting back into a familiar rhythm. Things slowed down just enough to catch our breath, but there was still plenty going on around the house.

I know many people were doing the same, easing back in after the holidays, settling into January, and finding their footing again after all the celebrations. It felt like a week of easing forward, settling in, and letting the year begin at its own pace.

Last week had that familiar mix of routine days and moments that quietly turn into memories. Tuesday was a workday like many others, but the evening slowed things down in a good way. We ended up watching the Netflix movie Jay Kelly, starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. It is one of those character driven films that sneaks up on you. A little quirky, a little thoughtful, and very human. It is not loud or flashy, but it pulls you in with strong performances and a story that feels grounded. We both enjoyed it more than we expected, especially the way it balances humor with some real emotional moments.

New Year’s Eve arrived quickly after that, and as always, it meant getting ready for the Rosso Family New Year’s Eve Pizza Party. This year marked the 64th time we have welcomed in the New Year this way, which still blows my mind when I say it out loud. It's a tradition my parents started on New Year's Eve 1962.

The day revolved around prep. I started the family pizza sauce, or gravy depending on who you ask, and then moved on to helping to set up the house and getting everything ready. Right before guests arrived, I picked up the dough from Gianni’s Pizza, which is always the final piece of the puzzle.

Weekly Local Market Activity, Recent Snapshot

Market Numbers, At A Glance

What I see across these average sale price charts is a seasonal softening driven more by fewer high end sales than by any change in demand for well priced starter homes.

Average Sales Price, Past 12 Months

Mortgage Rates, In Context

Rates have remained lower and steady, and that’s creating a subtle but powerful shift in the way buyers are thinking. Some are still waiting for the “perfect” rate, but in my experience, clarity comes when you stop chasing perfection and start focusing on the right fit for your life and goals. It’s not about finding the lowest number. It’s about finding the right moment.

Sometimes it’s the bigger picture that brings clarity.

A Thought I Shared on Video This Week

That idea of small resets stuck with me. Especially when it comes to credit, where patterns matter more than big swings. I recorded something this week that builds on that thought, if you're in the same headspace and want to think it through a bit more.

A Deeper Look I Wrote About This Week

At some point, the question shifts from where you live to who you want to be closer to. I’ve spoken with many homeowners who feel that pull quietly at first, then more clearly over time. In this blog, I share how to think through selling with family in mind while balancing emotion, timing, and long-term clarity.

​Explore the full family-focused perspective here.​

A Home That Just Came To Market

Delavue Manor

We just brought a new listing to market that buyers are paying attention to because homes with this level of craftsmanship and thoughtful renovation rarely come available. It has been positioned to stand out based on its architectural integrity, privacy, and accessibility, which aligns closely with what motivated buyers are prioritizing right now. You can see the photos and full details here.​

A Recent Sale Worth Noting

Somerton

This home sold because buyers are moving more decisively when they feel clarity early in the process. We focused on setting expectations up front and communicating value clearly, which helped buyers engage with confidence instead of hesitation. That understanding of how buyers are thinking right now made the difference in keeping momentum steady and the process smooth. You can see the photos and full details here, and if you’re curious how this approach could apply to your home, feel free to reach out.

A Few Local Things I'm Watching

Here are a few local developments I’ve been keeping an eye on.

• Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General continues to operate with limited functionality in its home improvement contractor registry following an August 2025 cyber incident, affecting contractor verification. Read more.​
• Neshaminy Mall remains largely vacant as redevelopment plans for the property have yet to advance following its 2024 sale.
• New Britain Borough approved zoning changes that expand mixed-use and by-right development options as part of a broader effort to encourage new projects.
• School District of Philadelphia is preparing a long-term facilities proposal that includes school closures, co-locations, and widespread building modernization.

Paul Rosso

RE/MAX Properties, Ltd

Bucks County & Philadelphia Region

Call or Text: 215-778-9687​

​paulrossosellshomes.com​