Buying • September 26, 2025

How Your DiSC Profile Shapes Your Home-Buying Experience

by Timothy Tyler

Buying a home isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a people game. And the most important person in the process is you. How you think, decide, manage stress, and communicate has a direct impact on the experience and the outcome. That’s why understanding your DiSC profile—Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), or Conscientiousness (C)—can be a game-changer.

What is DiSC (and why it matters for buyers)?

DiSC is a simple behavioral framework that explains how people prefer to communicate, decide, handle risk, and deal with conflict. The framework identifies four different profiles that describe the preferred or natural responses of different individuals to the people and situations they find themselves in:

D (Dominance): Direct, decisive, competitive, results-first.
I (Influence): Social, optimistic, enthusiastic, people-first.
S (Steadiness): Patient, consistent, supportive, stability-first.
C (Conscientiousness): Analytical, accurate, systematic, detail-first.

In real estate, these preferences influence:

Speed vs. certainty: Do you move fast or wait for complete information?
Negotiation style: Do you anchor hard, relationship-build, or analyze your way there?
Risk tolerance: Do bidding wars excite or overwhelm you?
Stress response: Do you take charge, seek connection, seek stability, or go deep into data?

Markets behave differently—and so do you

Your experience also depends on the market context. Are we in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Or maybe even a balanced market. Here are some of the characteristics of each type of market:

Buyer’s Market: More inventory, longer days on market, more negotiation leverage.
Seller’s Market: Limited inventory, faster pace, multiple offers, higher competition.
Balanced Market: Moderate inventory and days on market; neither side has a strong advantage.

Different markets amplify different strengths and expose different blind spots—especially when your personality is under pressure.

How to use DiSC during your home search

1) Identify your primary and secondary styles.
Perhaps you have already had a DiSC profile generated, for a job or in school. If not, there are some tools like this one that can help you gain insight on your primary DiSC style. Most people are a blend of styles. For example, a D/C will drive fast but care deeply about data. An I/S values both connection and harmony.

2) Pre-commit to decision rules.
Before you tour, agree on the guardrails you’ll use to prevent stress-based decisions:

Criteria threshold: “We buy if a home meets ≥80% of our must-haves.”
Budget cap: “We cap total out-of-pocket at $X and monthly at $Y.”
Time box: “We decide within 24–48 hours after a strong contender.”
Walk-away conditions: “Deal dies if inspection >$Z repairs or appraisal gap >$W.”

3) Assemble your support system.
Match your style with complementary strengths:

D: Work with a detail-strong agent and inspector who won’t skip steps.
I: Add a numbers-forward mortgage pro and a realistic friend as a sounding board.
S: Choose a patient, proactive agent who will prep you for fast decisions.
C: Use templates and deadlines so data doesn’t slow you down.

4) Design your offer process ahead of time.
Create a standard offer checklist so you’re calm when you need to move:

Financing type + pre-approval ready
Earnest money, contingencies, inspection strategy
Appraisal gap coverage (if any), timeline commitments
“If-this-then-that” rules for counteroffers

Stress signals & self-coaching prompts

D Stress Signals: Impatience, pushing too hard, skipping details.
- Prompt: “What detail am I ignoring that could cost me later?”
I Stress Signals: Impulsivity, FOMO, people-pleasing.
- Prompt: “Does this fit the budget and 80% of must-haves?”
S Stress Signals: Decision delays, discomfort with change.
- Prompt: “What would be ‘safe enough’ to move forward today?”
C Stress Signals: Analysis paralysis, over-focusing on flaws.
- Prompt: “Is this good enough? What’s the cost of waiting?”

A simple worksheet to align your style with your strategy

Must-Haves (Top 5):

__________ 2) __________ 3) __________ 4) __________ 5) __________

Nice-to-Haves (Top 5):

__________ 2) __________ 3) __________ 4) __________ 5) __________

Budget Rules:

Max price: $_____
Monthly target: $_____
Cash to close target: $_____

Decision Rules:

Criteria threshold: ___%
Research time box: ___ hours
Walk-away conditions: _____________________________

Final thoughts

Your DiSC profile doesn’t limit you—it equips you. When you understand how you naturally approach decisions, you can design a buying process that plays to your strengths and protects your blind spots.

As a strong C myself, I focus on process and data to help my clients make the home-buying process as stress-free as possible. I am deeply aware of just how challenging the past 4 years (2021-2024) have been for S and C buyers. Take heart! Things are changing. It is getting less competitive and you will have more time to analyse and process the housing options available, and choose a home with confidence.

In the next posts, we’ll dive into D, I, S, and C profiles with market-specific strategies for buyer’s, seller’s, and balanced markets—plus scripts, checklists, and “smart moves” you can copy/paste into your plan.

Buying • September 26, 2025

The Conscientious Buyer (C) — Make Data-Confident Decisions Without Missing the Moment

by Timothy Tyler

The DiSC C profile thrives on accuracy, structure, and thoughtful analysis. You see risks others miss and value long-term quality. The risk? Analysis paralysis—or losing good homes while perfecting the spreadsheet.

Your strengths (and how to lean in)

Due diligence: You’ll uncover issues early and negotiate from facts.
Comparative analysis: You spot real value vs. pretty packaging.
Process discipline: You follow a plan that protects you.

Watch-outs (and how to cover them)

Overweighting small defects: Missing the forest for the trees.
Slow cycles: Opportunities pass in fast markets.
Perfectionism: “Perfect data” isn’t always possible.

Buyer’s Market: Your research shines—define “enough”

Advantages: Time to compare, inspect, and negotiate.
Challenges: Expanding the analysis instead of deciding.

Smart Moves for Conscientious Buyers:

Decision thresholds: Buy if ≥80% of must-haves, ±5% of price target, inspection risk < $X.
Time-box research: 48–72 hours per serious home.
Inspection as leverage: Prioritize safety/structural systems (roof, HVAC, electrical, foundation).
Total Cost of Ownership(TCO) lens: Price + monthly utilities + repairs + commute/time cost.

Analysis template (copy/paste):

Price: $___ | Taxes: $___/yr | HOA/Condo: $___/mo
Est. repairs (12 mo): $___ | Insurance: $___/yr
Payment at current rate: $___/mo | At +0.5%: $___/mo
Comparable $___/sqft | DOM: ___

Seller’s Market: Decide faster—without blind spots

Advantages: Structured offers and clear terms inspire confidence.
Challenges: Losing to faster buyers or waiving too little to compete.

Smart Moves for Conscientious Buyers::

Underwritten pre-approval (stronger than pre-qualification).
Offer templates with caps: Appraisal gap ≤ $; inspection repair ask ≤ $;
Pre-inspection summaries or consult an inspector before offering.
Scenario planning: “If price escalates to $, monthly becomes $—still within threshold?”

Decision rule:

“If this home rates 4/5 or higher on fit and stays within pre-set caps, we write today.”

Balanced Market: Optimize value and quality

Advantages: Time to assess value and negotiate fair terms.
Challenges: Getting stuck comparing, not choosing.

Smart Moves for Conscientious Buyers:

Structured scoring: Rate each home 1–5 across fit, condition, location, value.
Risk log: Track issues, cost estimates, mitigation plan.
Ask for targeted concessions Closing credit for known items, documentation on permits.

Weekly rhythm:

Monday: New listings + price changes into your tracker
Midweek: Tours with scorecards
Friday: Shortlist review & go/no-go decisions

Guardrails for every market

Define “good enough”—then respect it.
Decide under a deadline. Put it on the calendar.
Use experts to compress time: Inspector consults, lender scenarios, contractor estimates.

Bottom line for Conscientious Buyers: Your diligence is an asset. Pair it with pre-set thresholds and time-limited decisions, and you’ll buy with confidence—without missing the moment.

Buying • September 26, 2025

The Steady Buyer (S) — Build Comfort, Keep Momentum, Choose with Confidence

by Timothy Tyler

The DiSC S profile values stability, harmony, and trust. You’re loyal, patient, and deeply tuned into how a home supports everyday life—commute, schools, community, routines. The risk? Delaying decisions or avoiding acceptable risk—even when the right opportunity is right in front of you.

Your strengths (and how to lean in)

Consistency: You do your homework and think long-term.
Loyalty & teamwork: You build strong partnerships with your agent and lender.
Calm under pressure: You bring steadiness to a turbulent process.

Watch-outs (and how to cover them)

Decision hesitation: Especially when markets move fast.
Change anxiety: Difficulty letting go of “the known” for a better “new.”
Over-accommodating: Avoiding necessary negotiations to keep peace.

Buyer’s Market: Take your time—without losing momentum

Advantages: More space to evaluate and compare.
Challenges: Over-deliberation; waiting for “perfect” instead of “right.”

Smart Moves for Steady Buyers:

Define “good enough” criteria: ≥80% of must-haves, meets budget, fits lifestyle.
Set decision deadlines: Within 48–72 hours after a strong contender.
Practice offers: Dry-run with your agent so the real one feels familiar.
Ask for stability-enhancing terms: Home warranty, repair credits, flexible closing.

Reflection prompt:

“What would make this feel safe enough to move forward today?”

Seller’s Market: Prepare to act without sacrificing safety

Advantages: Your calm presence builds trust with sellers and agents.
Challenges: Fast timelines feel uncomfortable.

Smart Moves for Steady Buyers:

Pre-approval + document kit pre-assembled (pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements).
Inspector on standby for quick consults or info-only inspections.
Offer template ready: Price range, contingency strategy, closing date.
Comfort features: Talk through appraisal gap caps, inspection repair limits, and what you won’t waive.

Stress reducer:

Role-play the offer and closing process with your agent so nothing feels “new.”

Balanced Market: Your patience pays—just don’t stall

Advantages: Enough time to choose a good fit and build community ties.
Challenges: Quiet markets can still reward timely decisions.

Smart Moves for Steady Buyers:

Weekly cadence: Preview online Monday, tour midweek, decide by Friday.
Community-first tours: Walk the block, visit at different times, talk to neighbors.
Negotiate for comfort: Seller-paid repairs on safety items, flexible move-in, storage solutions.

Family alignment exercise:

Each decision-maker lists top 5 must-haves; compare and agree on the short list.

Guardrails for every market

Commit to a decision window. Put it in your calendar.
Use your “why” (family, commute, space) to anchor choices.
Let your agent advocate firmly so you don’t have to.

Bottom line for Steadiness Buyers: Define safety, prepare for speed, and let your steady values guide a timely yes. Comfort and momentum can coexist.

Uncategorized • September 26, 2025

The Influencer Buyer (I) — Harness Energy, Guard Your Budget, Win with Relationships

by Timothy Tyler

The Influencer (I) profile thrives on connection, enthusiasm, and possibilities. You’re great at building rapport, uncovering leads through your network, and staying positive when the process gets bumpy. The risk? Getting swept up in momentum and overlooking details—or your budget.

Your strengths (and how to lean in)

Networking: Tap your social web for off-market leads and referrals.
Optimism: Keeps morale up through bidding wars or inspection surprises.
Communication: Your agent can leverage your warmth to build goodwill with sellers.

Watch-outs

Impulse: Falling in love with a home that doesn’t fit your plan.
Over-indexing on aesthetics: Ignoring systems, permits, commute, or future costs.
Budget creep: “It’s just a little more” can become a lot more.

Buyer’s Market: Relationships can unlock hidden value

Advantages: Time to explore, negotiate, and curate options.
Challenges for I: Shiny-object syndrome; expanding the search endlessly.

Smart Moves for Influencers:

Tour with a checklist: Must-haves, cost-of-ownership notes, red flags.
48-hour cool-off rule: Sleep before you leap.
Invite a “numbers buddy”: Someone who asks, “Does this fit the plan?”
Ask for seller concessions for cosmetic updates instead of chasing perfect.

Networking prompts:

“Know any neighbors thinking about selling soon?”
“Any pocket listings or coming-soons we can preview?”

Seller’s Market: Keep your heart—protect your wallet

Advantages: Your energy builds rapport that can win ties.
Challenges: FOMO, stretching beyond comfort in bidding wars.

Smart Moves for Influencers:

Pre-approve fully & set a hard cap. Write it down.
Use a pre-offer financial snapshot: Price, monthly payment at current rate, cash to close.
Be flexible on terms: Closing date, rent-back, minimal asks—win without just raising price.

Decision guardrail:

“We won’t go over $____ or waive ___ contingency. Full stop.”

Balanced Market: Your edge is connection + follow-through

Advantages: Time to matchmake and negotiate win-wins.
Challenges: Staying consistent after the initial excitement.

Smart Moves for Influencers:

Weekly rhythm: 2 tours + 1 review session with your agent.
Offer template with fixed caps so emotions don’t rewrite the plan.
Post-tour debrief: Score each home 1–5 against must-haves; write it down.

Show-up secrets:

Be the buyers agents want to work with: punctual, prepared, responsive.
Have your documents ready: proof of funds, pre-approval, ID, signed disclosures.

Guardrails for every market

Checklist > vibe. A great feeling plus great fundamentals equals a great buy.
Share your cap with your agent—and mean it.
Invite a detail-oriented friend to one tour per week to keep you honest.

Bottom line for Inflluencer buyers: Your superpower is people. Combine it with a few firm financial guardrails, and you’ll turn relationships into keys—without buyer’s remorse.

Buying • September 26, 2025

The Dominant Buyer (D) — Win Decisively Without Cutting Corners

by Timothy Tyler

The D profile thrives on results, speed, and control. You like clear targets, bold moves, and measurable wins. In real estate, this can be a superpower—if you channel it.

The risk? Pushing too hard, moving too fast, or overlooking details that bite later.

Your strengths (and how to lean in)

Decisive: You don’t hesitate. Use that to beat slower buyers.
Competitive: Negotiation energizes you. Anchor with facts, not just pressure.
Goal-focused: Define success metrics (payment, timeline, equity) before you start.

Watch-outs (and how to cover them)

Skipping steps: Inspections, title details, contingencies, permits.
Over-negotiating: Turning sellers off or losing the deal by pennies.
Impatience with process: Lending, appraisal, underwriting take time.

Buyer’s Market: You have leverage—use it wisely

Advantages: More inventory, longer Days On Market (DOM), motivated sellers.
Challenges: Overplaying power, grinding too hard, asking for “everything.”

Smart Moves for D Profile Buyers:

Target stale listings (30+ DOM): room for concessions and credits.
Ask for value, not volume: Prioritize 2–3 high-impact asks (price, closing costs, repairs).
Use inspection strategically: Request credits for material issues; don’t nickel-and-dime.
Define your ROI: If a $X credit saves $Y monthly, decide fast.

Negotiation script:

“We can close quickly and keep this simple. If we can agree on [price/credit] and maintain [timeline], we’ll sign today.”

Seller’s Market: Win the race without overpaying

Advantages: Your speed and clarity stand out.
Challenges: Emotional bidding, waived protections that become costly.

Smart Moves for D Profile Buyers:

Pre-inspection or early inspector consult: Reduce uncertainty before offer.
Appraisal gap with a cap: “We’ll cover up to $X if the appraisal comes in low.”
Short deadlines & clean terms: Deposit quickly, flexible close if needed.

Offer architecture template:

Price limits
Appraisal gap max $___
Inspection: info-only or limited-repair cap $___
Financing fully underwritten (not just pre-approved)

Decision rule:

“We compete aggressively up to the threshold where long-term payment stays within $____/month.”

Balanced Market: Set targets and execute

Advantages: Your clarity cuts through indecision.
Challenges: Pushing when collaboration works better.

Smart Moves for D Profile Buyers:

KPIs for the search: Tour ___ homes, write ___ offers, contract by ___ date.
Play offense + defense: Strong price logic and reasonable contingencies.
Build rapport with the listing agent: Influence matters even to a D profile buyer.

Weekly cadence:

Monday: Review new inventory + price changes
Midweek: Two tours
Friday: Offer decisions time-boxed to 24 hours

Guardrails for every market

Never skip title & inspection due diligence.
Put your maximums in writing before showings.
Let your agent say “no” for you when a term crosses your risk line.

Bottom line for D profile buyers: You win by moving fast with a controlled plan. Define your caps, protect the essentials, and let your discipline—not your adrenaline—close the deal.

Lifestyle • December 18, 2024

Theaters On the Midtown Direct Train Line

by Timothy Tyler

Entrance to Prudential Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ

Many people love live theater. And here in New Jersey our proximity, plus the accessibility of NJ Transit, make it easy to go to Broadway, or Lincoln Center or any of the myriad off-Broadway theaters in New York. But did you know there are great opportunities for live local and professional theater right here in New Jersey along the Midtown Direct Train Line?

From NJPAC to the Pax Amicus Castle Theater, there are 11 performing arts spaces mostly within walking distance of a train station.
Check out:

Pax Amicus Castle Theatre

Pax Amicus is home to the Castle Shakespeare Repertory, a non-Equity professional acting company specializing in the works of William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe and other European and American playwrights and the Pax Amicus Castle Community Theater, which specializes in contemporary comedies, dramas, and musicals for the public with cast-calls open to all adults over the age of 16. They also have a theater program for young performers ages 13 to 1.

The Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Rd, Budd Lake, NJ 07828. It is 4.2 miles from the Netcong Train Station, Uber or taxi recommended.

Pax Amicus Castle Theatre

Dover Little Theatre

The Dover Little Theatre is a small community theater presenting a mix of cabaret dramas and musicals.

The Dover Little Theatre is 0.6 miles from the Dover Train Station at 69 Elliott St, easily accessible on foot.

Dover Little Theatre

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)

The Mayo Performing Arts Center brings the world’s greatest entertainers, New Jersey-based artistic organizations, and emerging and dynamic new performers to the region through over 200 events annually. Through arts education and diverse community engagement programs, MPAC is committed to providing cultural enrichment opportunities to experience and participate in the arts. The center includes a 1300+ seat theater, art gallery and conference space

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is 0.4 miles (2 blocks) from the Morristown train station at 100 South St, and easily accessible on foot.

Mayo Performing Arts Center

The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ

The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ is one of the leading Shakespeare theaters in the nation, serving approximately 75,000 adults and children annually. It is New Jersey’s largest professional theater company dedicated solely to Shakespeare’s canon and other classic masterworks. The annual Main Stage season, presented in the intimate, state-of-the-art F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University, runs May through December. An Outdoor Stage production is presented each summer at The Greek Theatre, an open-air amphitheater located on the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in nearby Florham Park.

The F.M Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is located 0.8 miles from the Madison Train station on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Ave, easily accessible on foot.

The Greek Theatre is located 0.4 miles from the Convent Station Train Station, on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth.

The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ

The Chatham Community Players

The Chatham Community Players have been producing high quality theater for a diverse audience for over 100 years. They comprise several different areas which focus on different offerings for the community. In addition to their Main Stage productions, the Jersey Voices program highlights original plays by New Jersey playwrights, One Weekend Only produces plays with small casts and simple staging that run for one weekend only. Sundays at 7 is a program where attendees gather for a play reading, with snacks and BYOB beverages. The Chatham Community Players Outreach program provides busing and complimentary admission to our partners in youth and family programs, drug and alcohol dependency programs, physical injury rehabilitation, special education schools, senior citizen homes, and AIDS foundations. This program brings theater to groups who may have never before experienced live theater.

The Chatham Community Playhouse is 3 blocks (0.2 miles) from the Chatham Train Station at 23 N Passaic Ave, easily accessible on foot.

Chatham Community Players

The Summit Playhouse

The Summit Playhouse, a non-profit community theater, was founded in 1918 as a World War I relief organization. The group produces three Main Stage shows a year, with performances in November, February/March, and April/May. Their community service includes a benefit performance of each of our regular plays, theater awards for Dramatic Arts students, and Summit community collaborations.

The Summit Playhouse, at 10 New England Ave, is 0.5 miles from the Summit Train Station, approximate a 10 minute walk.

The Summit Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse

The Paper Mill Playhouse is an award-winning regional theater, located in Millburn, NJ. Paper Mill was awarded the 2016 Regional Theater Tony Award, recognizing its “rich history … as a foundational pre-Broadway venue for new productions and a welcoming home for world-class theatrical revivals” (Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing). The theater itself seats 1200 and hosts an annual program of professional plays and musicals, often featuring actors from Broadway and attracting patrons from New York City as well, which is only 45 minutes away by train.

The Paper Mill Playhouse, at 22 Brookside Dr, is 0.3 miles from the Millburn Train Station, an approximately 7 minute walk.

Papermill Playhouse

The Burgdorff Cultural Center

The Burgdorff Cultural Center in Maplewood village provides a 100 seat theater space for a variety of theater and arts groups coordinated by the Arts and Culture Division of the Township of Maplewood. Programs include youth theater and community theater offerings.

The Burgdorff Cultural Center is located next to the Coldwell Banker Maplewood Office at 10 Durand Rd, approximately 100 yards from the Maplewood Train Station.

The Burgdorff Cultural Center

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)

The South Orange Performing Arts Center offers audiences exhilarating and diverse arts entertainment in its intimate venue, serving as the cultural heartbeat of the greater South Orange/Maplewood region and contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of its highly diverse community. The facility features a 439 seat main hall, a loft space which can host performances and special events, and an art gallery in its atrium. In addition to a program of popular music, jazz, comedy and other acts, the Center collaborates with local organizations, youth programs and Seton Hall University to feature local talent as well.

SOPAC is located adjacent to the South Orange Train Station.

South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)

Luna Stage

Luna Stage develops and produces vibrant plays about local and global experiences. Firmly rooted in New Jersey’s Valley Arts District – a crossroads of cultures – the theater celebrates the diverse voices surrounding them. As producer, innovator, and educator, they are dedicated to eliminating barriers to participation, and nurturing the next generation of audiences and artists. Luna Stage has contributed to the development of over 100 new works for the stage. World Premieres have had ongoing life on regional, New York, and international stages. Luna Stage’s West Orange facility includes a 99 seat black box theater and a 40 seat studio theater.

Luna Stage is located at 555 Valley Rd, West Orange, which is 5 blocks (0,4 miles) from the Highland Ave Station in Orange, approximately an 8 minute walk.

Luna Stage

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

NJPAC is the anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey. They delight audiences with world-class performances, nurture students through comprehensive arts education programs, and engage the community with free cultural events across Newark. Programs include symphonies, operas, musicals, popular music, jazz, dance, comedy and lectures, The center contains the 2800 seat Prudential Hall, 514 seat Victoria Theater, The Chase Room, a 350 seat cabaret space, and the Horizon Theater, an 88 seat black box theater. NJPAC is host to the New Jersey Symphony and the James Moody Jazz Festival, and has also hosted events such as the Geraldine R Dodge Poetry Festival and even a season of the TV show America’s Got Talent.

NJPAC is located at 1 Center St, Newark. It is located 0.6 miles from the Broad St Station in Newark (about 15 minutes walk), but may be easier to reach by taking the Newark Light Rail from the Broad St Station to the NJPAC/Center St station, adjacent to the center. If driving, there is parking in the garage under Military Park, across the street from NJPAC.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

Buying • August 2, 2023

The Market Has Crashed (Just not the way you want it to)

by Timothy Tyler

Buyers! You’ve been asking me for several years now: “when will the market crash?” Well, I have a new answer for you: “It has already!” Yes, prices are still high. Yes, there are still bidding wars on well-priced homes. The crash isn’t in prices, it’s in inventory. Watch this 3 minute video to see what’s going on, and what steps you need to take to find a home in this market.

*Numbers based on Garden State MLS, month by month Active Listings and Median List Price for Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange, Millburn, Summit, Chatham Boro, Madison, Morris Township and Morristown.

Buying • HOUSE TALK • August 2, 2023

When is the real estate market going to be normal again?

by Timothy Tyler

People often ask me: When is the market ever going to be “normal” again? In this episode of HOUSE TALK I explain why I think we are not going to see the old normal, and why this new normal is likely to last for quite a long time, maybe even a decade or more. I discuss the current housing shortage, and why builders aren’t addressing it now. I compare the current housing crisis to the housing crisis that lasted from 1915 to 1947. I’ll also discuss how bargaining power, which shifted from sellers to buyers during the early years of the Internet, is now shifting back toward sellers, maybe permanently.

Sources:

HOUSE TALK • July 27, 2023

HOUSE TALK: Defining Buyers and Sellers Markets

by Timothy Tyler

Are we still in a seller’s market?

Or are we now in a buyer’s market?

How can I tell?

In this episode of HOUSE TALK I define buyer’s and seller’s markets, and what each party can expect in terms of negotiating power in each market. Learn how Days on Market is the metric we use to determine whether we are in a Buyer’s Market, a Seller’s Market, or Balanced Market.

Buying • HOUSE TALK • June 30, 2023

HOUSE TALK – Why agents are not allowed answer some buyers’ questions

by Timothy Tyler

Why agents are not allowed to answer some buyer's questions

Is this a diverse community?
Is this area safe?
Are the schools good?

These are some typical questions a buyer may ask a REALTOR® regarding a community. Unfortunately, federal and state fair housing laws make it risky, or even illegal, for us to answer them. Why? The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination both make Steering an illegal practice. What is Steering? It is the act of not showing buyers homes in certain communities that the agent thinks are inappropriate for the buyer due to the buyers’ race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or certain other factors.

In this video I provide several public sources of information for buyers to do their own research to determine if a community will be the right fit for them. https://www.census.gov/data.html – The US Census
http://www.njsp.org/ucr/crime-reports.shtml – NJ State Police Crime Statistics
https://www.nj.gov/education/schoolperformance/ – NJ DOE School Performance Report

Watch this 4 minute video to learn how to use these resources to find answers to your burning questions about communities you are considering to look for a home in.