Jenna GrayPlum Tree Realty

Blog

Practical, no-fluff advice on buying, selling, and reading your local market.

Market Insights

August 2026 Market Update

Dayton's July housing numbers against the national 'K-shaped' market: a $272,000 median price, faster sales, softening list-to-sale ratios, and what a small revival in Troy says about where the region is headed.

August 19, 2026 · 8 min read

Market Insights

Is a Data Center Coming to Your Dayton Neighborhood? Here's What Buyers Need to Know

What Dayton-area homebuyers need to know about the region's data center boom: home values, power bills, water use, zoning fights city by city, and a practical checklist before you buy.

August 7, 2026 · 11 min read

Buying

Buying a Home in Beavercreek, Ohio: What to Know Before You Start Looking (2026 Guide)

Thinking about buying a home in Beavercreek, Ohio? A local realtor covers 2026 prices, the WPAFB commute, buying from out of state, and how to compete for listings that move in days.

August 4, 2026 · 6 min read

Buying

Buying a Home in Kettering, Ohio: What to Know Before You Start Looking (2026 Guide)

Thinking about buying a home in Kettering, Ohio? A local realtor breaks down 2026 prices, neighborhoods, down payment help up to $20,000, and how to win in a market that moves in about three weeks.

July 28, 2026 · 7 min read

Market Insights

July 2026 Market Insights

A look at the Greater Dayton housing market in May 2026: home prices, days on market, inventory, mortgage rates, and what it means for buyers and sellers.

July 8, 2026 · 4 min read

Buying

First-Time Home Buyer Checklist: 7 Steps to Take Before You Tour a Single Home

A practical, step-by-step checklist for first-time buyers covering credit, budgeting, pre-approval, and how to choose the right agent before you start touring homes.

June 2, 2026 · 2 min read

Selling

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Sell a House?

A breakdown of every cost involved in selling a home (commission, repairs, closing costs, and taxes) so you can estimate your true net proceeds.

May 18, 2026 · 2 min read

Selling

Home Staging Tips That Actually Help Homes Sell Faster

The staging changes that move the needle for buyers, and the expensive ones you can skip. Practical advice for sellers on a budget.

April 27, 2026 · 2 min read

Market Insights

Is Now a Good Time to Buy? How to Read Your Local Housing Market

Forget national headlines. Here's how to actually evaluate whether it's a good time for you to buy in your specific local market.

March 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Buying

What Is Earnest Money and How Much Should You Offer?

Earnest money explained: what it is, how much is typical, when you get it back, and when you can lose it.

February 9, 2026 · 2 min read

Let's talk