Scott Zocco, a realtor with the Zocco Team at 5 Star Real Estate, said Walker’s housing market remains firmly tilted toward sellers, but that easing mortgage rates could bring more choice for buyers next year.

“This is still definitely a seller’s market,” Zocco said, citing a months-of-supply figure of about 1.76 for September 2025 and an average time on market of roughly 19 days. “A normal market is six months.” He noted that in March homes were moving in about seven days and that sellers often capture roughly 99.8% of their asking price.

Zocco attributed the market’s recent volatility to an unusually low-rate period after COVID that created intense buyer demand and unrealistic expectations among some sellers. “Money was essentially free,” he said. “There were 30 offers on every house.” He added that interest rates spiked near 8% before falling to the low sixes and that he expects continued easing into the mid- to low‑fives by the end of 2026, which could prompt more homeowners to list or refinance.

He urged prospective buyers and sellers to prioritize household readiness over trying to time the market. “The best time to buy a house was 10 years ago,” Zocco said. “The next best time is when it makes sense for your family.” He warned that unforeseen maintenance costs — for example, a failed furnace — can make ownership unaffordable if buyers are not prepared.

For sellers, Zocco emphasized practical, cost‑effective improvements that appeal to most buyers: curb appeal, cleanliness and odor removal, and targeted kitchen or bathroom updates rather than expensive custom finishes that exceed neighborhood norms. “Start outside. Make it look nice, fresh, clean,” he said. “You don’t need the fancy stuff. Buyers just want a clean, fresh bathroom.”

On rentals and workforce housing, Zocco said first-time buyers are older (mid‑30s on average) and many people rent longer, which increases demand for rental units. He pointed to Standale and several condo and mixed‑use developments (including Talman Woods and the VISTA 45 projects) as expanding local options.

Contact and availability: Zocco identified his team and cited a website stated in the episode as zokoeteam.com and social channels for further contact. The interview aired on Made in Walker, the City of Walker’s official podcast.

The episode closed with hosts thanking listeners and inviting email feedback at podcast@walker.city.