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Over the prior decade, avg. new US single-family homes sold shrank from 2.7K sq-ft to 2.4K sq-ft, while price per sq-ft climbed ~72%.
In 2025, 1 in 4 new single-family homes sold measured under 1.8K sq-ft, up from ~1 in 6 a decade earlier nationwide.
Meanwhile, the share of new US homes at 3K sq-ft or larger slipped from ~1 in 3 to 1 in 5 over the decade.
Builders increasingly used smaller designs to offset rising land, labor, and material costs, helping keep prices within reach amid mortgage rates near ~6% to ~7%.
For budget-focused and first-time buyers, smaller homes could ease down payments and monthly costs, though the higher price per sq-ft showed housing stayed expensive.

US sellers qualify without realizing it: live in a primary residence for 2 of the past 5 yr, exclude up to $250K, $500K jointly.
Two tests matter: own your home for 2 of 5 yr and live there 2 of 5 yr; those periods need not be consecutive or overlap.
For full $500K, both spouses need residency, though only 1 needs ownership; use the exclusion every 2 yr. Second homes and rentals don't qualify.
Taxable gain starts with sale price, then selling costs and cost basis. Capital improvements raise basis; routine repairs and repainting do not count.
Before listing, gather closing papers and receipts. Waiting a few months for the 2-yr mark can save substantial tax; some early sales still qualify partially.

A short sale happens when a home sells for less than the mortgage balance, with proceeds going to the lender, usually to avoid foreclosure.
Lender approval is required before any short sale, and the lender may forgive the remaining debt or seek repayment of some deficiency.
The process can be paperwork-heavy and slow, often taking months, with homeowners asked to document new financial hardship and submit a buyer-backed proposal.
Before pursuing a short sale, owners can ask lenders about revised payment plans, loan modification, or help tied to private mortgage insurance.
For buyers, short sales may offer discounted pricing, but homes are often sold as-is, lender approval can delay closing, and careful inspection matters.
Compared with foreclosure, a short sale usually damages credit less, and some homeowners may qualify to buy another home sooner after closing.

Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath Colonial offering approximately 1,784 square feet of living space and a spacious lot. The classic two-story layout provides comfortable living areas and timeless Colonial character, while the full basement offers valuable additional space for storage, hobbies, a workshop, or future possibilities. A fireplace adds warmth and character to the home, while newer replacement windows and newer vinyl siding provide important updates and enhance the exterior appeal. Set on approximately 0.21 acres, this property offers a great combination of space, character, and convenience. Located in Stratford with easy access to shopping, dining, parks, recreation, and area transportation, this home is an excellent opportunity for buyers looking to put down roots and make a home their own. With its generous lot, useful basement space, classic Colonial design, and recent exterior updates, this property is ready to welcome its next owner. Don't miss the opportunity to see all that this Stratford home has to offer!

There’s a bit more breathing room for buyers in New Haven lately. Active listings are up about 16% compared to this time last year, which means a few more choices—but with just 802 homes on the market, it’s still a tight squeeze. New listings bumped up around 6%, so fresh options are out there, but sellers who are stepping in now are seeing a bit more competition than before. The median list price dropped about 6% to $449,000, a sign that sellers are adjusting expectations, but that $449K midpoint still defines the market. Only about 13% of homes had price cuts, so meaningful negotiation remains limited. Homes are spending a median of 44 days on the market (up 19% from last year), giving buyers a little extra time, but as always, New Haven tends to reward those who move decisively. In my experience working with everyone from first-timers to seasoned investors, a clear-eyed, straightforward approach is key—especially when the market shifts like this.