Remodeling Demand Holds Up Even as Material Costs Jump 6.7%
The Remodeling Market Index held at 61 in Q2 as 74% of remodelers reported material price hikes averaging 6.7% — the rate-lock economy at work.
James Clark
Staff Reporter, RealtyWire
James Clark is a staff reporter for RealtyWire, where he covers residential real estate, home sales, brokerage trends, seller strategy, marketing, home preparation, new construction, renovations, and the practical issues that affect buyers, sellers, agents, brokers, and property owners.
Before joining RealtyWire, James spent 15 years as a residential real estate agent in the Denver, Colorado metro area. During his real estate career, he worked with three different brokerage firms and focused heavily on representing home sellers, giving him firsthand experience with pricing strategy, listing preparation, negotiations, marketing, buyer behavior, and the challenges sellers face in changing market conditions.
James brings a practical, agent-level understanding of the real estate business to his reporting. His background gives him insight into real estate regulation, mortgage issues, sales trends, listing strategy, home staging, new construction, renovations, interior design, and the updates that can help improve a property's marketability and resale value.
His reporting focuses on making real estate news, trends, and market analysis useful for readers who want to better understand how the industry works at the ground level.
Articles by James Clark
James Clark
Office Vacancy Explained: Why Some Buildings Recover and Others Do Not
Office vacancy does not tell one story. Location, amenities and debt decide which buildings recover and which stay empty.
Lease Renewal Strategy in 2026: What Renters Should Know Before Signing
A lease renewal is a negotiation, not paperwork. How renters can use market data and concessions before signing in 2026.
Short-Term Rental Rules in 2026: What Investors Should Check Before Buying
Short-term rental rules can make or break an Airbnb investment. What to check with cities, HOAs and condo boards before buying.
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: Key Differences for Homeowners and Buyers
Short sales and foreclosures both involve mortgage distress, but the process, credit impact and buyer risks differ sharply.
Escrow Shortage Explained: Why Monthly Mortgage Payments Can Jump
An escrow shortage can raise your mortgage payment even with a fixed rate. Why tax and insurance increases flow through escrow.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages in 2026: Who Should Consider an ARM?
Adjustable-rate mortgages can offer lower initial rates, but buyers need to understand caps, resets, margins and payment risk.
Mortgage Rate Lock Strategy in 2026: When Buyers Should Lock or Float
A mortgage rate lock can protect buyers from rising rates before closing. Here’s when locking or floating may make sense.
Housing Starts in 2026: Why Construction Pullbacks Matter for Future Supply
Housing starts fell in May 2026. Here’s why construction pullbacks matter for future housing supply, buyers, builders and prices.
What Sellers Should Fix Before Listing in 2026
What should sellers fix before listing? Focus on repairs, cleaning, curb appeal and buyer confidence before expensive remodels.
Rate Buydown vs. Price Cut: Which Helps Buyers More?
A rate buydown and a price cut help buyers in different ways. Here’s how to compare monthly savings, cash to close and long-term value.