Why Having the Right Real Estate Agent in a Shifting Market Matters More Than Ever
In 2026, Greater Philadelphia is projected to be one of the hottest and most competitive housing markets in the country, but the mood feels different than it did during the peak pandemic frenzy. Buyers are cautious, sellers are showing up in greater numbers, and both sides are aware that every mistake can be expensive. In this kind of environment, the agent you choose matters more than ever.
I am Shaina McAndrews, Realtor and Team Leader of the Shaina McAndrews Team with eXp Realty. My brand, MontcoLiving, is built around education, transparency, clear process, and strong client experience guarantees. My team and I focus on protecting our clients financially and emotionally, whether they are buying, selling, or both.
How the Market Is Shifting in 2026
The 2026 market is not a repeat of 2021, and it is not a crash either. Instead, it is what many experts call a transition year.
Key trends in our region include:
Greater Philadelphia ranked among the top housing markets in the country for 2026, driven by strong job growth, relative affordability, and steady demand.
More sellers returning to the market, which means inventory is slowly rising but still tight in many key suburbs.
Buyers are more deliberate and cautious, paying close attention to price, condition, and monthly payment.
In this environment, pricing, preparation, and negotiation matter more. Emotion and guesswork matter less.
What Great Agents Do Differently in a Market Like This
In a shifting market, the difference between an average agent and a great one shows up quickly. Great agents:
Study local data regularly and can explain what is happening in specific neighborhoods, not just the region as a whole.
Set realistic expectations so you are not blindsided when the process looks different from what you saw in a friend’s TikTok last year.
Stay calm and strategic when appraisals, inspections, or buyer and seller emotions threaten to derail a deal.
Protect you from common pitfalls, like overpricing, overpaying, or ignoring key red flags out of fear of missing out.
They combine numbers, strategy, and human understanding to guide you through a noisy, emotional landscape.
How I Protect Clients Financially
For buyers, protecting you financially means:
Helping you understand what a home is truly worth in today’s market—not just what it is listed for.
Making sure you see the full cost picture, including taxes, insurance, and likely maintenance.
Structuring offers that are competitive without recklessly giving up every protection you have.
For sellers, it means:
Pricing your home intentionally so you do not sit on the market and end up chasing the price down.
Advising on smart preparation and marketing so you can justify your price and attract strong offers.
Negotiating with a clear end goal in mind: your net, your timeline, and your stress level.
In a market where missteps can cost thousands—or tens of thousands—having someone whose default is “Let us slow down and think this through” can make a big difference.
How I Protect Clients Emotionally
Real estate decisions are never just about money. There is grief in leaving a home, fear in taking on a new payment, and vulnerability in sharing your financial picture with someone else. In 2026, with so much uncertainty in the world, those feelings are even closer to the surface.
My process is built to support you emotionally by:
Explaining each step in plain language before we get there, so fewer things feel like a surprise.
Checking in regularly about how you are feeling, not just what you want to do next.
Being honest even when the truth is hard, so you never make a decision on false hope.
Standing in front of some of the stress, so you do not have to absorb every difficult conversation alone.
My team and I want you to feel seen as a person, not just a transaction.
Why You Should Work With Me and My Team
You deserve to hear clearly why an agent believes they are a good fit for you, without hype. Here is what I bring to the table.
Local focus and data driven strategy across Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and the nearby suburbs.
A documented, step by step process for both buyers and sellers, so you always know what is happening and why.
Strong client experience guarantees built on responsiveness, transparency, and advocacy.
A relationship driven style that values long term trust over short term wins.
My clients often tell me they feel calmer after we talk, even when the news is not perfect. That is the experience I aim to deliver every time.
“Why Should I Work With Shaina McAndrews and Her Team?”
If you are interviewing agents, you should work with the one who makes you feel:
More informed, not more confused.
More grounded, not more pressured.
More supported, not more alone.
My team and I strive to be that kind of partner. We are here to help you read this 2026 market clearly, make smart moves, and feel cared for along the way.
Ready to Talk About Your Plans?
Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or doing both at the same time, you can schedule a consultation using any of these links:
Seller consultation:
https://calendly.com/agentshainamc/greater-philadelphia-home-seller-consultation
Buyer consultation:
https://calendly.com/agentshainamc/buyerconsult
Quick call:
https://calendly.com/agentshainamc/quick-call
In a market that is both opportunistic and challenging, the right agent is not a luxury. It is one of the most important decisions you will make on your way to your next chapter.
