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Expert Forecasts Point to Home Affordability Improving in 2026
If the last few years have felt like a constant tug-of-war between home prices, mortgage rates, and “Can we actually afford this?”, you’re not alone. Affordability has been the biggest obstacle for buyers (and a major source of hesitation for sellers), but the outlook for 2026 is more encouraging than what we’ve seen in a while.
In fact, affordability improved meaningfully in 2025, and many industry forecasts expect that progress to continue through 2026. The reason comes down to three forces shaping the market: mortgage rates, housing inventory, and home price growth.
1) Mortgage Rates: Lower Than the Peak, Likely Steadier in 2026
Mortgage rates have already eased from recent highs by nearly a full percentage point over the past year in some measures, and that matters more than most people realize. Even small rate shifts can change monthly payments, buying power, and which homes feel like realistic options.
What experts expect
Forecasts suggest rates may hover in the low 6% range through 2026, though the exact path depends on the broader economy, the job market, and Federal Reserve policy decisions. The key takeaway: rates are already lower than they were a year ago, which helps restore some breathing room for people planning a move in 2026.
What this means for buyers
- Lower rates can reduce monthly payments
- Improved buying power can make more listings qualify as “within reach”
- You may have more flexibility to negotiate when combined with rising inventory
What this means for sellers
- The market is adjusting to the idea that “rates in the 6s” may be the new normal
- If you need to move, it may be more feasible than it looks, especially if you’re sitting on substantial equity
Experts expect mortgage rates to hover in the low 6s or drop even lower as the economy changes in 2026.
2) Housing Inventory: More Homes for Sale, More Leverage for Buyers
One of the biggest changes in 2025 was inventory finally moving in the right direction. With more homes available, buyers got something they haven’t had in years: options—plus more time to compare those options and negotiate.
Inventory is still expected to grow
After a meaningful rise of about 15% in 2025, forecasts call for continued growth in the supply of homes for sale in 2026 (though likely at a slower pace than the last big jump). Realtor.com economists, for example, project additional gains of about 8.9% in active listings this year.
What this means for buyers
- More choices (and fewer “take it or leave it” situations)
- Greater negotiating power—especially on homes that are priced too aggressively or need updates
What this means for sellers
- Pricing strategy becomes critical. In a market with more options, buyers compare everything.
- Strong presentation (clean, staged, repaired) matters more when competition increases
3) Home Prices: Still Rising Nationally, But at a More Sustainable Pace
Here’s what many headlines miss: increasing inventory tends to reduce upward pressure on prices, but it doesn’t automatically mean prices crash. Most national forecasts expect home prices to keep rising in 2026, just more slowly than the rapid spikes of the recent past. On average, experts predict home price growth of about 1.6% in 2026.
Why slower growth can be good news
More moderate appreciation helps buyers plan and budget with fewer surprises, while still supporting overall market stability.
But location is everything. Some areas may outperform the national average, while others could see flat or slightly declining prices depending on local supply, demand, and employment conditions. If you’re serious about a move, a local real estate agent can help you interpret what’s happening in your neighborhood, not just what’s happening nationally.
Home prices are expected to continue rising in 2026, though at a more moderate rate.
Will More Homes Sell in 2026?
When rates are lower than recent peaks, inventory is improving, and price growth is calmer, you get a healthier affordability equation. That’s why many experts expect more home sales in 2026, as both buyers and sellers find conditions easier to navigate.
As Zillow’s Chief Economist Mischa Fisher notes:
“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026.”
Increased affordability in 2026 has experts predicting higher home sales over the past two years.
2026 Could Feel More Balanced Than You’ve Seen in Years
Affordability won’t change overnight. But if current forecasts hold, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with:
- More balance between buyers and sellers
- More predictability in pricing
- More flexibility in negotiations
- More opportunity for people who’ve been waiting on the sidelines
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2026, the smartest next step is to get hyper-local: understand neighborhood pricing trends, inventory levels, and what buyers are actually paying (and negotiating) right now.
Ready to start but aren’t sure how? Reach out to us today to connect with an expert agent for all the latest info on your local market.
CENTURY 21 Affiliated Expands Northern Indiana Footprint With New Granger Office
Granger, IN — December 9, 2025 — CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the No. 1 CENTURY 21 franchise in the world, today announced the opening of its newest office, located at 6910 North Main Street, Building 2, Granger, IN 46530. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to delivering elevated client service, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting continued growth across Northern Indiana.
The new office will be led by Team Leader Kyle Zelmer, a seasoned real estate professional who also manages the Niles, MI office.
“We’re thrilled to be back in Indiana, and even more excited to be in the Granger community,” said Jasen Schrock, President of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “This office positions our agents to meet rising demand across the region while giving clients an accessible space to collaborate on their real estate goals. Our commitment remains the same: exceptional service, strong relationships, and results that move people forward.”
“Granger is an important and growing market for us,” said Dan Kruse, CEO of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “We’re confident this office will serve as a catalyst for regional growth and a hub for top-tier real estate talent.”
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listings services in California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with over 1,400+ sales professionals and 60+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated such a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the No. 1 CENTURY 21® franchise worldwide for eleven years in a row. Visit C2Affiliated.com to learn more.
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CENTURY 21 Affiliated Announces Strategic Partnership with CMG Financial and Welcomes Greg Harkleroad as Joint Venture Division Sales Manager
Madison, WI – June 26, 2025 – CENTURY 21 Affiliated is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with CMG Financial, a top five privately held mortgage lender in the U.S., and the appointment of Greg Harkleroad (NMLS ID# 427611) as the Joint Venture Division Sales Manager to lead this exciting collaboration.
This partnership represents our continued commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional home-buying experience for our clients across the Midwest and West Coast. With CMG’s innovative lending platform and long-standing reputation for excellence, combined with CENTURY 21 Affiliated’s position as a leading real estate franchise, we are poised to provide unmatched service and support to our buyers and agents.
“We are thrilled to announce our relationship with CMG Financial,” said Dan Kruse, CEO of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “After extensively researching mortgage partners, we found CMG to be best-in-class when it comes to technology, customer experience, and agent support. By aligning with a lender of their caliber, we are confident this partnership will significantly elevate the home-buying journey for our clients.”
At the helm of this new joint venture is Greg Harkleroad, who brings nearly 40 years of mortgage experience and a proven track record of leadership, team building, and business growth. His passion for helping individuals achieve homeownership and his commitment to Realtor collaboration make him the ideal leader for this initiative.
“Greg brings decades of mortgage expertise to the venture,” said Sam Bell, President of Brokerage, CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “He has built numerous winning teams and is dedicated to supporting our agents and buyers at every step of the home financing process. We are excited to have him onboard.”
Greg’s approach to leadership centers around strategic hiring, coaching, and fostering strong relationships with real estate professionals to ensure a purchase-focused, service-driven mortgage experience.
“A strong Realtor-lender partnership is the foundation for delivering exceptional service,” said Harkleroad. “I’m excited to collaborate with CENTURY 21 Affiliated to bring that vision to life.”
With this partnership, CENTURY 21 Affiliated continues to prioritize innovation, support, and growth across its markets in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Southern California, offering agents and clients access to an experienced lending team, in-house technology, and personalized mortgage solutions.
For more information, please contact Greg Harkleroad at gregh@cmgfi.com or (513) 617-4407.
About CMG Financial
CMG Financial is a well-capitalized mortgage lender founded in 1993 by Christopher M. George, a former Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels: retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG also operates eight joint venture companies with builder & realtor partners, holds an impressive MSR/servicing portfolio, and serves the capital markets of fixed income trading & sales through CMG Securities. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. The company is consistently recognized as a top-producing lender and top mortgage employer, and it prides itself on helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership through product innovation and streamlined servicing.
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated Real Estate LLC
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listings services in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with over 1,400 sales professionals and 60+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy is what has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated such a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the number one CENTURY 21® franchise in the world for eleven years in a row. Visit C21Affiliated.com to learn more.
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America’s Richest Self-Made Woman, Billionaire Diane Hendricks, and Daughter Konya Hendricks Schuh Take on Hometown Revitalization in New Daytime Docuseries
“BETTING ON BELOIT”
New Home Renovation and Design Series Premieres July 12 at 1 pm ET/PT on A&E, Part of the Network’s Lifestyle Daytime Programming Block
Trailer HERE
NOTE: Konya Hendricks Schuh and Connor Fox are licensed real estate agents with CENTURY 21 Affiliated.
LOS ANGELES – (June 11, 2025) – America’s richest self-made woman, Diane Hendricks (#1 on the Forbes “Richest Self-Made Women” list the last eight consecutive years) is betting big on the town integral to her family’s success. The series chronicles the billionaire entrepreneur and her driven, accomplished daughter Konya Hendricks Schuh’s mission to revitalize Beloit, Wisconsin – once ranked as the state’s “worst city to live in” by USA Today.
Premiering Saturday, July 12, with back-to-back episodes at 1pm and 1:30pm ET/PT on A&E, Betting on Beloit airs as part of the network’s lifestyle daytime programming block. Episodes will also be available the next day on A&E’s website and on-demand.
Rising from humble beginnings to owning the largest wholesale construction supplier in the nation, Diane settled in the area in the 1970s and became a titan of industry – and one of Beloit’s biggest employers – helping build up the region as an industrial epicenter where thousands flocked to achieve the American dream. While Diane’s headquarters remained local, the 1990s saw too many industrial employers move overseas, forcing many residents of Beloit to find opportunity elsewhere. Determined to restore Beloit to its former glory, Diane has spent the last several decades working to improve the city through major economic development efforts. In addition to building a new stadium and school, hotels and multiple restaurants, Diane revitalized the entire industrial riverfront, finding new uses for the once-abandoned factory buildings.
Now, Diane has tasked Konya, a sharp real estate broker with a passion for design and a deep connection to the city, with leading the next phase of the revitalization effort.
Betting on Beloit follows Konya and her dynamic team – which includes her husband Matt (a plumbing contractor and former home builder), good friend and project manager Pete, and her realtor nephew Connor, as well as local artisans and designer friends Kristin and Mitch – as they purchase, restore and reimagine historic homes throughout Beloit’s storied neighborhoods.
With her mother financing this ambitious venture, the stakes are high for Konya and her team as they try to achieve their collective mission: to turn once-neglected properties into vibrant dream homes for individuals and families ready to plant new roots in Beloit. With grit, heart and a whole lot of Midwest spirit, they’re not just flipping houses—they’re rebuilding their community, one home at a time.
Tune in to all 12 episodes to get an inside look at the vision, challenges and triumphs of a bold revitalization journey that proves the American dream is still alive – and rooted in places you might not expect.
Betting on Beloit is produced by Wheelhouse’s Butternut, with Courtney White, Konya Hendricks Schuh, Rachel Sobel, Russ Friedman, Will Nothacker, Frank Carlisi and Tim Grady serving as executive producers.
About A&E
A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, original programming that captivates viewers and brings them to the heart of the stories that matter. Through its distinctive brand of award-winning non-fiction and documentary programming, A&E always makes entertainment an art. For more press information and photography, please visit press.aegm.com. A&E is a division of A+E Global Media (aegm.com), a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
About Butternut
Lifestyle production company Butternut is run by lauded producer and executive Courtney White, formerly president of Food Network and general manager of HGTV. A joint venture with Wheelhouse launched in 2022, Butternut creates original food, home and other lifestyle content for all platforms, working with a range of established, emerging and home-grown talent. The company’s current slate includes Next Baking Master: Paris (Food Network); Giada In My Kitchen (Prime Video); Cookie, Cupcake, Cake (Hulu/A&E); Last Bite Hotel (Food Network); Divided by Design (HGTV) and Celebrity Family Food Battle(Roku), executive produced and starring Sofia Vergara, plus other series on deck for launch later this year.
About Konya Hendricks Schuh
With more than two decades of experience in real estate development, sales and construction, Konya Hendricks Schuh brings a deep understanding of the industry and a long-standing commitment to community revitalization. The daughter of Diane Hendricks – co-founder of ABC Supply and one of America’s most influential business leaders – Konya has long been immersed in the business of building, transforming and investing in communities. Sharing in her parents’ devotion to Beloit, Konya has played a key role in numerous projects that have contributed to the city’s ongoing growth and renewal.
As a real estate broker, she specializes in residential and new construction properties, helping clients navigate the market with a designer’s eye and a developer’s mindset. For each project, Konya runs point on all decisions, big and small, and leads the design process with a focus on honoring each home’s history and style while elevating spaces with modern touches.
Konya serves as the secretary and treasurer of the Hendricks Family Foundation, where she helps guide philanthropic initiatives focused on education, workforce development and economic opportunity. She is also the new chairman of the board for Grey Collar Enterprises, which is the parent company of Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group. In addition to her professional achievements, Konya is a proud mother, wife and devoted advocate for animal welfare.
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated Real Estate LLC
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listings services in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with over 1,400 sales professionals and 60+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy is what has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated such a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the number one CENTURY 21® franchise in the world for eleven years in a row. Visit C21Affiliated.com to learn more.
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Adjustable-Rate Mortgages on the Rise: Should You Jump In?
If you’re in the market for a house, you’re probably not encouraged by today’s mortgage rates. Elevated rates and rising home prices have many homebuyers starting to explore other financing options that make more sense. One type of loan gaining popularity is adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).
If you remember the 2008 market crash, you may be wary of new types of loans. It’s wise to be cautious, but there’s no need to worry. Today’s ARMs much safer and stricter than the ones you may remember from 2008.
During that time, some buyers held loans they couldn’t afford once their rate adjusted. Today, lenders are more careful, and determine whether you can afford an increased rate before the loan is ever offered. This time, ARMs are returning thanks to creative buyers looking for affordable ways to buy a home..
According to recent data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), more buyers are using ARMs to buy this year.
How Does an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Work?
If you’ve never heard of ARMs before, you may be wondering what they are, and if they’re right for you. Here’s how Business Insider explains the main difference between a traditional fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage:
“With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same for the entire time you have the loan. This keeps your monthly payment the same for years . . . adjustable-rate mortgages work differently. You’ll start off with the same rate for a few years, but after that, your rate can change periodically. This means that if average rates have gone up, your mortgage payment will increase. If they’ve gone down, your payment will decrease.”
Taxes or homeowner’s insurance can still influence a fixed-rate loan, but your baseline mortgage payment typically changes very little. Meanwhile, adjustable-rate mortgages can potentially change drastically in either direction after your initial payment period ends. Depending on your situation and anticipated market trends, this could either work for you, or be far too risky.
Pros and Cons of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
With ARMs on the rise in 2025, it’s clear that more buyers are finding them appealing. Under the right conditions, they may offer attractive upsides, like a lower initial rate. According to Business Insider again:
“Because ARM rates are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates, they can help buyers find affordability when rates are high. With a lower ARM rate, you can get a smaller monthly payment or afford more house than you could with a fixed-rate loan.”
Remember that if you have an ARM, your rate will change over time. As Barron’s explains, they can potentially cost you more in the long run:
“Adjustable-rate loans offer a lower initial rate, but recalculate after a period. That is a plus for borrowers if rates come down in the future, or if a borrower sells before the fixed period ends, but can lead to higher costs if they hold on to their home and rates go up.”
While the upfront savings can be helpful now, consider what could happen if your initial rate ends before you move. Even though rates are projected to ease a bit over the next couple years, nothing is ever guaranteed. Before you choose an ARM, talk with your lender and financial advisor about all your options, and the potential risks.
Conclusion
For certain buyers, adjustable-rate mortgages can offer some big advantages, but this won’t be true for everyone. Understand how they work and whether their pros and cons make sense for you financially. Always talk to a trusted lender and a financial advisor before making entering into a new mortgage.
Need help connecting with a trustworthy lender in your area? Reach out to us for help today.
How Could a Recession in 2025 Affect the Housing Market?
As talk about economic slowdowns runs wild, worries about a potential recession in 2025 are on the rise. Naturally, many homeowners are wondering what a recession could do to the value of their home, and their buying power.
Using historical data from recessions of decades past, let’s see how a recession might affect the housing market in 2025.
A Recession Won’t Lower Home Prices
It’s a common misconception that a recession will cause home prices to crash, like they did in 2008. In reality, 2008 was the only time the housing market saw such an extreme, dramatic drop in prices. Overflowing home inventory caused that price crash, and conversely, low inventory has prevented a similar crash in the years since.
Even in markets where housing inventory is up, it’s still far below the listing oversupply that caused the 2008 crash. Indeed, according to data from Cotality, home prices actually increased during four of the last six major recessions.
As the graph shows, a recession doesn’t necessarily mean that home prices will crash, or even drop. In reality, historical data shows that home prices usually continue along their current trajectory when a recession hits. And at the moment, home prices are still rising nationally, but at a more normalized rate. So, as the market stands now, a recession in 2025 would most likely drive prices even higher.
Mortgage Rates Typically Decline During Recessions
Home prices may stay their path during economic slowdowns, but mortgage rates actually tend to drop. Looking again at historical data from the last six recessions, this time from Freddie Mac, mortgage rates fell each time.
Historically speaking, a recession could mean that mortgage rates may even decline this year. However, the last time a recession dramatically lowered mortgage rates was over three decades ago in 1991. So with that said, even if a recession does happen, don’t expect a game-changing drop in mortgage rates.
Conclusion
Nobody ever truly knows what the economy will do, but the odds of a recession in 2025 have increased. Still, a recession doesn’t mean you need to worry about the housing market or the value of your home. The historical data tells us that a recession may even drive home prices higher and mortgage rates lower.
Wondering how an economic slowdown could impact your local market? Connect with us to get the info you need to plan ahead.
Foreclosures Rose in Q1 2025 – Is It a Warning Sign?
With everyday costs seemingly rising across the board, the state of the housing market is a natural concern. When basic living expenses rise, even critical financial responsibilities like mortgage payments start to slip, leading to increased foreclosures. Unsurprisingly, new data shows filings for foreclosures rose in Q1 2025, stirring worries about another housing crash like in 2008.
But as it turns out, there’s less cause for worry than you might think. When contextualized correctly, it’s clear these new number don’t point to a repeat of the last big housing crash.
The 2008 Market Versus 2025
The latest quarterly report from ATTOM shows that foreclosures did rise in Q1 2025, which is concerning at first glance. However, foreclosure filings were still lower than the normal historical average, and far below the levels seen in 2008. When plotted visually, it’s easy to see the huge difference between 2008 and 2025.
Compare the foreclosure filings in Q1 2025 to the years surrounding the 2008 crash on the graph below. Even in the years preceding and following the 2008 crash, foreclosures were dramatically higher than what we’re seeing now.
Back in 2008, lenders were approving loans using much riskier practices, saddling many homeowners with mortgages they couldn’t afford. This flooded the market with distressed properties, surplus housing inventory, and free-falling home prices that collectively caused the crash.
In the years that followed, lending standards became much stricter and stronger to prevent such a crash from happening again. Today, most homeowners are in a much better financial position, and foreclosures have stabilized as a result.
The graph may appear to show foreclosures ramping up since the lows of 2020 and 2021, but this is deceiving. Foreclosures during those years were unusually low thanks to a moratorium designed to help millions of homeowners through the pandemic. That moratorium has since ended, which has caused foreclosure filings to return to the more normal levels we see now.
Compared to pre-pandemic years like 2017-2019, foreclosures overall are actually relatively down from what’s considered normal. So while foreclosures rose in Q1 2025, this doesn’t point to a troubling surge in the market.
Why Foreclosures Haven’t Surged in 2025
Another reassuring difference in today’s real estate market is the power of increased homeowner equity. As home prices have exploded over these past few years, homeowners have enjoyed a welcome boost to their wealth. According to Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM:
“While levels remain below historical averages, the quarterly growth suggests that some homeowners may be starting to feel the pressure of ongoing economic challenges. However, strong home equity positions in many markets continue to help buffer against a more significant spike . . .”
In short, if a homeowner can’t make their mortgage payments, they may be able to sell their home to avoid foreclosure. During 2008, many people owed more than their homes were worth and had no choice but to foreclose. Today, most homeowners have much stronger equity that protects them from being forced into foreclosing. As Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of CJ Patrick Company, recently explained in a Forbes article:
“ . . . a significant factor contributing to today’s comparatively low levels of foreclosure activity is that homeowners—including those in foreclosure—possess an unprecedented amount of home equity.”
Conclusion
It’s true that foreclosures rose in Q1 2025, but they’re nowhere near the levels seen during the 2008 crash. Even as home prices continue rising, strong equity is protecting existing homeowners and bolstering their wealth. This doesn’t discount the struggles some homeowners are facing, but it’s a reassuring fact for the market at large.
If you’re a homeowner facing foreclosure, ask your mortgage provider about what options are available to you. Are you a first time buyer eager to build your equity? Contact us today for the info you need to get started.
Are You Waiting To Buy? This Spring May Be Your Time To Move
Between low inventory, high home prices, and unpredictable mortgage rates, 2024 was a rocky year for real estate. It should come as no surprise then that 70% of buyers stopped their home search last year. If you were one of them and are still waiting to buy in 2025, this spring could be your time.
The Drive of Housing Inventory
Many homeowners who put their move on pause last year are reentering the market this year. This means higher, stronger listing inventory, and with builders finishing more homes, new construction inventory is growing as well. Together, this creates more options for buyers like you, and better chances of finding the home you’ve waited for.
But that’s only part of the story. When you’re selling, you want to feel confident that you’ll find a home you’ll be thrilled to move into. At the same time, you don’t want housing inventory so high that your current house sits on the market. Fortunately, the spring 2025 market is striking a balance between supply and demand that many have waited for.
According to research from Realtor.com, housing inventory has jumped 28.5% year-over-year, making March the 17th straight month of inventory growth. This is still below pre-pandemic levels in most markets, but it’s a sweet spot for anyone waiting to buy.
For patient buyers, this means you’ll have more options when moving, but not so many that your current house won’t sell. As long as there’s a healthy demand for homes in your area, your house should still sell relatively quickly. Especially if you work with a local agent to make sure it’s priced right and fixed up to maximize value.
The Sweet Spot: More Options and Steady Demand
Here’s another promising point to think about. As we said, Realtor.com‘s March 2025 data shows that housing inventory has been rising for 17 consecutive months. What’s better, industry experts agree that listing inventory is likely to continue climbing through 2025. According to Lance Lambert, the Co-Founder of ResiClub:
“The fact that inventory is rising year-over-year . . . strongly suggests that national active housing inventory for sale is likely to end the year higher.”
If this prediction proves correct, this spring may be a better time to sell than you think. Listing now could help your house may stand out more than it would later in the year as inventory grows. With more homeowners reentering the market, waiting too long could make it all the more difficult to stand out.
Conclusion
If you’re one of the many who have been waiting to buy a house this past year, here’s your chance. Housing supply is growing but hasn’t caught up to demand yet, meaning new listings are still getting extra buyer attention. Meanwhile, increasing inventory is giving current homeowners more opportunities to scale up, further driving supply and activating buyers.
For both first time buyers and homeowners waiting to sell, this spring’s market is trending toward an ideal sweet spot. If you have questions keeping you from making your move, reach out to us for answers today. We can get you the info you need, or connect you with an agent to navigate your unique local market.
Should You Buy a Home This Spring or Wait for Lower Prices?
You’re probably familiar with the saying “The best time to plant a tree was yesterday, but the next best time is today.” It’s a valuable lesson about future planning and investment that, surprisingly, applies to the decision to buy a home too.
Even though buying a home is a major financial expense, it’s also a major investment that grows over time. As the price of your home increases over time, the value of the equity you’ve built grows with it. And while waiting for prices to drop may be an attractive option, trying to time the market rarely works.
But here’s something to consider: the longer you wait to buy a home, the more your patience could cost you. Let’s explain why.
Home Prices Are Expected To Continue Climbing
Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts respond to Fannie Mae‘s Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). Consistently, the survey results show experts agreeing that home prices will continue to rise through 2029 or even longer.
Sharp price increases may be behind us, but experts predict steadier, healthier increases of 3-4% per year moving forward. This rate of increase will vary by market from year to year, but it’s much closer to normal. Reliable growth is a promising sign for hopeful buyers, and the housing market at large, as the graph below demonstrates.
Even in markets experiencing slower price growth or short-term decreases, the steady gains of homeownership eventually win in time. After all, a growing, long-term financial investment will always beat a one-time discount.
Here are the main points to remember:
- Home prices will be higher next year. Experts don’t expect home prices to fall any time soon, at least at the national level.
- Waiting for a perfect mortgage rate or price drops is a gamble. With only slight dips in mortgage rates expected in the near future, price increase could outpace any potential mortgage savings. Unless home price growth is slow or mortgage rates are low in your area, waiting will likely be more expensive.
- Buying early means building more equity. When you invest in homeownership early, your equity and appreciating home value reward you in the long run.
The Costs of Waiting To Buy
To demonstrate how these theories play out in real-world numbers, here’s a typical example. If you were to buy a $400,000 house in 2025, it could gain almost $80,000 in value by 2030. The graph below demonstrates how this value appreciates year by year based on the expert data we mentioned earlier.
This can be a considerable difference in your future wealth and why buyers who invest early are often glad they did. When it comes to building wealth through long-term investment, time in the market matters.
The question to consider isn’t “Should I wait to buy?” It’s really “Can I afford to buy now?” Just like planting a tree, making short-term sacrifices to buy a home will eventually pay off in the long-term.
Between rising prices and stubborn mortgage rates, today’s housing market is challenging, but achieving homeownership is far from impossible. Exploring different neighborhoods, seeking alternative financing options, or applying for down payment assistance programs can all make a critical difference.
What’s most important is acting decisively when you’re able to, instead of waiting for a perfect opportunity that never comes.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in buying but still undecided, take the time you need to make the right choice. But, remember that realizing an investment takes time, and the sooner you make one, the sooner you’ll be rewarded.
If you’re curious about what’s happening with prices in our local area, then reach out to us. Even if you’re not ready to buy, an expert local agent can fill you in with the info you need.
Here’s the Next Best Time To Sell Your Home This Spring
Back in March, Realtor.com reported that the best time to list your house in 2025 was April 13–19. With that week now behind us, you may be wondering if you missed your chance this year. Fortunately, you still have plenty of time, if another source’s prediction holds true this spring.
Realtor.com may be one of the biggest property search sites, but others have their own data, studies, and methodologies. This means that they sometimes receive different results and reach different conclusions. This means that they sometimes receive different results and reach different conclusions, which may be good news for you. Because according to Zillow, the ideal spring house selling window hasn’t passed yet.
Reports on the Best Spring Selling Period
New research from Zillow has found that sellers who list their homes in late May tend to see higher sale prices. Based on home sales from 2024, homes listed in May had the highest sale premium of about $5,600. According to Zillow‘s study:
“Search activity typically peaks before Memorial Day, as shoppers get serious about house hunting before their summer vacation and the new school year in the fall. By targeting late spring, sellers can get their home listed when the most shoppers are looking. When more buyers are competing for homes, sellers can command a higher price.”
But Zillow isn’t the only one declaring May as the best time for home sellers to list. Using data from 59 million home sales over the past 13 years, ATTOM Data completed a similar study. In this case, it was found that sellers who list in May net an 11.1% higher closing price on average.
“Freshly compiled sales statistics from ATTOM demonstrate that home sellers continue to reap significant benefits from listing their properties during the month of May. Examination of home sales trends spanning thirteen years reveals that, on average, sellers are commanding 11.1 percent premium above the estimated market value.”
Meanwhile, a report from Bankrate states that listing at any time in April or May is ideal. In fact, it found that homes listed in May on average sell for about 13.1% above market value:
“Some patterns and trends usually do hold true throughout the year, and one is that spring continues to be the best time to sell. Sellers can net thousands of dollars more if they sell during the peak months of April and May. . .”
If these reports are accurate, then there’s still time to list during peak home selling season. Closing your home sale in May could get you a sizable increase in your final sale price.
Of course, the best week to list your house ultimately depends on your own local real estate market. Prices are driven by buyer demand and home supply, and these can vary wildly from market to market. This is why working with an experienced local agent can be so helpful, especially in uncertain markets.
Conclusion
Even though Realtor.com‘s recommended spring selling window has passed, other sources say there’s still plenty of time this year. Spring is always a busy time in real estate, and you can take advantage without listing during a specific week.
The true best time to sell your house will be determined by your own unique local market this spring. Working with an agent can help remove some of the guesswork, and get you the best closing price possible.
