If you’ve spent any time following real estate headlines, you’ve probably heard the terms buyer’s market  and seller’s market . But what do those labels really mean—and more importantly, what do they mean for homebuyers planning to purchase in 2026 ? At the core of every housing market is one simple concept: supply and demand . Understanding how that balance is shifting can help buyers make smarter decisions about timing, financing, and long-term affordability. What Is a Buye

When home buyers start the process of purchasing a home, they usually focus on the fun and visible parts of the journey. They think about the kitchen layout, the size of the backyard, the number of bedrooms, and whether the neighborhood feels right. They scroll through listings, attend open houses, and compare homes side by side. But there is one decision that has a bigger financial impact than almost any other , and surprisingly, many buyers barely think about it at all: the

The U.S. housing market is continuing its slow but notable shift, according to the latest release of the S&P Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index —one of the most widely followed measures of national home price trends. While home values are still rising on a year-over-year basis, the pace of appreciation has clearly cooled, signaling important implications for buyers, sellers, and homeowners considering a refinance. Home Price Appreciation Falls to Its Slowest Pace Sin

The U.S. housing market has tested the patience of buyers, sellers, and homeowners for nearly half a decade. Since 2020, we’ve seen rapid home price appreciation, historically low inventory, aggressive interest rate hikes, and affordability stretched to levels not seen in decades. For many families, purchasing a home — or even considering a refinance — felt unrealistic. But a potential shift is on the horizon. According to a newly released housing forecast from the National A

Not long ago, the housing market was defined by speed and competition. Homes routinely received multiple offers within days, buyers waived inspections, and sale prices often soared well above asking. For many would-be buyers, affordability and competition made homeownership feel out of reach. That market environment has shifted — and the data confirms it. Today, homes are spending more time on the market, and instead of bidding wars, sellers are increasingly turning to price

The latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows a meaningful shift in the housing market—one that finally gives buyers some breathing room. According to the MBA’s Purchase Applications Payment Index (PAPI) , affordability conditions continued improving in October , marking the fifth straight month  of progress for U.S. homebuyers. The headline? The national median mortgage payment dropped to $2,039 in October, down from $2,067 the month before—its lowest lev

For several years, homebuyers faced one of the most competitive real estate markets in modern history. Limited housing supply, bidding wars, and rapidly rising home prices forced many buyers to make rushed decisions just to secure a property. In that environment, it was common for buyers to stretch their budgets, waive protections, and move forward with little time for careful consideration. Not surprisingly, that fast-paced, high-pressure market led to increased buyer’s remo

Each month, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveys builders across the country to measure confidence in the newly built single-family home market. The results are published as the Housing Market Index (HMI), scored on a 0–100 scale. Any reading above 50 signals that more builders view conditions as good rather than poor. In November, the NAHB Housing Market Index rose one point to 38 . While this remains below the breakeven threshold, the increase suggests b

When buyers think about purchasing a home, the first number they usually consider is the monthly mortgage payment . But owning a home means managing more than principal and interest. From utilities to insurance to maintenance, the true cost of homeownership  can be significantly higher than many first-time buyers expect — especially in today’s market. Planning for these expenses early is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. As a mortgage professional working

Affordability has been one of the biggest hurdles for homebuyers in recent years, especially younger buyers entering the market for the first time. Higher home prices, limited inventory, and fluctuating mortgage rates continue to shape today’s housing landscape. But despite these challenges, a new survey from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website shows something important: Gen Z hasn’t given up on the dream of owning a home. According to the report, 67% of ad

While real estate investor activity has cooled from the peak years of the pandemic, investors still play a significant role in shaping today’s housing market . A new report from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website  shows that investors continue to influence pricing and competition — especially in both high-cost and lower-priced regions. According to the report, investors are willing to pay a premium  for homes in expensive markets while simultaneously targe

After several years of intense activity, the U.S. housing market  continues to move at a slower pace. Following the record-breaking demand and price growth of the pandemic years, rising mortgage rates  have cooled the market and changed buyer and seller behavior. Today, affordability challenges remain a key factor  holding back both sides of the market. Sellers  are hesitant because many are locked into ultra-low mortgage rates they secured before rates surged. Buyers , on th

When buyers think about choosing the right home, they often focus on the property itself — the layout, the upgrades, the condition, the price. But one of the biggest influencers of day-to-day comfort (and long-term property value) isn’t inside the house at all. It’s what’s next door . In today’s new video, I break down 11 common neighborhood factors that can surprise homebuyers  after they move in. These aren’t rare scenarios — they’re things you might drive past without thin

There’s good news for homebuyers heading into year’s end — mortgage affordability continues to improve . According to new data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) , the national median monthly mortgage payment  fell again in September, marking the fourth consecutive month of improvement . The MBA’s Purchase Applications Payment Index (PAPI)  — which tracks average mortgage payments based on loan amounts applied for by borrowers — shows the median payment dropped to $2

The latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR)  shows that pending home sales remained flat in September , following the strongest pace of the year just one month earlier. The Pending Home Sales Index , which tracks contract signings (not closings), is widely viewed as a leading indicator of existing-home sales , since most signed contracts turn into closed transactions within several weeks. Despite the pause in monthly growth, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence

Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will ever make. That’s why today’s homebuyers are increasingly considering long-term risks  like maintenance, repairs, and even natural disasters before signing on the dotted line. According to a recent national survey , 69% of homeowners said they factored in the risk of natural disasters  — such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes — when purchasing their property. Another 61% said they worry a disaster

It’s no secret that the housing market slows down in winter . Shorter days, colder weather, and the holiday season often keep both buyers and sellers on the sidelines until spring. But while spring is traditionally known as the best time to sell, it may not be the best time to buy a home . According to a recent analysis, waiting until spring could cost buyers thousands . In fact, data shows that January is often the best month to buy a home , offering significant savings comp

After several years of rapid appreciation, the U.S. housing market  is showing signs of stabilization — and that’s good news for long-term health. According to the latest Home Equity & Underwater Report  from ATTOM Data Solutions , the share of equity-rich  properties has begun to decline modestly, signaling that the market is moving toward a more sustainable balance between buyers and sellers. In the third quarter , 46.1% of mortgaged homes  were considered equity rich  — me

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) , sales of previously owned homes climbed 1.5% in September , signaling renewed momentum in the housing market as mortgage rates eased slightly from recent highs. The increase marks a positive shift following several months of sluggish activity, reflecting both improved affordability and growing buyer confidence. The NAR data shows regional variation, with sales rising in the Northeast, South, and West , while the Midwes

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Weekly Applications Survey , average mortgage rates declined across every major loan category last week — including 30-year fixed-rate conforming loans, jumbo loans, FHA loans, 15-year fixed-rate loans, and 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) . This marks the lowest level in roughly a month , offering new opportunities for homeowners and buyers alike. Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and chief economist, noted that the dip in