Real Insights

Spring 2026

Read about trends, data and analysis impacting real estate and home values. 

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Market Insights

You Can Trust

Real estate is local, but the forces behind it are often national. That's why we pulled together these timely housing trends in Real Insights to help you understand what's happening beyond your zip code, and how it may influence your next move.

This spring, the market is expected to become more balanced. While buyers may have more choices, they're also likely to be more selective–placing greater emphasis on home condition and competitive pricing. We also share a 2026 home value forecast roundup from several national organizations. The big theme is steady, not sky-high.

If you want to talk about what the current trends mean for you and your home, we're always glad to talk–please don't hesitate to reach out. 

CURRENT TRENDS

What You Need to Know

21%

OF BUYERS ARE FIRST TIMERS

First-time buyers made up only 21% of all homebuyers. For the second straight year, this marks a historically low percentage, highlights the ongoing challenges of housing affordability.

30%

OF REPEAT BUYERS PAID CASH

Among repeat buyers, 30% paid all cash. Cash is one reason some homes still move quickly, but it also highlights why smart tems, strong finanacing, and clean execution matter when you're competing.

61%

OF BUYERS ARE MARRIED COUPLES

Married couples still represent the majority of buyers (61%). Single female buyers were 21%, and single male buyers were only 9%.

53%

OF SELLERS MAKE SMALL IMPROVEMENTS

A majority of sellers (53%) made minor home improvements before listing, but a meaningful share (35%) sold as-is.

11%

NUMBER OF YEARS TYPICAL SELLER TENURE

Sellers typically owned their homes for a median of 11 years. That longer ownership cycle is one reason inventory can still feel uneven, even when "more listings" is the headline.

All stats from National Association of Realtors Home Buyers and Sellers Profile.

BY THE NUMBERS

Price Cuts vs. Delisting:

The New Seller Decision

Some homeowners are responding to today's market in a new way: rather than cutting the price, they're stepping back and taking their home off the market, or delisting. Nationally, delistings rose sharply in 2025, a sign that some sellers are testing the market and choosing to wait if buyer demand does not match their expectations. The takeaway is not that the market is crashing, but it's even more proof that pricing, presentation, and strategy matter more where buyers have options.

Delistings climbed meaningfully last year. Realtor.com reported delistings were up 37.9% year-over-year, the highest national delisting rate since their tracking began. ResiClub also noted that roughly one in every 20 homes for sale was pulled off the market at some point in 2025, representing about 5.5% of active inventory.

Key Insights

• More listings are being withdrawn after sitting on the market, especially in softer pockets of the market.
• Higher delisting rates likely mean that sellers are anchoring their expectations off of past sales.
• Price reductions are also common, which is a sign of a market working through affordability.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If you are looking to sell this year: the best plan is rarely "list high and see what happens." Let's talk about a pricing strategy, the right prep list, and a timeline that fits your life.

If you are looking to buy: more homes on the market can mean more leverage, but only if you know where it exists in your market. We're glad to discuss what buyers are winning with right now (price, concessions, rate buydowns, inspection terms).

SPRING TREND WACH

2026 Housing Outlook

Home value forecasts for 2026 point to a steadier market. These forecasts, made in December 2025, call for modest, low single-digit growth. While each forecast uses a slightly different method, the overall direction is similar.

In a market like this, the details matter more. Sellers may need to be sharper on pricing and presentation, and buyers may find more opportunity where inventory has improved. It's also wise to note that these forecasts can shift based on many factors, including where mortgage rates land and how much inventory returns in the spring and summer.

Remember: These are national forecasts. If you'd like to chat about what is happening locally, please reach out and one of our REALTORS® would be happy to discuss local trends.

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