❓ Is the housing market improving in 2026?

Yes—but slowly.

After several years of very low home sales, activity is expected to pick up slightly in 2026. However, this isn’t a dramatic rebound—it’s more of a gradual shift toward a more balanced market.

❓ Are home prices going up or down?

Prices are expected to stay relatively flat.

Higher inventory is putting some downward pressure on prices, but many sellers are choosing to wait rather than accept lower offers. That’s helping prevent major price drops.

👉 What this means:

• Buyers aren’t seeing huge discounts
• Sellers aren’t seeing big appreciation
• The market is leveling out

❓ Will there be more homes for sale?

Yes—and this is a big shift.

Inventory is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, giving buyers more options than they’ve had in years.

There’s also what economists call “shadow inventory”—homeowners who are waiting for the right moment to list.

👉 Translation:
More listings + longer time on market = more negotiating power for buyers

❓ What’s happening with mortgage rates?

Rates are expected to decline slightly—but not dramatically.

Mortgage rates are projected to stay around the high 5% to low 6% range, with possible dips below 6% at times.

👉 Key takeaway:

• We’re not going back to 3% rates
• But conditions are improving compared to recent years

❓ Is inflation still affecting the housing market?

Yes—but it’s easing.

Inflation has cooled compared to previous years, which is helping stabilize mortgage rates and improve buyer confidence. However, the Federal Reserve is still being cautious, so changes are happening gradually.

❓ Are we heading into a recession?

Current outlook: No.

Despite economic challenges in recent years, the expectation is that the U.S. will avoid a recession in 2026, which supports overall housing stability.

❓ Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market right now?

It’s becoming more balanced.

• Buyers: gaining more options and negotiating power
• Sellers: still holding value, but needing stronger pricing strategy

👉 This is what we call a transition market

❓ What does this mean for buyers?

• More homes to choose from
• Less competition than peak years
• Slightly better financing conditions

👉 Opportunity is improving—but strategy still matters

❓ What does this mean for sellers?

• Pricing correctly is more important than ever
• Homes may take longer to sell
• Presentation and marketing make a bigger difference

👉 The homes that stand out are still winning

💡 Final Thoughts

According to Jeff Tucker, 2026 isn’t about big swings—it’s about stability returning to the market.

And honestly… that’s a good thing.

A more balanced market creates:

• Better opportunities for buyers
• More realistic expectations for sellers
• Healthier long-term growth