U.S. Housing Market
Intelligence Center
Real-time conditions, macro signals, regional breakdowns, and Fed watch — everything that moves home prices.
Monthly payment on median home at 38% of median household income. Strained but improving.
Active listings up 31.2% YoY. Selection improving in 82% of tracked metros.
Median prices flat to -1.2% nationally. 23% of listings with price reductions.
Two or fewer Fed cuts priced in for 2026. Rates likely range-bound 6.5–7.1%.
Days on market lengthening. Sellers more motivated than at any point since 2019.
Starts down 2.3%. Builder cancellations rising. Incentives common in new subdivisions.
- ›Inventory at 7-yr high — use negotiating leverage
- ›Days on market rising in 82% of metros — no rush needed
- ›Ask for concessions: avg. $8K in closing costs in 60%+ of deals
- ›Rates elevated but stable — consider ARM if selling in <7 yrs
- ›Price accurately from day one — market punishes overpricing fast
- ›Buyers have options — staging and condition matter more now
- ›Consider rate buydown as concession ($10–15K buys loyalty)
- ›Offers below ask common — evaluate net proceeds not just price
- ›Fed unlikely to cut before May — rates range-bound near 6.9%
- ›Inventory normalization continues through Q2 2026
- ›Price declines modest — not a crash, a correction to balance
- ›Sub-$400K market remains competitive; $600K+ is fully buyer-led
2026 Housing Market Outlook: Inventory Rises, Rates Stay Stubborn
After years of near-zero inventory, listings are finally rising across major metros. But with mortgage rates holding above 6.5%, the relief may be slower than buyers hope.
7 min read · March 9, 2026Market Analysis
Rate Buydowns Explained: Is Paying Points Worth It in 2026?
Paying discount points to lower your mortgage rate sounds smart — but the math only works if you stay in the home long enough. Here's how to calculate your break-even.
6 min read · March 7, 2026Market AnalysisARM vs. Fixed Rate in 2026: Which Is Right for You?
With 30-year rates above 6.5%, adjustable-rate mortgages are gaining attention. A 5/1 ARM at 5.9% sounds appealing — until you understand the resets.
5 min read · March 5, 2026