Will 2026 Finally Jumpstart Home Sales?
High mortgage rates in 2025 slowed home sales, but improvement is expected starting in 2026.
Experts predict existing home sales may ↑ 10–15% as conditions improve in 2026.
High mortgage rates in 2025 slowed home sales, but improvement is expected starting in 2026.
Experts predict existing home sales may ↑ 10–15% as conditions improve in 2026.
Mortgage rates increased after five weeks of declines, driven by stronger-than-expected economic indicators.
Experts forecast minimal rate relief through late 2025 despite Federal Reserve predictions of future cuts.
Waiting for rate drops may backfire as housing prices remain high and supply stays limited.
Buyers can gain ground by exploring options like fixer-uppers, condos, or 15-year Real Estate loans.
Creative strategies help offset costs in a tough Real Estate market while building long-term equity.
U.S. home prices are projected to decline by 0.9% by Early-Q2 2026.
The forecast reverses earlier predictions of price increases, signaling a cooling housing market.
Long Forecast predicts slight drops: July 6.84%, August 6.79%, September 6.74%.
MBA expects 6.7% average in Q3; NAR, Realtor.com see 6.2%–6.4% by year-end.
15-year fixed rates forecasted to drop from 6.01% in July to 5.88% in September.
Experts expect gradual rate declines, but steady trends likely due to economic uncertainty and Fed policy.
Mortgage rates closely follow Treasury yields, with market spread widening from volatility.
Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans have dropped to around 6.63%, the lowest since April, due to a weaker-than-expected jobs report causing Treasury yields to fall. Experts suggest this dip may be temporary but advise buyers to act now rather than wait for perfect rates, as refinancing remains an option. Lower rates slightly improve affordability, offering buyers increased purchasing power amid a slowly easing housing market.
Apartment vacancy rates rose to 7.1% in July, signaling an overbuilt market with slowed rent growth. Despite high rents, the market favors renters, with rent days on market decreasing. Utah's average rent dropped to $1,399 in 2025, causing many to delay home buying. New apartment construction is slowing, and home sales are down slightly, but increased listings offer buyers more options and potential deals.
The Fed held rates at 4.25–4.5%, ignoring Trump’s calls for aggressive cuts.
Trump imposed steep tariffs, triggering fears of price hikes on goods and vehicles.
Research local schools even if you don’t have kids — they influence home values.
Consider internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or streaming needs.
Over half of U.S. buyers feel the market is better than last year, showing cautious optimism.
Seventy-five percent of buyers are waiting for lower prices and interest rates before purchasing homes.
Suburbs of Salt Lake City are booming with new homes.
Low unemployment and tech sector growth fuel migration.
Affordable pricing compared to West Coast states.
Access to skiing, hiking, and national parks.
Ideal for families seeking active, balanced lifestyles.