Lately, we’ve seen US home prices continue their upward climb on paper. But when you look closer—especially after adjusting for inflation—the story shifts. For the 13th straight month, real home values have actually declined, even though the pace has slowed thanks to firmer nominal gains and easing inflation. A key national index showed annual appreciation near 1.5% in late Q2 2026, up just slightly from 1% earlier in the quarter, but still trailing inflation, which is hovering around 3.5%. So, while one federal index has shown positive annual appreciation every quarter since early 2012, the affordability squeeze is real. Typical monthly payments for existing single-family homes have risen again, making it even more challenging—especially for first-time buyers. As someone who guides clients through these important milestones, I know how crucial it is to pay attention to both the big picture and the fine print. Navigating these shifts takes experience, strong communication, and a deep understanding of the market—qualities I bring to every client relationship.
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