Navigating today’s real estate market means keeping a close eye on both costs and opportunities. By late Q3, monthly payments for the typical U.S. homebuyer reached $2,600—a 14-month high—as mortgage rates continued their upward trend and home prices remained steady. The national median sale price climbed about 2% year-over-year to nearly $399,000, adding more pressure to affordability and keeping pending sales flat month-over-month, and lower than this time last year.
I’ve seen firsthand how these shifts shape the decisions buyers and sellers face. Mortgage-purchase applications have dipped slightly, and while new listings dropped a bit around the holidays, they’re still a touch higher than the same period in 2025. Seller strategies are making a difference: about 21% of active listings have reduced their prices, and I know that sharp, realistic pricing draws genuine attention, while overpricing can discourage would-be buyers.
Inventory is moving in a positive direction, with active supply rising about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes, and total supply hovering around 4 months—though we’re not quite at a balanced market yet. Through all of this, I remain focused on providing clear guidance and advocating for my clients at every stage, ensuring you feel confident and informed during one of life’s most important milestones.
Leave a Reply