2026 Real Estate Forecast from Rockin Realty LLC Powered By Exp
As we finish 2025 and look ahead to 2026, the housing market is clearly in a transition phase—less chaos, more clarity, and emerging opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Data from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) shows a market that is stabilizing now and setting the stage for renewed momentum.
In 2025, existing-home sales were essentially flat, showing little to no overall change. New-home sales dipped slightly, down about 2%, yet home prices continue to rise, with median values up approximately 3%. This reflects an ongoing imbalance between supply and demand, particularly in entry-level and mid-priced homes. Mortgage rates averaged around 6.7% this year, offering some relief compared to recent highs. The labor market remained supportive, with roughly 400,000 job gains and unemployment near 4.3%.
The outlook for 2026 is notably more optimistic. According to NAR, existing-home sales are projected to surge by approximately 14%, signaling a meaningful return of buyer activity. New-home sales are expected to rebound as well, increasing by about 5%. Median home prices are forecast to rise another 4%, reinforcing that price stability—not price declines—remains the dominant theme. Mortgage rates are projected to ease further, averaging near 6.0%, which could significantly improve affordability and purchasing power. Job growth is also expected to accelerate, with an estimated 1.3 million new jobs added nationwide, while unemployment is forecast to remain relatively stable around 4.5%.
Interest rates continue to play a critical role in shaping buyer behavior. In 2025, multiple Federal Reserve rate cuts are contributing to downward movement in both Treasury yields and mortgage rates. NAR data shows the 30-year fixed mortgage rate declining from about 6.81% in late 2024 to roughly 6.24% in 2025, while the 10-year Treasury yield moves from approximately 4.36% down to about 4.09%. These shifts, while incremental, meaningfully impact monthly payments and buyer confidence.
Affordability, however, remains the market’s biggest challenge. NAR research highlights a significant shortage of affordable listings across most income levels. Households earning around $75,000 per year face one of the largest gaps, with nearly 488,000 listings missing at that price point. Even higher income brackets continue to experience inventory shortfalls, underscoring that supply—not demand—remains the primary constraint in today’s housing market.
Source: National Association of Realtors®
If you are considering buying, selling, or simply want to understand how these national trends apply to your neighborhood, now is the time to get clarity and a plan. Real estate decisions are too important to guess, and local insight makes all the difference. I would be honored to walk you through the numbers, the timing, and the strategy that fits your goals. You can reach me, Jamie Parker, Realtor & ICON Agent with eXp Realty, at 404-483-7816, jamie@rockinagent.com, or visit www.rockinagent.com to start the conversation. Let’s make smart, confident moves—together in 2026!
