Henderson

Is the Housing Market Going To Crash? Here’s What Experts Say

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

<?php $category_links = array(); foreach ($categories as $category) { $category_links[] = 'term_id)) . '" style="color: #666; text-decoration: none;">' . esc_html($category->name) . ''; } echo implode(', ', $category_links); ?>

ID, 'property_price', true); $beds = get_post_meta($post->ID, 'property_beds', true); $baths = get_post_meta($post->ID, 'property_baths', true); $sqft = get_post_meta($post->ID, 'property_sqft', true); $mls = get_post_meta($post->ID, 'property_mls', true); ?>

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

<?php } // Save property meta data function bhhs_save_property_meta($post_id) { // Check nonce if (!isset($_POST['bhhs_property_details_nonce']) || !wp_verify_nonce($_POST['bhhs_property_details_nonce'], 'bhhs_property_details')) { return; } // Check autosave if (defined('DOING_AUTOSAVE') && DOING_AUTOSAVE) { return; } // Check permissions if (!current_user_can('edit_post', $post_id)) { return; } // Save meta data $meta_fields = array( 'property_price', 'property_beds', 'property_baths', 'property_sqft', 'property_mls' ); foreach ($meta_fields as $field) { if (isset($_POST[$field])) { update_post_meta($post_id, $field, sanitize_text_field($_POST[$field])); } } } add_action('save_post', 'bhhs_save_property_meta');

If you’ve seen headlines or social posts calling for a housing crash, it’s easy to wonder if home values are about to take a hit. But here’s the simple truth.

The data doesn’t point to a crash. It points to slow, continued growth.

And sure, it’s going to vary by local area. Some markets will see Notice how even the most pessimistic forecasters say we’ll see prices rise by almost 5% over the next few years.

Overall, prices are expected to rise about 15% from now through the end of 2029.
The optimists say we’ll beat that and see a roughly 26% increase.
And even the pessimists anticipate prices will go up by 5% during that period.

What sticks out the most? None of these groups who study the market are forecasting a crash, or even a decline, over the next 5 years.

How This Compares to “Normal” for the Market

Now, focus back on the first graph. The projections call for 2-3.5% price increases in each of the next five years. For context, the average rate of appreciation for the last 25 years was closer to 4-5% annually.

So, while that’s slightly below the historical average, it’s much more sustainable and typical than where the market was in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Back then, prices rose too much, too fast based on record-low supply and record-high demand. Some places even saw prices climb by 15-20%.

So, while it may feel like prices are stalling compared to those pandemic-era surges, what’s really happening is that the market is finally finding balance again.

Why Prices Aren’t Expected To Crash

A lot of the chatter about home prices today is based on that rapid rise and the old saying that what goes up, must come down. But historically, that’s not really true. Home prices almost always rise.

And the main reason we’re not heading for a repeat of 2008 is simple: supply and demand.

Even though affordability challenges have made it harder for some people to buy over the past few years, there still aren’t enough homes for everyone who wants one. And that ongoing shortage is keeping upward pressure on prices nationally.

That’s why experts across the board can confidently agree: we’re not headed for a price collapse, but for steady, long-term appreciation.

And just in case it’s the economy that’s got you worried, remember this. Over the past 50 years, there have been plenty of economic events that have impacted the market. And one thing that’s consistently been true throughout time is the housing market always recovers. And we’re coming through that turn right now and going into a recovery.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting to buy or sell because you’re worried about a crash, it’s time to look at the data – not the headlines.

The question isn’t if home prices will rise, it’s by how much.

Connect with an agent who can show you what’s happening in your local market and what these forecasts mean for your next move.

The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that’s the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier.

Let’s break this down into real dollars, so you can see the difference this could make for you (and your move).

Monthly Payments Are Coming Down

One of the clearest signs of this shift is in monthly payments. The latest data from Redfin shows mortgage payments on a median-priced home are now $283 lower than they were just a few months ago (see graph below):

This kind of monthly savings adds up fast, and totals nearly $3,400 over the course of a year.

While this isn’t enough to completely change the affordability game overnight, think about it this way. When you’re putting together a homebuying budget, a few hundred dollars could be the difference between being comfortable buying and feeling like money’s a bit tight.

And from a home-search perspective, it could even be enough to change the price point you can look at. According to Redfin:

“A borrower with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford a $468,000 home, about $22,000 more than in June.”

And that’s a big deal if you haven’t found a home you love in your price range yet. It gives you a little more flexibility to find the one that’s right for you.

Either way, that’s a big win.

What’s Behind the Shift?

Two key factors are working in your favor right now:

Mortgage rates have eased from their high earlier this year
Home price growth is slowing in many markets

Both of those things help your bottom line and give you a bit of breathing room if you’re buying a home. As Andy Walden, Head of Mortgage and Housing Market Research at ICE Mortgage Technology, says:

“The recent pullback in rates has created a tailwind for both homebuyers and existing borrowers. We’re seeing affordability at a 2.5-year high . . .”

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone looking to move-up into a bigger house, the shifts happening this year could make your move possible. Connect with a trusted agent or lender to see what your monthly payment would look like at today’s rates.

For you, the savings could be the difference between “not yet” and “let’s go.”

Bottom Line

Affordability is improving in many markets. And that resets the math on your move.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, this is your cue to start looking again. Connect with a local agent or trusted lender to run the numbers together so you can get a rough estimate of how much more buying power you may have than you did just a few months ago.

2026 Housing Market Outlook

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to move – and that could open the door for you to do the same.

More Homes Will Sell

With all of the affordability challenges at play over the past few years, many would-be movers pressed pause. But that pause button isn’t going to last forever. There are always people who need to move. And There’s a saying: when rates go up, they take the escalator. But when they come down, they take the stairs. And that’s an important thing to remember. It’ll be a slow and bumpy process.

Expect modest improvement in mortgage rates over the next year but be ready for some volatility. There will be volatility along the way as new economic data comes out. Just don’t let it distract you from the bigger picture: the overall trend will be a slight decline. Forecasts say we could hit the low 6s, or maybe even the high 5s.

And remember, there doesn’t have to be a big drop for you to feel a change. Even a smaller dip helps your bottom line.

If you compare where rates are now to when they were at 7% earlier this year, you’re already saving hundreds on your future mortgage payment. And that’s a really good thing. It’s enough to make a real difference in affordability for some buyers.

Home Price Growth Will Be Moderate

What about prices? On a national scale, forecasts say they’re still going to rise, just not by a lot. With rates down from their peak earlier this year, more buyers will re-enter the market. And that increased demand will keep some upward pressure on prices nationally – and prevent prices from tumbling down.

So, even though some markets are already seeing slight price declines, you can rest easy that a big crash just isn’t in the cards. Thanks to how much prices rose over the last 5 years, even the markets seeing declines right now are still up compared to just a few years ago.

Of course, price trends will depend on where you are and what’s happening in your local market. Inventory is a big driver in why some places are going to see varying levels of appreciation going forward. But experts agree we’ll see prices grow at the national level (see graph below):

This is yet another good sign for buyers and overall affordability. While prices will still go up nationally, it’ll be at a much more sustainable pace. And that predictability makes it easier to plan your budget. It also gives you peace of mind that prices won’t suddenly skyrocket overnight.

Bottom Line

After a quieter couple of years, 2026 is expected to bring more movement – and more opportunity. With sales projected to rise, mortgage rates trending lower, and price growth slowing down, the stage is set for a healthier, more active market.

So, the big question: will you be one of the movers making 2026 your year?

Connect with an agent if you want to get ready.

Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

There’s a trend taking hold in real estate right now: more buyers are choosing newly built homes. And it’s not just about getting the latest technology or modern floorplans. It’s because they may be able to get a better deal.

Builders are offering serious incentives today, and people are jumping on them. In fact, Both the South and West have more new homes available, so you may find builders are even more willing to negotiate in these regions.

Just know that this opportunity won’t last forever. Recent data shows builders are slowing down their production efforts. And a lot of that is to avoid having too many homes for sale. As Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains:

“The slowdown in single-family home building has narrowed the home building pipeline. There are currently 621,000 single-family homes under construction, down 1% in July and 3.7% lower than a year ago. This is the lowest level since early 2021 as builders pull back on supply.”

Moving forward, the number of new options may start to shrink as builders focus more on selling what’s already built before they add more. So, the best time in years to buy a new home may actually be right now.

Bottom Line

With builders cutting prices and maybe even helping you score a lower monthly payment, that’s not something to overlook.

If you want to see how active builders are in your target area and what they’re offering, here’s your power move: before you even begin looking, connect with your own agent.

That way, you have someone to help you compare incentives from multiple builders and negotiate on your behalf, making sure you get the best deal possible.

Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your Move

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

These days, you’re going to want to get your price right when you get ready to sell your house. Honestly, it’s more important than ever. Why? While you may want to list high just to see what happens, that’s a plan that can easily backfire, and it’s going to cost you in today’s market.

And the risk isn’t just missing out on offers, it’s missing out on the move you needed to make in the first place.

The Real Pitfall of Overpricing

Many homeowners remember what their neighbor’s house sold for a few years ago, and they want to chase that same sky-high number. The problem is, that was a different market.

Today, there are more homes for sale. Buyers have more options to choose from. They don’t have to get into bidding wars where they offer way over asking just to compete. Now they can come in at, or even below, list price. And if you’re not open to that, they’ll move on. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“Buyers will have more leverage in many, but not all, markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”

But here’s the good news. You still have one big advantage as a seller. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values went up by a staggering 54% over the last 5 years. So, even if you compromise just a little bit on your sale price today, odds are you’ll still come out way ahead.

The challenge? Most sellers aren’t thinking about it that way. They’re stuck on what a neighbor got months or years ago – and that’s a costly mistake.

Overpricing Can Stall Your Whole Move

Here’s what happens. A seller lists too high. Buyers stay away. No offers come in. The house sits. And suddenly, that seller is facing a tough decision. Do they cut the price? Stick it out? Or give up altogether?

Unfortunately, a late price cut may not be enough. Buyers often see that as a red flag that something’s wrong with the house. That’s why some sellers are opting to just pull their listing off the market entirely.

In a recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) over half of agents (54%) say there are more homes being taken off the market than usual.

BrightMLS data backs this up:

“. . . sellers are delisting after having their home on the market and finding they are not getting the price they hoped for.”

It’s more proof pricing too high does more than turn buyers away, it puts your whole move at risk. Because if no one looks at your home or makes an offer, how are you going to sell it?

The Secret To Making Your Move Happen

If you’re selling to relocate for a job, need more space for your growing family, or have to be closer to your relatives as they age, you can’t afford to get stuck. You need a pricing strategy that helps you move forward – and that starts with the right agent.

The sellers who are winning right now are the ones working with experienced local agents who know the current market and aren’t afraid to have honest conversations about price.

And it’s paying off. In the right price range and condition, homes are still selling fast, sometimes even with multiple offers.

Bottom Line

Pricing your house for today’s market isn’t just about getting it sold. It’s about making sure your move doesn’t stall before it starts.

Talk to an agent about what buyers are really paying right now in your area, and how to price your home to match.

Why Home Prices Aren’t Actually Flat

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

If you’ve been following real estate news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. And at first glance, that sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing. The reality isn’t quite that straightforward.

In most places, prices aren’t flat at all.

What the Data Really Shows

While we’ve definitely seen prices moderate from the rapid and unsustainable climb in 2020-2022, how much they’ve changed is going to be different everywhere.

If you look at data from ResiClub and Zillow for the 50 largest metros, this becomes very clear. The real story is split right down the middle. Half of the metros are still seeing prices inch higher. The other half? Prices are coming down slightly (see graph below).

The big takeaway here is “flat” doesn’t mean prices are holding steady everywhere. What the numbers actually show is how much price trends are going to vary depending on where you are.

One factor that’s driving the divide? Inventory. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University explains:

“ . . . price trends are beginning to diverge in markets across the country. Prices are declining in a growing number of markets where inventories have soared while they continue to climb in markets where for-sale inventories remain tight.”

When you average those very different trends together, you get a number that looks like it’s flat. But it doesn’t give you the real story and it’s not what most markets are feeling today. You deserve more than that.

And just in case you’re really focusing on the declines, remember those are primarily places where prices rose too much, too fast just a few years ago. Prices went up roughly 50% nationally over the past 5 years, and even more than that in some of the markets that are experiencing a bigger correction today. So, a modest drop in some local pockets still puts most of those homeowners ahead when it comes to the overall value of their home. And based on the fundamentals of today’s housing market, experts are not projecting a national decline going forward.

So, what’s actually important for you to know?

If You’re Buying…

You need to know what’s happening in your area because that’s going to influence everything from how quickly you need to make an offer to how much negotiating power you’ll have once you do.

In a market where prices are still inching up, waiting around could mean paying more down the line.
In a market where they’re easing, you may be able to ask for things like repairs or closing cost help to sweeten the deal.

The bottom line? Knowing your local trend puts you in the driver’s seat.

If You’re Selling…

You’ll want to be aware of local trends, so you’ll know how to price your house and how much you can expect to negotiate.

In a market where prices are still rising, you may not need to make many compromises to get your home sold.
But if you’re in a market where prices are coming down, setting the right price from the start and being willing to negotiate becomes much more important.

The big action item for homeowners? Sellers need to have an agent’s local perspective if they want to avoid making the wrong call on pricing – and homes that are priced right are definitely selling.

The Real Story Is Local

The national averages can point to broad trends, and that’s helpful context. But sometimes you’re going to need a local point of view because what’s happening in your zip code could look different. As Anthony Smith, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, article puts it:

“While national prices continued to climb, local market conditions have become increasingly fragmented…This regional divide is expected to continue influencing price dynamics and sales activity as the fall season gets underway.”

That’s why the smartest move, whether you’re buying or selling, is to lean on a local agent who’s an expert on your market.

They’ll have the data and the experience to tell you whether prices in your area are holding steady, moving up, or softening a bit – and how that could impact your move.

Bottom Line

Headlines calling home prices flat may be grabbing attention, but they’re not giving you the full picture.

Has anyone taken the time to walk you through what’s happening in your market?

If you want the real story about what prices are doing in your area, connect with a local agent.

Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

You want mortgage rates to fall – and they’ve started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go?

Experts say there’s room for rates to come down even more over the next year. And one of the leading indicators to watch is the 10-year treasury yield. Here’s why.

The Link Between Mortgage Rates and the 10-Year Treasury Yield

For over 50 years, the 30-year fixed And that opens the door for mortgage rates to come down even more. As a recent article from Redfin explains:

“A lower mortgage spread equals lower mortgage rates. If the spread continues to decline, mortgage rates could fall more than they already have.”

The 10-Year Treasury Yield Is Expected To Decline

It’s not just the spread, though. The 10-year treasury yield itself is also forecast to come down in the months ahead. So, when you combine a lower yield with a narrowing spread, you have two key forces potentially pushing mortgage rates down going into next year.

This long-term relationship is a big reason why you see experts currently projecting mortgage rates will ease, with a fringe possibility they’ll hit the upper 5s toward the end of next year.

Here’s how it works. Take the 10-year treasury yield, which is sitting at about 4.09% at the time this article is being written, and then add the average spread of 1.76%. From there, you’d expect mortgage rates to be around 5.85% (see graph below):

But remember, all of that can change as the economy shifts. And know for certain that there will be ups and downs along the way.

How these dynamics play out will depend on where the economy, the job market, inflation, and more go from here. But the 2026 outlook is currently expected to be a gradual mortgage rate decline. And as of now, things are starting to move in the right direction.

Bottom Line

Keeping up with all of these shifts can feel overwhelming. That’s why having an experienced agent or lender on your side matters. They’ll do the heavy lifting for you.

If you want real-time updates on mortgage rates, reach out to a trusted agent or lender who can keep you in the loop and help you plan your next move.

Why October Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in 2025

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now’s the time to lean in. It’s officially the best time to buy this year. According to Realtor.com, this October will have the most buyer-friendly conditions of any month in 2025:

“By mid-October, buyers across much of the country may finally find the combination of inventory, pricing, and negotiating power they’ve been waiting for—a rare opportunity in a market that has been tight for most of the past decade.”

So, if you’re ready and able to buy right now, shooting for this month means you should see:

More homes to choose from
Less competition from other buyers
More time to browse
Better home prices
Sellers who are more willing to negotiate

Just remember, every market is different. For most of the top 50 largest metros, that sweet spot falls in October. But the peak time to buy may be slightly earlier or later, depending on where you live. As Realtor.com explains:

“While Oct. 12–18 is the national “Best Week,” timing can shift depending on the local markets. . .”

Best Week To Buy for the Top 50 Largest Metro Areas

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA: September 28 – October 4
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX: September 28 – October 4
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD: October 12 – 18
Birmingham, AL: October 19 – 25
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH: October 26 – November 1
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY: October 12 – 18
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC: November 2 – 8
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN: September 28 – October 4
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN: October 12 – 18
Cleveland, OH: October 12 – 18
Columbus, OH: October 12 – 18
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: September 28 – October 4
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO: October 12 – 18
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI: October 12 – 18
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI: September 28 – October 4
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT: September 21 – 27
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX: October 12 – 18
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN: October 26 – November 1
Jacksonville, FL: October 26 – November 1
Kansas City, MO-KS: October 12 – 18
Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV: October 5 – 11
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: October 12 – 18
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN: November 2 – 8
Memphis, TN-MS-AR: September 21 – 27
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL: November 30 – December 6
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI: September 7 – 13
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI: October 26 – November 1
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN: October 12 – 18
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ: September 14 – 20
Oklahoma City, OK: October 12 – 18
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL: October 26 – November 1
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD: September 7 – 13
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ: November 2 – 8
Pittsburgh, PA: October 12 – 18
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA: October 26 – November 1
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA: October 19 – 25
Raleigh-Cary, NC: October 12 – 18
Richmond, VA: October 26 – November 1
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA: September 28 – October 4
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA: October 12 – 18
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX: October 12 – 18
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA: October 12 – 18
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: October 12 – 18
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: October 19 – 25
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA: October 19 – 25
St. Louis, MO-IL: October 12 – 18
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL: November 30 – December 6
Tucson, AZ: October 12 – 18
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC: September 21 – 27
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: October 12 – 18

What the Experts Are Saying

And Realtor.com isn’t the only one saying you’ve got an opportunity if you move now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.”

Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, puts it like this:

“Nationally, now is a good time to buy, if you can afford it . . . with falling mortgage rates and significantly more inventory, buyers have an upper hand in negotiations.”

And NerdWallet says:

“This fall just might be the best window for home buyers in the past five years.”

How To Get Ready for this Golden Window

To make sure you’re ready to jump in whenever your market’s best time to buy arrives, talk to a local agent now. They’ll be able to give you more information on your market’s peak time, why it’s good for you, and the steps you’ll need to take to get ready.

Bottom Line

If you’re serious about buying, getting prepped for this October window is a smart play.

Want help lining up your strategy? Have a quick conversation with a local agent so you’ve got the information you need to be ready for this prime buying time.

What Buyers Say They Need Most (And How the Market’s Responding)

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

A recent survey from Bank of America asked would-be homebuyers what would help them feel better about making a move, and it’s no surprise the answers have a clear theme. They want affordability to improve, specifically prices and rates (see below):

Here’s the good news. While the broader economy may still feel uncertain, there are signs the housing market is showing some changes in both of those areas. Let’s break it down so you know what you’re working with.

Prices Are Moderating

Over the past few years, home prices climbed fast, sometimes so fast it left many buyers feeling shut out. But today, that pace has slowed down. For comparison, from 2020 to 2021, prices rose by 20% in a 12-month period. Now? Nationally, experts are projecting single-digit increases this year – a much more normal pace.

That’s a sharp contrast to the rapid growth we saw just a few short years ago. Just remember, price trends are going to vary by area. In some markets, prices will continue to rise while others will experience slight declines.

Prices aren’t crashing, but they are moderating. For buyers, the slowdown makes buying a home a bit less intimidating. It’s easier to plan your budget when home values are moving at a much slower pace.

Mortgage Rates Are Easing

At the same time, rates have come down from their recent highs. And that’s taken some pressure off would-be homebuyers. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says:

“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”

Even a small drop in mortgage rates can mean a big difference in what you pay each month in your future mortgage payment. Just remember, while rates have come down a bit lately, they’re going to experience some volatility. So don’t get too caught up in the ups and downs.

The overall trend in the year ahead is that rates are expected to stay in the low to mid-6s – which is a lot better than where they were just a few short months ago. They may even drop further, depending on where the economy goes from here.

Why This Matters

Confidence in the economy may be low, but the housing market is showing signs of adjustment. Prices are moderating, and rates have come down from their highs.

For you, that may not solve affordability challenges altogether, but it does mean conditions look a little different than they did earlier this year. And those shifts could help you re-engage as we move into next year.

Bottom Line

Both of the top concerns for buyers are seeing some movement. Prices are moderating. Rates are easing. And both trends could stick around going into 2026.

If you’re considering a move, connect with a local real estate agent to walk you through what’s happening in your area – and what it means for your plans.

Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s Buyers

Listed on Listed by MLS#

Beds Baths Sq.Ft.

Price: <input type="number" id="property_price" name="property_price" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bedrooms: <input type="number" id="property_beds" name="property_beds" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Bathrooms: <input type="number" id="property_baths" name="property_baths" step="0.5" value="" style="width: 100%;">

Square Footage: <input type="number" id="property_sqft" name="property_sqft" value="" style="width: 100%;">

MLS Number: <input type="text" id="property_mls" name="property_mls" value="" style="width: 100%;">

If you’re planning to buy a home this year, there’s one expense you can’t afford to overlook: closing costs.

Almost every buyer knows they exist, but not that many know exactly what they cover, or how different they can be based on where you’re buying. So, let’s break them down.

What Are Closing Costs?

Your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you make when finalizing your home purchase. Every buyer has them. According to Freddie Mac, they typically include things like homeowner insurance and title insurance, as well as various fees for your:

Loan application
Credit report
Loan origination
Home appraisal
Home inspection
Property survey
Attorney

National vs. Local: Why the Numbers Look So Different

When you search for information about closing costs online, you’ll often see a national range, usually 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. While that’s a useful starting point if you’re working on your homebuying budget, it doesn’t tell the whole story. In reality, your closing costs will also vary based on:

Taxes and fees where you live (like transfer taxes and recording fees)
Service costs for things like title and attorney work in your local area

While the home price is obviously going to matter, state laws, tax rates, and even the going costs for title and attorney services can change what you expect to pay. That’s why it’s important to talk to the pros ahead of time so you know what to budget for. It can put you in control before you even start shopping.

To give you a rough ballpark, here’s a state-by-state look at typical closing costs right now based on those factors for the median-priced home in each state (see map below):

As the map shows, in some states, typical closing costs are just roughly $1-3K. In a few places, they can be closer to $10-15K. That’s a big swing, especially if you’re buying your first home. And that’s why knowing what to expect matters.

If you want a real number to help with your budget, your best bet is to talk to a local agent and a lender. They can run the math for your price range, loan type, and exact location.

And just in case you’re looking at your state’s number and wondering if there’s any way to trim that bill, NerdWallet shares a few strategies that can help:

Negotiate with the seller. Ask for concessions like a credit toward your closing costs.
Shop around for homeowner’s insurance. Compare coverage and rates before you commit.
Check for assistance programs. Some states, professions, and neighborhoods offer help. Your agent and lender can point you to what’s available locally.

Bottom Line

Closing costs are a key part of buying a home, but they can vary more than most people realize. Knowing your numbers (and how to potentially bring them down) can go a long way and help you feel confident about your purchase.

Connect with a local agent or lender to take a look at typical closing costs in your area and get your personalized estimate, so you can craft your ideal budget.

Henderson

How This Compares to “Normal” for the Market

Why Prices Aren’t Expected To Crash

Bottom Line

Monthly Payments Are Coming Down

What’s Behind the Shift?

Bottom Line

More Homes Will Sell

Home Price Growth Will Be Moderate

Bottom Line

Bottom Line

The Real Pitfall of Overpricing

Overpricing Can Stall Your Whole Move

The Secret To Making Your Move Happen

Bottom Line

What the Data Really Shows

If You’re Buying…

If You’re Selling…

The Real Story Is Local

Bottom Line

The Link Between Mortgage Rates and the 10-Year Treasury Yield

The 10-Year Treasury Yield Is Expected To Decline

Bottom Line

Best Week To Buy for the Top 50 Largest Metro Areas

What the Experts Are Saying

How To Get Ready for this Golden Window

Bottom Line

Prices Are Moderating

Mortgage Rates Are Easing

Why This Matters

Bottom Line

What Are Closing Costs?

National vs. Local: Why the Numbers Look So Different

Bottom Line

Footer

Recent

Search

Find Your Dream Home in Las Vegas