03/13/2026
I have begun to see more people say the housing market is on the verge of collapse and to sell everything you have. I would hate for anyone to take that terrible advice.
Every Friday, I get a newsletter that catches me up on housing, jobs, and the economy, so I wanted to share some key data points and give you a clearer picture of where things stand during this global conflict and market volatility so you can make the best decision for your portfolio.
Bottom line: The sky might be falling, but house and land values are not. This is your Thoroughbred Real Estate Services market update for mid-March 2026:
• Mortgage Rates
Rates nudged up slightly, from 6.09% to 6.19%. Still, they’re much lower than a year ago. As a result, purchase apps are up 11% YoY, and refis are up 81% YoY. If you find a home that works for you, locking in might be a smart move—rates may not drop much soon.
• Economic Snapshot
February saw 92k jobs lost, and unemployment ticked up to 4.4%. Job searches are taking longer, but inflation is steady, with CPI near mid-2%.
• Housing Activity
Buyer activity is picking up: the MBS Highway Housing Index rose in March, and existing home sales jumped 1.7% in February—even with expectations of a decline.
• Home Values
Home values are steady. MoM price changes are flat, and YoY values still show modest growth. The reality hasn’t changed: they’re not making any more land. Real estate is still one of the best long-term investments.
• Opportunities
While the market is strong, FHA loan delinquencies are rising in some areas, which could create opportunities—like short sales or foreclosures—for buyers or investors paying attention.
Simply put, demand is steady, supply is limited, and home values are holding firm.
If you’re thinking of buying, investing, or exploring a new market, I’m here to help. I also work with great referral partners across the country. Reach out anytime!🔑