09/21/2026
US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion | Let me help you maximize your home’s value!!
US home prices may be rising on paper, but when you factor in inflation, the story shifts. In Q2 2026, while nominal prices continued to climb, one key federal index was essentially flat month-over-month from mid to late quarter after seasonal adjustment. National numbers showed a modest yearly appreciation of around 1.5% by late Q2—an improvement from about 1% earlier in the quarter, but still lagging inflation, which has hovered near 3.5%. This means real home values, adjusted for inflation, have now declined for the thirteenth consecutive month. The pace of this decline has eased a bit, thanks to slower inflation and stronger nominal growth. Interestingly, one federal measure has shown positive annual appreciation every quarter since early 2012, highlighting how resilient nominal home prices have been even as real value faces pressure. As we move into the second half of the year, affordability remains front and center. Typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes have risen again, making things especially challenging for first-time buyers. With over 14 years of experience guiding clients through shifting markets—including foreclosures and short sales—I’m paying close attention to how these trends affect both buyers and sellers in the current climate.
