09/23/2026
More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
There’s a noticeable shift happening in the housing market right now: in the four weeks ending August 23, new listings across the US ticked up by 0.4% and total homes for sale increased by 0.5%, reaching their highest point since early Q2. Yet, even as inventory grows, pending home sales have dipped 1.1%—hitting a six-month low. With the national median sale price up 1.9% year-over-year to over $400,000, and average mortgage rates hovering near 7% (the highest in over a year), many buyers are finding themselves pausing their search, waiting for conditions to feel more favorable.
For those actively house-hunting, this environment is offering more leverage than we’ve seen in some time: more choices, and more opportunities to negotiate for price reductions or concessions—especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. On the other hand, sellers who set realistic prices, rather than chasing the highs of previous years, are still finding success in this market.
Having worked through many market cycles since the early 1980s, I’ve learned that strategic pricing and patience—whether you’re buying or selling—are key in markets like this. As always, staying informed and adaptable makes all the difference.