09/16/2026
More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We're seeing a noticeable shift across the U.S. housing market: in the four weeks ending August 23, new listings rose by 0.4% week-over-week, and the total number of homes for sale increased by 0.5%, hitting their highest point since early Q2. Yet, even as inventory grows, high housing costs are keeping many buyers on the sidelines—pending sales are down 1.1% for the week, now at a six-month low. The median sale price has ticked up 1.9% year-over-year, landing above $400,000, while average mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, close to a 13-month high. In this environment, buyers who are actively searching are finding more opportunities to negotiate, especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers are having more success when they price realistically, rather than aiming for the peaks of previous years. Here in Middle Tennessee, I’m seeing these national trends echoed locally—every shift brings new options and strategies for both buyers and sellers.