09/28/2026
U.S. Housing Market Rebalances Slowly
As someone who’s spent years helping clients navigate the ins and outs of real estate, I keep a close eye on how the market shifts—especially when things move at a more gradual pace, like we’re seeing now. Active inventory has risen about 4% nationwide compared to last year, but that growth has just started to slow after a steady five-week climb. For buyers, that means there’s a bit more breathing room, though we’re not seeing a flood of new options. Homes are taking about 61 days to go under contract, which lines up with what’s typical for late Q3—especially after a busier start to 2026. New listings have dipped by about 1% year over year, bringing us back to where we were in 2025, as affordability concerns keep some would-be buyers and sellers on the sidelines. The median listing price is now $419,000, down about 1% from last year, and the price per square foot has slipped to $222, the lowest it’s been since early this year. With inventory up and mortgage rates still high, the market is gently tilting toward buyers, but overall things are moving steadily rather than changing overnight. Having worked with countless buyers and sellers—whether relocating, staging, or listing—I know how important it is to read these subtle shifts and help you find the right fit, at the right time.
