09/25/2026
Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
We’re seeing a unique moment in the Northern and Central Valley housing market: higher mortgage rates are making it tougher for buyers to justify those monthly payments, so many are choosing to wait. At the same time, pending sales are slowing down, which tells us that fewer house hunters are moving forward with offers. On the flip side, homeowners who locked in low-rate mortgages aren’t in a hurry to list their homes, which means fewer options are available for buyers. This creates a real stalemate—buyers want more affordable payments, sellers don’t want to give up their great rates, and as a result, transactions are moving at a slower pace than usual. Navigating this environment takes experience and a personalized strategy, which is always at the heart of what we do for our clients.