2026 Housing Market
Hey there, friends!
I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already next week! I hope 2025 has treated you kindly and that you’re heading into the holiday season with joy and anticipation.
I’m going to jump right in. There has been so much misinformation, fear-mongering, and confusion floating around about the housing market and its future. Between the mainstream media and the keyboard warriors, it can feel overwhelming.
So let me be crystal clear:
There will be no housing market crash.
Yes, the last few years have been a major adjustment. But today’s market is not anything like 2008 (or the early ’90s, the 1930s, or the 1870s). The conditions that historically signal a crash simply do not exist in November 2025.
Here’s why:
People need housing — to buy or rent.
There is a massive shortage of homes — both to buy and to rent.
When supply is low and demand is high, prices rise. Classic supply and demand.
And let’s not forget: in 2008, almost anyone could get a mortgage. Today? You have to go through what I lovingly call a financial colonoscopy. Completely doable, but definitely not easy. The lending environment is much tighter — and that’s a good thing.
Back in spring 2022, interest rates were manageable for many buyers. Then, in the fall, rates spiked so quickly that purchasing became out of reach for a huge portion of the market. That sudden surge slowed everything down compared to the frenzy of 2020–2021.
Since then, buyers have been pickier (because they had to be), and sellers have been clinging to their low mortgage rates — even if they’re miserable in their current home. We’ve been living in housing gridlock for nearly three years.
But here’s the thing…
A lot can happen in three years.
People graduate, get married, have babies, get reassigned, lose loved ones, downsize, need more space, or need to get out of debt. Life doesn’t wait. And after all this time, many people simply can’t postpone moving any longer — even if it means giving up their beloved interest rate or paying more than they wanted to.
So what does that mean for you — and for the housing market?
2026 is shaping up to be a very big year in real estate.
NAR (National Association of Realtors) is predicting a 14% increase in home sales. They also expect roughly 5.5 million new buyers to enter the market once mortgage rates drop below 6% for most borrowers.
That is huge.
And honestly? I’m pumped for 2026, because I know I’ll get to help more people move from the life they have to the life they want.
But here’s the catch…
If sellers don’t start listing — and builders don’t start building — while millions of new buyers enter the market, we could see another 2021-style frenzy: multiple offers, escalation clauses, waived inspections, and soaring prices.
This won’t be a market for rookies. (No shade — we all start somewhere.) But strategy matters. Timing matters. Preparation matters.
Everyone’s needs and goals are unique. If you’re thinking about making a move in 2026, we need to start planning now so you’re not draining your savings just to get into a home you love.
Call or text me, and let’s set up a time to talk. My number is 417.319.4687. People often say, “Kathryn, we don’t want to waste your time.” Let me be clear:
Talking with you about your goals and the life you want is never a waste of my time. It’s the heartbeat of why I do this job.
Let’s chat. ❤️
Home is everything. Let’s talk about yours (in 2026).
— KC
