Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.

After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.

Here’s what the experts are saying you have to look forward to.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Top economists have one word to sum up the housing market for 2026: opportunity. Lower mortgage rates and a rising supply of homes are expected to open up the housing market . . . something the real estate industry and potential home buyers and sellers have been waiting for, following three years of stagnation.”

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:

“. . . for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”

Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow:

“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026.”

Why Local Insight Matters More Than Ever

Just remember, while the national outlook is improving, conditions will still vary by location. Some markets will move faster than others. Some will see stronger price growth. Others will remain flat. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“Market performance will hinge on local economic conditions, making 2026 one of the most geographically divided markets we’ve seen in years.”

That’s why understanding what’s happening in your specific area is key. The national trends set the stage, but local dynamics determine how they play out for you. And that's why you need an agent.

Bottom Line

If you want to discuss what’s expected in our local market and which trends you’ll want to leverage, let’s connect.

David Demangos - eXp Realty
Cell: 858.232.8410 | Realtor® DRE# 01905183
www.AwesomeSanDiegoRealEstate.com
We Go to Extremes to Fulfill Real Estate Dreams

Thinking About a Move in 2026? Ask Yourself These Questions First

The end of the year tends to slow everything down.

And for a lot of people, that creates space for a question that’s been sitting in the background for a while:

“Should we make a move next year… or stay put?”

If that thought has crossed your mind—even casually—you don’t need to decide anything right now. But asking the right questions can give you clarity without pressure.

Below are seven simple questions to walk through before making any real estate decision in 2026.

1. What’s Actually Driving the Thought of Moving?

Most people don’t think about moving “randomly.” Something usually triggers it.

Ask yourself:

• Are we reacting to a lifestyle change (space, location, family needs)?

• Is this more about finances or monthly costs?

• Are we feeling stuck or just curious about options?

One of the most important distinctions is whether this thought is coming from discomfort or opportunity. Those lead to very different decisions, timelines, and outcomes.

2. Is This a Timing Question… or a Readiness Question?

Many people frame their decision as “Should we wait?”
A better question is “What would need to feel clearer before we move?”

Consider:

• Are the timing parameters about the market or about uncertainty in our own situation?

• Are we waiting for a specific milestone (job change, school year, savings goal)?

• If nothing changed for another year, how would that feel?

The goal here isn’t urgency. It’s understanding what’s actually missing.

3. What Are We Most Afraid Might Go Wrong?

Uncertainty often hides behind vague hesitation.

Try naming it:

• What worries us explicitly about moving?

• Is it financial risk, regret, disruption, or the unknown?

• If we knew how to protect against that risk, would this feel different?

Most hesitation isn’t about the market. It’s about unanswered questions.

4. If We Wait, What Are We Hoping Will Change?

Waiting feels safe, but it’s still a decision.

Ask yourself:

• Are we waiting for rates, prices, or confidence?

• If those things don’t change the way we expect, how long would we keep waiting?

• What’s the tradeoff of staying exactly where we are for another year?

There’s no right or wrong answer here, only awareness.

5. What Outcome Matters More to Us?

Whether buying or selling, every move comes down to priorities.

Ask yourself:

• Are we more focused on monthly comfort or long-term equity?

• Is flexibility more critical than maximizing price?

• Are we trying to minimize stress, optimize opportunity, or something else?

There’s no universally “right” answer. But clarity here makes every future decision easier and less emotional.

6. What Would Make This Feel Like a Smart Decision in Hindsight?

Instead of predicting the market, try flipping the question.

Imagine it’s late 2026 and you’re looking back. What would make you say, “I’m glad we handled it that way”?

Ask yourself:

• What would make us feel confident in how we handled this?

• Would we regret rushing—or regret not preparing?

• What version of this decision would feel intentional instead of reactive?

Most good outcomes come from preparation, not perfect timing.

7. What Information Would Reduce Guesswork Right Now?

You don’t need all the answers to move forward. You just need fewer unknowns.

Helpful clarity often comes from:

• Understanding your real buying or selling range

• Knowing what options actually exist (not just headlines)

• Having a rough plan, even if it’s a year out

Final Thought

You don’t need to commit to anything before you’re ready

But if a move is even loosely on your 2026 radar, the smartest first step isn’t browsing listings or watching headlines; it’s getting clear on what actually matters to you.

And if you ever want help talking through those questions with real numbers and no pressure, that’s a conversation worth having.

David Demangos - eXp Realty
Cell: 858.232.8410 | Realtor® DRE# 01905183
www.AwesomeSanDiegoRealEstate.com
We Go to Extremes to Fulfill Real Estate Dreams