10/01/2026
US Home Values Enter Stabilization
Recently, we’ve seen home values reach a period of stabilization—not a decline—thanks in part to a lack of distressed selling, which is helping prices remain steady across many metro areas. As someone who’s guided clients through all kinds of markets over three decades, I notice that while the 30-year mortgage rate remains in the high-6% range (and looks likely to stay there through 2026), opportunities still exist for those who know where to look. Pending listings dipped 2.6% year over year, active listings reached 1.41 million, and although new listings are down 7.9% month over month, the typical monthly payment now averages $1,900—a 2% increase from last year. Lending benchmarks have trended higher as markets adjust, and experts are pointing to a possible soft landing in 2026 despite weaker sales and higher financial hurdles. For buyers, especially first-timers or those with flexible plans, inventory can vary meaningfully by state—so there may be openings to act. If you’re considering a move, getting pre-approved early is a smart move, and for current homeowners, it’s worth keeping an eye out for future refinancing opportunities as the landscape continues to shift.