2026: A Strong Start with Surprising Momentum

We came into the new year with a noticeable surge in activity and energy across the market, and that momentum carried right through the first quarter. January felt busier than usual, not just from a seasonal standpoint, but in the number of sellers preparing their homes and choosing to list earlier than we typically see. There was a clear shift toward getting ahead of the spring market, and that early activity set the tone for everything that followed.

As we moved further into the year, interest rates started just under 6% before ticking up, driven by ongoing inflation concerns, global uncertainty, and rising oil prices. At one point, we saw roughly a half-point increase, which would normally slow buyer activity in a meaningful way. What stood out this time is that it didn’t. Even with those headwinds, the pace of the market held steady. Since then, rates have eased slightly from that spike, but the bigger story is how buyers responded.

What we’re seeing is a segment of buyers who have been holding back for the past several years finally making a conscious decision to move forward. Despite the political and economic noise, they’ve stepped off the sidelines and stayed committed to their plans. That kind of pent-up demand doesn’t disappear overnight, and right now it’s showing up in a very real way.

Recent data from RMLS validates exactly what we’ve been experiencing on the ground. Year over year, the first quarter is roughly 5 to 10 percent more active than the same period in recent years. That’s a meaningful increase and a strong indicator that the market has more depth than many expected coming into 2026.

We’re also seeing a clear difference in how various price points are performing. Higher-end homes are moving well, often influenced more by stock market performance and overall wealth positioning than by interest rates alone. In contrast, mid-range homes tend to be more rate-sensitive, where affordability plays a larger role in buyer decision-making.

The biggest takeaway from this first quarter is how resilient the market has been. Even with shifting rates and broader economic concerns, buyers are engaging and following through. When you combine that with sellers entering the market earlier and demand that’s been building for years, it creates a level of momentum that’s hard to ignore.

If you’ve been thinking about buying, selling, or investing, this is where experience and local expertise really matter. Our team is in the market every day, seeing trends develop in real time across all price points. Reach out anytime and let’s talk through your goals and how to navigate this market with confidence!