From September 27 to October 3, buyers were expected to see the strongest national mix of inventory, softer pricing, lighter competition, and slower market speed.
During that window, active listings could reach ↑31.9% versus the year's start and ↑13.3% versus the avg. week, expanding choice nationwide for buyers.
Listing prices were projected 3.5% below their seasonal peak, translating to ~$14K in possible savings on a median-priced US home near $416K.
Competition was historically ↓30.1% from its annual peak, while homes were expected to spend ~64 days on market, giving buyers more time.
The backdrop favored buyers: listings kept growing yearly, demand softened, and experts said earlier fall may widen choice while later fall may improve price flexibility.

Inventory is improving in several markets, giving buyers more listings to compare and reducing the pressure to make quick offers.
Buyers have more negotiating power, especially on homes that have been sitting longer or were initially priced above current market demand.
Sellers are competing through price and terms, with concessions, repairs and price adjustments becoming more important to attract serious buyers.
Takeaway: Buyers should compare listings carefully and negotiate; sellers need realistic pricing and stronger terms to stand out as conditions shift.

As we look ahead to the California real estate market over the next few years, several trends are coming into focus. Modestly stronger home sales are likely as lower mortgage rates and improving affordability open the door for more buyers to return. Even with ongoing challenges around affordability and insurance, limited inventory continues to support a steady, measured rise in home prices. Gradual inventory improvements may offer buyers a bit more room to negotiate and could ease the intensity of bidding wars we’ve seen in recent years. Of course, economic uncertainty is still a factor, but the outlook suggests California will close 2026 with moderate sales growth and stable conditions. For those planning their next move—whether you’re considering buying, selling, or making a change for your family’s next chapter—having up-to-date guidance can help you navigate these shifts with confidence.

Mortgage rates are higher than earlier in 2026, yet remain below 2025 levels, supporting more buyers today as qualification paths improve overall.
Lower rates are expected to allow more potential buyers to qualify for mortgages and move forward with financing plans as conditions improve.
The condominium market is showing stabilization, with improved affordability drawing buyers back and condos outperforming single-family price gains in some metros recently.
Price gains can boost housing wealth for many homeowners, while relatively affordable Midwest markets remain important areas for buyers in today's planning conversations.
Potential buyers may find more workable mortgage paths as lower rates improve qualification odds, especially where affordability is drawing buyer interest again.

Navigating today’s real estate landscape means understanding why so many buyers and sellers feel stuck. Higher mortgage rates are slowing demand—making monthly payments harder to justify, and leading more buyers to pause their search. We’re seeing fewer pending sales, as people hesitate to turn house hunting into actual offers. Many homeowners, meanwhile, are holding onto their existing low-rate mortgages, preferring not to give up a deal that’s working for them. This creates a real housing stalemate: buyers are looking for affordability, sellers are holding onto favorable loans, and overall activity has slowed. As someone who guides clients through every chapter—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply considering your options—I’m here to offer clear, compassionate insight so you can make decisions with confidence, whatever the market brings.

Recently, we’ve seen US consumer confidence dip to a seven-month low. While many people feel more positive about current conditions (the present-conditions index rose about 7 points to 121), there’s more caution around what’s ahead. The expectations index dropped nearly 6 points to 68—dipping below a level often associated with recession concerns. Early in Q3, employers cut 23,000 jobs, and unemployment ticked up to around 4%, mainly because more workers left the labor force rather than an uptick in hiring. Despite these shifts, homebuying expectations only eased slightly and continued to climb in mid-Q3, even as about 61% of Americans anticipated higher interest rates. With federal policymakers keeping rates steady and markets expecting limited relief soon, borrowing costs are likely to remain elevated through the end of the year. As a real estate professional, I know how important it is to understand both the numbers and the feelings behind them—especially if you’re considering your next move or planning for the future. My approach is always to provide clear guidance and support, so you can make informed real estate decisions that fit your needs and goals.