6 ways to use the 2026 Housing Forecast in your marketing
The 2026 Realtor.com Housing Forecast points to a more stable and predictable housing market, with mortgage rates expected to hover near 6.3%, modest home price growth, rising inventory for a third consecutive year and softening rents across many Southern and Western metros. For agents and industry professionals, this marks a shift away from the volatility of recent years toward a more balanced landscape, one that allows messaging to focus on clarity, steady conditions and practical guidance rather than urgency. The forecast highlights six major themes: the return of market balance, improving affordability, expanding inventory, metro-level variation, advantages in new construction and steady economic fundamentals.
Together, these trends offer strategic insights professionals can apply in 2026. Improved affordability and easing monthly payments can empower hesitant buyers, while growing inventory helps re-engage homeowners who delayed plans during the tight market. Localizing metro projections strengthens expert positioning, and the continued importance of new construction, especially builder incentives, creates opportunities for affordability-focused buyers. Finally, stable employment levels and income growth provide a reassuring economic backdrop, supporting thoughtful, confidence-building communication as clients evaluate their next steps in a normalizing market.
