As someone who’s guided families and individuals through every kind of market since 1985, I know the numbers behind the headlines matter. In Q2 2026, home prices in the US continued to rise on paper, but the real story is more complex: after factoring in inflation, values actually declined for the 13th month in a row. While the national index did show a slight uptick in annual appreciation—about 1.5% in Late-Q2 compared to 1% earlier—it still lagged nearly 2 points behind inflation, which hovered around 3.5%. That means homeowners are seeing less true value growth, even though nominal prices remain resilient (one federal measure has shown positive annual appreciation every quarter since early 2012).
For those considering their next move, affordability remains front and center. Typical monthly payments for existing single-family homes increased again this quarter, making it even tougher for first-time buyers and those navigating big life changes. My priority has always been to protect my clients’ interests and help them understand what these trends mean for their unique situation—so you’re never left guessing about your investment’s real value.

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