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In Late-Q3, a builder-confidence index fell 3 points to 32. Current sales conditions slipped to 35, while six-mo sales expectations dropped to 37.
Prospective buyer traffic held at 23. Meanwhile, 38% of builders nationwide cut prices, and two-thirds used incentives, up from 63% in Mid-Q3.
Mortgage applications for new-home purchases declined for a fifth straight mo in Mid-Q3 as avg. 30-yr rates hovered in the high-6% range.
Large builders kept leaning on builder-paid rate buydowns, helping buyers secure below-market mortgages and supporting sales without relying solely on broader new-home price cuts.
With 30-yr rates near 7% in Late-Q3, two housing forecasters expected them to stay in the high-6% range or higher through 2027.

Recent signs pointed to housing disinflation, with buyers and sellers increasingly mismatched and sellers offering more concessions, creating potential savings for households chasing homeownership.
The clearest current hurdle remained borrowing costs: benchmark Treasury yields hovered near ~5%, while the avg. 30-yr mortgage rate moved above low-7%.
In the four weeks ending Sept. 13, the median monthly mortgage payment reached ~$2.6K, ↑~3% yearly, reflecting how financing costs kept affordability stretched for buyers.
The resale market stayed sticky, with many owners holding low-rate loans and keeping listings scarce, while sellers still sought pandemic-era pricing in many deals.
Industry voices described the US market as a correction toward stability, not a crash, with strong equity, sound lending, and opportunities for buyers and sellers.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

When we look at home prices, the median doesn’t always tell the whole story. In Q2 2026, the median price for a new single-family home in the US was $410,700, while existing homes reached a median of $435,700—a $25,000 difference. This was the largest national gap we’ve seen, continuing a trend that started back in Q2 2024, when existing-home prices began to surpass new construction.

What’s behind this shift? Many homeowners with low pandemic-era mortgage rates chose to stay put, tightening supply. Meanwhile, builders responded by offering smaller lots, cozier homes, and various incentives to attract buyers. Still, this national gap doesn’t reflect every local market. Regional factors, home styles, lot sizes, and rising construction costs all play a role in shaping what buyers and sellers see on the ground.

By Q2 2026, new-home prices had dipped about 1% compared to the previous year, while existing-home prices continued to rise—though at a slower pace, up around 2% after three years of steady gains.

As someone who has guided Northeast Atlanta families through ups and downs in the real estate market since 1985, I know how important it is to look beyond the headlines. Every neighborhood tells its own story. My mission is to help you navigate these trends so you can make confident, well-informed decisions about your next move.

As someone who’s guided homebuyers and sellers through every kind of market since 1985, I pay close attention to shifts like we’re seeing now. US existing home sales have slipped below 4 million as of mid-Q3, dropping to a 3.98 million annual pace—a 14-month low and a 2% decrease month over month. This points to a softer national buyer pool, but also creates new opportunities for those ready to make their move.

With 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaging near 7% in mid-Q3, many buyers are pausing to reassess, but inventory is building: national supply hit 4.9 months, giving today’s buyers more choices than we’ve seen in a while. In fact, listings are up enough that more buyers are able to negotiate—something I always encourage my clients to take advantage of. The median existing-home price rose to $429,100, a new record for this time of year, with higher-priced homes remaining the most active market segment.

Rising wages and steady job growth are helping to balance out the higher rates. First-time buyers made up 30% of purchases, and 27% of recent sales were cash deals. Homes spent an average of 31 days on the market, underscoring the importance of thoughtful pricing and preparation.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, planning a downsize, or navigating a major life transition, it’s essential to understand how these trends might shape your next steps. My role is to help you feel informed, protected, and confident—through every change in the market.

We're seeing a shift in affordability pressures for homebuyers across the country—by late Q3, the typical monthly mortgage payment reached $2,600, the highest in 14 months. With the national median home-sale price up about 2% year-over-year to roughly $399,000, many are feeling the squeeze. Pending sales have stayed steady month-over-month but remain lower than last year, and mortgage purchase applications have dipped slightly. Even with new listings slowing around the holidays, overall inventory has improved—active supply is up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes, with nearly 4 months of supply, though we’re still not at a truly balanced market.

As someone who’s guided buyers and sellers through changing markets in Northeast Atlanta since 1985, I can tell you that strategy matters more than ever. About 21% of active listings nationwide have cut prices recently—thoughtful, realistic pricing often attracts more attention, while overpricing tends to create hesitation. My approach has always been to keep my clients well-informed and confident, especially when market conditions add extra complexity. If you’re thinking about your next move—whether you’re selling, buying, or navigating a life transition—having the right guidance can make all the difference.