September 3, 2026, EDITION

The housing market is giving buyers a little more breathing room heading into fall. Asking prices have moved lower compared to last year, giving house hunters more negotiating power and making it especially important for sellers to price appropriately from the start.

Affordability also improved during July. The typical mortgage payment for purchase borrowers declined, a welcome shift for buyers who have been carefully balancing home prices and monthly costs.

Homes are still finding buyers. Even with more properties on the market, homes have continued to sell as quickly as or faster than they did a year ago, showing that well-priced properties can still attract attention.

This fall could look different for buyers who stepped away from the market earlier this year. More homes are available, asking prices have softened, and affordability has shown some improvement, creating reasons to take another look.

Sellers may need to adjust their strategy along with the market. Buyers have more properties to compare and more room to negotiate, making an accurate price and strong presentation increasingly important.

Homeowners continue to show financial strength. Mortgage delinquencies declined again in July, with fewer new defaults and more borrowers getting back on track.

DID YOU KNOW?...More home shoppers are looking beyond their current cities. A record share of online home searches across the nation's largest metro areas is now focused on properties outside the shopper's current metro, showing just how flexible today's buyers have become.

Mortgage rates continue to face pressure from long-term bond yields and ongoing inflation concerns, making the path ahead somewhat uneven. Recent economic reports have offered buyers some encouraging signs, including lower monthly mortgage payments in July, but meaningful rate improvement may depend on further progress with inflation and upcoming employment data. For buyers, this makes it especially important to look at the complete picture, including home price, monthly payment, available financing options, and potential negotiating opportunities. Remember, mortgage rates can be extremely volatile, so check with your mortgage professional for the most up-to-the-minute information.

If you paused your home search earlier this year, consider taking another look at what's available now. Your local market may have changed, and a home that was previously out of reach could now have a lower asking price or a seller who is more open to negotiating.

Fall buyers may be fewer than during the peak spring and summer months, but those still searching are often serious about making a move. Make sure your home is priced for today's market, shows well online, and is easy to tour. Giving motivated buyers fewer reasons to pass can make a meaningful difference.