Introduction Leading housing economists are calling 2026 the “Year of the Rebalance.” For the first time since 2020, monthly mortgage payments are actually trending downward. This shift is driven by a combination of stabilized home price growth (roughly 2-3%) and mortgage rates that have dipped toward the 6% mark. For buyers on your site, January 2026 represents a rare window where purchasing power is finally outpacing inflation.
Inventory Surges and the “Lock-in” Break The “lock-in effect” that paralyzed the market in previous years is finally breaking. Life-changing events are forcing more homeowners to list, leading to a 20% increase in inventory compared to one year ago. While we aren’t back to pre-COVID “normal,” the prevalence of multiple-offer wars has plummeted. Sellers are becoming more flexible, with some choosing to lower prices rather than walk away, signaling a major shift in leverage toward the buyer.
Regional Watch: The Rise of Dallas and the “AV” Frontier In 2026, Dallas/Ft. Worth remains the #1 market for investment due to its sector diversification. However, a new trend is emerging: the “Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Frontier.” As AVs become inevitable, the “commutable frontier” around major cities is broadening. Access to suburban mass transit is becoming less critical than high-capacity utility hookups for charging infrastructure, creating a premium for properties near new “EV-ready” commuting hubs.