U.S. existing-home sales fell 8.4% in January, including a 9% drop in the South. Prices reached a January high and mortgage rates were lower than a year ago.
Not every upgrade boosts value. Buyers favor functional layouts, light and move-in ready condition, while highly personal projects often bring limited returns.
The 30-year mortgage rate slipped to 6.09% from 6.11% last week, while 15-year rates fell to 5.44%. Rates are expected to hover near 6% as spring buying begins.
Designers say stairways can boost a home’s appeal with runners, paint, lighting or wallpaper. Simple updates can stand out in photos and help listings shine.
The FinCEN rule requires reports on certain all-cash sales involving entities or trusts, adding compliance duties for title companies and closing agents in some cases.
Wood cabinets now lead kitchen remodels, reflecting warmer design trends that can help listings feel updated, on-trend and more appealing to today’s buyers.
Buyers are delaying moves over rate and price worries. For agents, that means resetting expectations, correcting myths and stressing long-term value.
As older homeowners downsize, Realtors may see shifts in inventory, buyer profiles and pricing that affect neighborhood-level market dynamics.
From warm neutrals to muted greens, paint trends support staging strategies that create broad appeal without overpowering a space.
NAR’s Lawrence Yun said easing rates, pent-up demand and potential policy shifts could lift sales in 2026, making staffing, training and lead strategy key for brokers.
