Financial experts said slowing wage growth is hitting young adults hardest. High housing costs and weaker job gains are delaying first-time buyers.
As the market steadies, newer agents may have an edge by focusing on fundamentals, building owned systems and tracking progress from first contact to closing.
A new report finds property insurance costs would be 14.5% higher without recent reform, stabilizing a major expense in Florida home purchases.
First-time buyers in 2026 should focus on readiness, not rate timing. Pricing constraints remain, so early lender talks and clear budgets can help.
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.
Buyers and sellers shape opinions on Reddit, TikTok and YouTube before calling. Realtors who show up where trust forms can win earlier in the decision cycle.
Buyers are delaying moves over rate and price worries. For agents, that means resetting expectations, correcting myths and stressing long-term value.
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.
