The Housing Questions Everyone’s Asking This Holiday Season
As the holidays roll around and family or friends start gathering, there’s one topic that always seems to come up: the housing market.
Here’s what people are asking, and what the data suggests might be the real answers.
“Can I still find a home if I want to move?”
“Will I ever be able to afford a home again?”
“Should I wait for home prices (or mortgage rates) to go down before buying?”
It’s a good sign when those questions spark up at parties, it means many people are thinking seriously about their future. But the answers aren’t always obvious. Here’s a breakdown of each question.
More than likely — yes. The market has seen a steady increase in inventory (the number of homes listed for sale) in many parts of the country.
That means buyers have more options than they’ve had in years, which is a big shift from the frenzied competition seen during the height of the seller’s market. More homes, more listings, more availability, good news for anyone hoping to move.
Affordability remains a challenge, no doubt. Rising prices and elevated mortgage rates continue to put pressure on many prospective buyers. But it’s not all bleak.
Home-price growth has started to moderate.
With more supply and greater buyer choice, there’s an opportunity for better deals and more reasonable offers, especially if a buyer is ready and patient.
So while it may not be like the rock-bottom rates of a few years ago, buying with the right expectations and the right strategy, still puts homeownership within reach for many.
That’s a tough question and the “right” answer depends a lot on your situation. But here’s the broader climate to consider:
Waiting relies on two big “ifs”: that prices/stay stable or drop, and that mortgage rates improve significantly. That’s a gamble.
Meanwhile, today’s growing inventory and more favorable supply/demand balance means you have more negotiating leverage, right now.
For many, buying now especially if you plan to stay long-term, may make more sense than playing the waiting game. The longer you stay in a home, the more likely you are to build equity, ride out market fluctuations, and benefit from long-term value.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the coming months, here are a few takeaways to keep front of mind:
Buyers: There are more listings which means more choices, more opportunity, and less pressure than a few years ago. It might be a good time to seriously look.
Sellers: Even though supply is higher, well-priced and properly marketed homes are still attracting interest. You might not get a bidding war, but you’re not out of the game either.
Everyone: Real estate remains local. What’s true nationally may differ in your city or neighborhood, so always check local listings, price trends, and economic conditions.
Yes, those inevitable holiday-table questions about the housing market matter. But the answers aren’t as simple as “rates up = bad” or “prices down = good.”
The current market offers nuance: more available homes, modest price growth, and more breathing room for buyers. Whether you choose to act now or wait, the key is to know your goals and lean on data, not just headlines.
If you want help sifting through what’s happening in your local market (inventory, price trends, interest-rate forecasts), I’m here to help.
Let’s make sure your housing decisions are smart, informed, and tailored to your future.
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