If you've been wondering what to expect from the housing market this year, you're not alone. After years of wild swings—from pandemic boom to affordability crisis—everyone wants to know: where are home prices headed in 2026?

ResiClub just released their comprehensive analysis of 24 different forecast models, and the answer might surprise you: the average prediction is just +1.43% home price growth for 2026.

This is a dramatic shift from the double-digit gains we saw in 2021 and 2022. We're entering a period of stabilization—not a crash, but a much calmer market than we've seen in years.

The Pendulum Is Swinging Back to Center

Over the past year, the market pendulum swung heavily toward buyers as inventory flooded the market. Homes sat longer, sellers made concessions, and buyers finally had negotiating power after years of being squeezed out.

But here's what I'm seeing on the ground right now: the pendulum is shifting back toward the middle. Well-priced properties are getting multiple offers again. The buyer's market we saw in 2025 is moderating and we’re settling down into a fairly balanced market.

If you're a buyer, pay attention—you're in a unique window of opportunity right now:

This sweet spot won't last forever. As rates continue falling and buyer confidence builds, competition will increase.

Here's the reality: the days of listing your home and watching offers pour in above asking price are largely over. A +1.43% forecast tells us we're in a strategic market, not a speculative one.

The good news? Quality listings are still getting multiple offers. The difference is that "quality listing" now means more than just putting a sign in the yard. It means:

If your home has been on the market without success, the issue isn't the market itself—it's how your property is positioned within it. In a modest-growth environment, homes that are overpriced, poorly presented, or inadequately marketed will sit. And the longer they sit, the harder they become to sell.

While the national average is +1.43%, regional variations will be significant. Utah remains in a relatively strong position with plenty of buyer demand, but we're also seeing inventory normalize after years of scarcity. For 2026, Zillow expects 1.6% price growth in the Utah County metro area.

Here in Utah, inventory has increased significantly over the past year. We're one of 17 states now above pre-pandemic inventory levels. More choices for buyers means more competition for sellers.

If you're buying: This is your moment. You still have negotiating power and plenty of inventory to choose from, but well-priced homes are moving faster than they were 90 days ago. Don't wait for a perfect bottom that may never come—a 1.43% forecast with falling rates is about as good as it gets. Take your time to find the right property, but move decisively when you do.

If you're selling: Accept that this isn't 2021. Work with someone who understands how to position properties in a balanced market. If your listing has already failed, it's time for a strategic reset—new pricing, new marketing, or both.

I often work with sellers who've struggled to sell their homes in the past. If your property didn't sell the first time around, there's usually a clear reason—and a clear solution. I'd be happy to review your situation and show you what a strategic repositioning could look like.

Need help navigating the 2026 market? Whether you're buying or selling, let's talk about your specific situation and create a plan based on actual data, not guesswork.

Here to serve,

P.S. Market conditions can change quickly. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to make a move, let's talk about whether that time might be now—before everyone else figures it out too.