Zillow just released updated home price forecasts for over 400 markets across the country, and the numbers reveal where we're headed as we close out 2025 and move into the new year.

National home prices are expected to rise just 1.5% between now and October 2026. That's a far cry from the double-digit gains we saw during the pandemic boom, but it's also much better than the negative forecast Zillow had back in April.

Here's what happened: Early this year, Zillow started 2025 predicting home prices would climb 2.6%. But as inventory accumulated and buyer demand stayed soft, they revised that forecast downward—all the way to a negative 1.7% by April. Now, they've adjusted back up to 1.5% growth, signaling the market has found its footing, even if it's not exactly sprinting.

The balance of power is shifting. A year ago, only 6 of the nation's 50 largest metros were considered "buyer's markets." Today? That number has jumped to 15.

The strongest buyer's markets right now are:

What do these markets have in common? A surge of new construction over the past few years, which has increased inventory and given buyers more options and negotiating power.

While Utah may not be listed, estimates show 25-30% of homes sold in Utah in 2025 were new construction, and Utah ranked #4 in the nation for the most new homes built per capita in 2025.

Translation: The demand for Utah housing is real, and builders are trying to keep up. If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for conditions to improve, you have more leverage now than you've had in years—especially in areas with growing inventory.

The days of 20 offers on day one are over. Here's the current reality:

The key? Strategic pricing from day one. Markets with inventory growth (like most of Utah) require sellers to be realistic. Homes that sit too long risk becoming "stale" listings that buyers skip over.

If your home has been sitting without offers, it's not the market—it's the strategy.

Not all markets are created equal. The areas seeing the weakest price growth tend to be places that boomed hardest during the pandemic and now have the most new construction coming online. Markets that never overheated—particularly in the Midwest and Northeast where inventory remains below pre-pandemic levels—are holding their value. Here’s a map of Zillow’s 2026 price forecasts across many Utah zip codes.

Whether you're buying or selling in 2026, the data is clear: This is a market that rewards preparation and realistic expectations.

For sellers: If your home has been sitting without offers, it's time to reassess your strategy. The market has spoken—and modest growth means modest expectations. Let's talk about positioning your home to actually sell, not just sit.

For buyers: You have more negotiating power than you've had in years. If you've been waiting for the "right time," the data suggests conditions are increasingly favorable.

Whether you're looking to sell or buy a home in 2026 we can use unique strategies and leverage to get you the best deal possible. So let's talk strategy. Reply to this email or call me to discuss your specific situation.

The market isn't going to wait—and neither should you.

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.