Why 2026 is the Year of "The Hunt" (and Why We Aren't Waiting)

by Amy Cuny

Happy New Year! As the calendar flips to 2026, we've officially decided to stop "waiting for the right time" and start making our move.

If you've been following the housing headline lately, you know that the "wait and see" strategy of 2025 and 2025 is starting to feel like a missed opportunity. While the market isn't exactly back to 2019 levels, 2026 is shaping up to be the most "normal" housing market we've seen in nearly a decade.

Here is why we are officilly starting The Hunt now instead of later.

1. The "Lock-In Effect" is Finally Breaking

For years, homeowners were locked in by their 3% pandemic-era mortgage rates, terrified to sell and lose that rate. But it's 2026-life happens. People are growing families, changing jobs, and downsizing. Inventory is projected to rise by nearly 9% this year, giving us more options than we've had in years. We're finally seeing more "For Sale" signs on the streets.

2. Affordability is (Finally) Trending Down

For the first time since 2020, the average monthly mortgage payment is actually expected to decrease this year. With mortgage rates stabilizing in the low 6% range and home price growth cooling to a modest 2-3%, the "sticker shock" is finally being replaced by predictable numbers.

3. Real Prices Vs. Sticker Prices

While home prices aren't crashing, they are growing slower than inflation and wages. In real economic terms, that means homes are becoming more affordable relative to our paychecks. Waiting until 2027 or 2028 might mean facing higher demand once everyone realizes they missed out on 2026 rates and influx of homes.

4. Negotiating Power is Back

Remember when buyers had to waive inspections and offer $50K over asking? In 2026, the market is more balanced and we can actually ask for a home inspection (imagine that!), repair requests, and take a little time to think about an offer without a home magically vanishing.

Overall, we aren't looking for a steal or 3% rates (they aren't coming back anytime soon). Our goal is simple: Find a home that fits our life at a price we can actually afford.

The hunt starts today. Are you in?