As 2026 approaches, buyers, sellers, and investors are closely watching national housing trends — from mortgage rates to home prices and inventory dynamics. After several years of elevated borrowing costs and tight supply, the forecast for 2026 points toward modest growth, improved affordability, and a more balanced market.

At Kim Mathis and Associates, best realtor in Greensboro, we’re here to break down what leading experts are projecting so you can make informed decisions in the year ahead.

🏡 Modest Home Price Growth Expected

Experts across the industry agree that national home prices will likely continue rising in 2026 — but at a slower pace than the boom years of the early 2020s.

• Realtor.com projects home prices to grow by about 2.2% in 2026, with a modest uptick in sales and inventory compared to 2025. realtor.com

• Zillow forecasts roughly 1.2% home value growth next year, reflecting gradual stabilization and healthier market conditions. Zillow

Overall, these forecasts suggest that while prices will likely remain elevated compared with pre-pandemic years, dramatic swings or nationwide price drops are unlikely in the coming year. realtor.com+1

📈 Sales Activity to Rise Slowly

After a relatively slow 2025, home sales are expected to pick up — signaling that more buyers may finally return to the market:

• The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) forecasts a 14% rise in existing-home sales in 2026, fueled by easing mortgage rates and continued demand. nar.realtor

• Zillow also projects an increase in sales volume, with approximately 4.26 million existing home sales, up about 4.3% year-over-year. Zillow

These trends suggest steady buyer interest, especially in markets where inventory is improving.

💰 Mortgage Rates Still Influential

Mortgage rates remain a key driver of affordability and buyer activity. Most forecasts project average 30-year mortgage rates in the low-to-mid-6% range for 2026 — slightly lower than 2025 but still above historic norms. realtor.com+1

While rates aren’t expected to plunge to the sub-4% levels seen during the pandemic, even modest declines can improve monthly payment affordability. Realtor.com’s outlook shows that the typical monthly mortgage payment share of income could fall below 30% for the first time since 2022 — a meaningful milestone for buyers. roundtablerealty.com

📦 Steady Inventory Growth Can Help Balance the Market

Inventory — the number of homes available for sale — has been a long-running constraint on the market. In 2026, forecasts point to continued improvement:

• Realtor.com’s outlook anticipates an 8.9% increase in inventory, helping ease some of the tight conditions seen in recent years. roundtablerealty.com

• This growth, though slower than earlier rebounds, could lead to closer alignment with long-term inventory norms and give buyers more choices. roundtablerealty.com

A more balanced supply often helps stabilize price growth and supports healthier negotiation conditions for both buyers and sellers.

📍 What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Buyers:

• Improved affordability from modestly lower rates and rising incomes gives more buyers a chance to enter the market. roundtablerealty.com

• Increased inventory could mean more options — especially in markets where new construction continues. roundtablerealty.com

Sellers:

• Stable or slightly rising prices and renewed buyer interest mean 2026 is still a strong year to list, especially for well-priced, move-in-ready homes. nar.realtor

• Strategic staging and timing (e.g., spring and early summer selling seasons) could help maximize offers.

🏡 Local Perspective Matters

While national forecasts help frame big-picture expectations, real estate is inherently local. Conditions in Greensboro, the Triad, and surrounding communities can vary based on employment growth, inventory shifts, and buyer demand — all factors that Kim Mathis and Associates, the best realtor in Greensboro, monitors closely.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 housing market isn’t expected to be dramatic — but it is expected to be more balanced, gradually more affordable, and more active than recent years. With thoughtful planning, buyers can find opportunities and sellers can achieve strong outcomes.

Want personalized predictions for your neighborhood or next real estate move?
Reach out to Kim Mathis and Associates for expert guidance tailored to your goals in 2026 and beyond.