In 2026, the question of whether the housing market favors home buyers or sellers isn’t as simple as it used to be. A few years back, housing markets across the country were all experiencing the same phenomenon. Inventory was historically low, prices were rising quickly, and home sellers were clearly in control – with most getting multiple offers from interested buyers trying to outbid each other. These days, it depends more on where you look. There are some areas of the country that could still be considered seller’s markets but, according to a new analysis from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website, it’s only about 26 percent of the overall market. According to the analysis, 60 percent of the nation’s largest housing markets have now tilted in favor of buyers. Danielle Hale, the website’s chief economist, says knowing your local market matters. “A national picture is useful, but when making a real estate decision, the local details are what really matter,” Hale said. “Right now, a home buyer in Houston or San Antonio is navigating a very different market than someone in Hartford or Milwaukee.” (source)
