Whether it’s at a family gathering, your company holiday party, or catching up with friends over winter break, the housing market always seems to sneak its way into the conversation. And with shifting inventory, changing mortgage rates, and nonstop headlines… it’s no wonder people are asking what’s really going on.
To help you feel confident going into the new year, here are the top three housing market questions on everyone’s mind this season along with straightforward, data-backed answers.
1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?”
Short answer: Yes—more easily than you could a year or two ago.
Housing inventory has been steadily rising, giving both buyers and sellers more breathing room. According to Realtor.com data, the number of homes for sale has held above one million for six straight months a milestone we haven’t seen since 2019.
What this means for you:
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Buyers have more options (finally!).
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Sellers have more places to move next, removing one of the biggest roadblocks that kept many from listing.
If you stepped away from your home search last year because the shelves were bare, now may be the perfect time to take another look. Listings are no longer vanishing the same day they hit the market. With more homes available, buyers can compare options and make confident, informed decisions without feeling rushed.
2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?”
Affordability is improving. Seriously.
There’s no denying the last few years have been challenging. But 2024 brought some well-needed relief:
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Mortgage rates have been easing.
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Home price growth has started to moderate.
Together, those shifts mean today’s typical monthly mortgage payment is hundreds of dollars lower than it would have been just a few months ago. Buying still isn’t “easy,” but the financial picture is finally trending in the right direction.
For many would-be buyers who felt shut out, the dream of homeownership may be becoming realistic again.
3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?”
Waiting for a big price drop probably isn’t the best strategy.
Many people wonder if a housing crash is coming but current data doesn’t support that idea. Yes, inventory is growing, but not nearly enough to push national prices down significantly. And unlike 2008, homeowners today have record levels of equity and are generally in strong financial positions.
While local markets vary some rising, some leveling off—experts surveyed by Fannie Mae expect home prices to continue increasing, just at a slower, healthier pace.
That’s why waiting for a major price dip could mean missing out. Historically, those who stay in the market build far more long-term wealth than those who try to time it perfectly.
Bottom Line
Housing market chatter can get loud, especially around the holidays. But when you cut through the noise, the data shows a market that’s stabilizing not crashing.
If you're thinking about buying or selling, a trusted local real estate agent can help you interpret market trends and understand your best options. Don’t make big decisions based on headlines make them based on real insights tailored to your area.
