If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering whether the housing market was ever going to get its groove back, here’s your answer: it already is.
Let’s start with existing homes. December delivered a pleasant surprise, with sales jumping just over 5%. That’s the strongest December we’ve seen in nearly three years. Translation: buyers didn’t disappear, they were just waiting for the math to make sense again. And guess what? It finally is. Wages have been growing faster than home prices for the first time since 2023, which means affordability is quietly improving while no one was looking.
Now let’s talk new construction. New home sales have been steadily gaining momentum, posting an almost 19% increase year over year. Even more interesting? Prices have cooled significantly. Median new home prices are down nearly 15% from their 2022 peak, and inventory has surged compared to the ultra-tight conditions we saw a couple of years ago. More choices, more breathing room, and less pressure to “decide in five minutes or lose it forever.”
The lending side of the market is waking up too. According to Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist, both purchase applications and refinance activity have jumped in recent weeks. That’s not just a blip, that’s confidence creeping back in. When buyers and homeowners start moving again, it’s usually a sign the market is finding its footing.
So what does all of this mean heading into spring? In plain terms: momentum. The frantic chaos of the past is behind us, but so is the freeze. We’re entering a season that feels more balanced, more strategic, and frankly, more human. Buyers have options. Sellers have serious, qualified interest. And smart moves are being rewarded.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to make a move, consider this your nudge, served with a little data and a lot of clarity. The market isn’t crashing, and it isn’t sprinting. It’s finding its rhythm. And that’s usually when the best decisions get made.
If you want to talk about what this means for your specific situation, whether buying, selling, or just planning your next step, you know where to find me.
