Catenaa, Saturday, January 17, 2026-The US housing market is showing early signs of stabilization as 2026 begins, according to the fourth-quarter CNBC Housing Market Survey.

While mortgage rates held steady between 6.2 percent and 6.4 percent in late 2025, home prices continued to ease, creating a more balanced environment for buyers and sellers.

Surveyed real estate agents reported that 37.5 percent now see a balanced market, up from 30 percent in the third quarter.

The shift reflects slower momentum in moves influenced less by interest rates than by rising costs of living, including insurance, utilities, and healthcare.

Buyers are increasingly motivated by life events such as relocating for jobs, retiring, or starting families.

Despite the overall easing of prices, sellers and buyers maintain differing expectations.

Many sellers continue to price homes as if market conditions mirror 2021–2022, while buyers approach the market with caution reminiscent of 2008. Agents noted that concessions have grown, with 92 percent of sellers cutting prices in the fourth quarter, and nearly half reducing prices on most listings.

Some properties were delisted as owners waited for more favorable conditions, but affordability pressures have eased slightly, allowing buyers to compromise less on home size, features, and location. Agents reported fewer buyers leaving the market or delaying purchases.

Looking ahead, 67.8 percent of agents expect first-quarter sales to improve, and 77 percent anticipate stronger performance across 2026.

Increased inventory and growing familiarity with economic conditions are contributing to cautious optimism among buyers and sellers alike.