The NAR housing forecast for 2026 offers a clear message: the market is primed for a rebound. With projected growth in home sales, modest price appreciation, and slightly lower mortgage rates, the National Association of Realtors is signaling a more active real estate landscape next year. For loan officers and real estate agents, this means sharpening your game now to meet the demand that’s just around the corner. Understanding the key market drivers behind NAR’s forecast helps professionals plan strategically and connect with buyers and sellers at the right time.
NAR Forecasts a Brighter Market in 202
According to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, existing-home sales are expected to rise by 14% in 2026 compared to the prior year, offering a hopeful outlook after a sluggish 2025. Home prices are also forecast to grow about 4% nationally, with strong job growth and a persistent inventory shortage providing upward pressure. Yun emphasizes that while affordability challenges remain, the market is gaining traction thanks to more favorable financing conditions and sustained buyer demand.
Mortgage rates, which hovered in the high 6% to low 7% range through much of 2025, are projected to ease toward 6% in 2026. While this isn’t a return to pandemic-era lows, it is a psychological and financial improvement that could pull hesitant buyers back into the market. Inventory levels will still be tight, but they may begin to ease slightly as more homeowners decide to list, encouraged by stronger pricing and better financing options.
Importantly, the forecast acknowledges regional variation. Some markets may outperform the national average due to local job strength, affordability, or demographics. This means that real estate professionals will need to stay tuned to their own local trends while keeping an eye on the broader national picture. Overall, the NAR forecast positions 2026 as a pivotal year for renewed activity, energy, and opportunity across the housing sector.
Loan Officer Perspective
For loan officers, this is welcome news. The expected 14% jump in home sales translates directly into more purchase opportunities, and a cooling of interest rates could give buyers more confidence to move forward. This is the time to reconnect with past leads who may have paused their home search and to educate them on what these changes mean for their purchasing power. The more informed and proactive you are now, the better positioned you’ll be when volume picks up.
It’s also critical to strengthen relationships with your agent partners. They’re likely gearing up for increased activity too, and they’ll be looking for reliable lending support to keep transactions moving smoothly. Make sure you’re seen not just as a lender, but as a strategic resource—someone who’s knowledgeable about market trends and ready to offer real solutions when buyers have questions.
Finally, don’t overlook how important local market nuance will be in 2026. National headlines are encouraging, but your edge comes from understanding what’s happening in your zip code. Use this forecast as a launchpad to dig deeper into regional shifts, neighborhood performance, and pricing trends so you can tailor your outreach and conversations with buyers accordingly.
Real Estate Agent Perspective
For real estate agents, the NAR forecast should bring a renewed sense of optimism—and urgency. A 14% projected rise in home sales means buyers will be coming off the sidelines, and sellers may finally feel the confidence to list. If you’ve been staying in touch with your database and planting seeds, this is the moment to water them. Make sure your systems are in place, your marketing is sharp, and your listings are priced strategically.
While inventory is expected to remain tight, the 2026 environment offers more flexibility and opportunity than the rollercoaster of the past few years. Agents who stay close to their clients and provide clear, calm guidance will stand out. With buyers still navigating affordability challenges, your role as a trusted advisor will be even more essential—helping them see not just what’s available but what’s possible.
One of the smartest moves you can make is to collaborate closely with your lender partners. The more aligned you are, the more value you can provide to your clients. Discuss strategies now, from pre-approvals to rate education, so you’re not scrambling when the uptick begins. The agents who prepare today will be the ones winning business tomorrow.
Home Buyer & Seller Perspective
If you’re a buyer or seller wondering what 2026 might bring, this forecast should feel encouraging. The market is expected to warm up with more homes being sold and modest price increases ahead. That means if you’re planning to buy, now is a smart time to speak with a loan officer about what your financing options could look like as rates continue to ease. And if you’re thinking about selling, you may be able to command a strong price thanks to ongoing inventory shortages.
The key to success in this market will be preparation. Buyers should get pre-approved and understand what they can afford as conditions improve. Sellers should start having conversations with their real estate agents about timing, pricing, and marketing strategies to take full advantage of 2026’s momentum.
If this news has you thinking about making a move, don’t wait. Reach out to the loan officer or real estate agent who shared this post with you. They can help you take the first step toward a smarter homebuying or selling plan.
Frank’s Thoughts
This NAR forecast is a breath of fresh air after a few tough years—and not just because of the numbers. What I really like is that it gives us something solid to plan around. Loan officers, this is your green light to rebuild that purchase pipeline and reconnect with people who’ve been waiting. The message is: it’s coming.
Realtors, now’s the time to level up. Don’t wait until everyone else is already moving—you’ve got the chance to be first out of the gate with a clear, confident plan. Your clients are going to need guidance, and you’re the one to give it.
And for everyone reading this: don’t just hope 2026 will be better—build toward it. NAR’s data gives us the roadmap. Let’s get to work.
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