Author: Katrina Romero-Jones

In the four weeks ending August 23, new US listings ↑0.4% weekly, while total homes for sale ↑0.5%, reaching their highest levels since Early-Q2.
Pending US home sales ↓1.1% weekly to a 6-mo low, as high housing costs kept many buyers sidelined despite inventory improving nationally.
The median US home-sale price ↑1.9% yearly to >$400K, while the avg. mortgage rate sat near 7%, close to a 13-mo high.
Rising inventory and softer demand created buyer-friendly conditions, giving active shoppers more room to negotiate price cuts or concessions in many US markets.
Experts said homes listed for several weeks often offered the best leverage, while sellers benefited from realistic pricing instead of chasing prices from prior years.

We’re seeing a shift in the housing market: new listings in the US ticked up 0.4% and total homes for sale rose 0.5%, both now at their highest levels since earlier this year. Yet even with more choices, pending home sales have dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, as buyers wrestle with median prices north of $400,000 and mortgage rates holding steady in the mid-6% range. Many are pausing, weighing their options amid economic uncertainties, or waiting to see if rates ease. For buyers who are ready to act, this environment could mean more room to negotiate — whether that's through price reductions, credits for repairs, or rate buydowns, especially on homes that have lingered on the market. On the other hand, sellers who price thoughtfully from the start are seeing the greatest benefit. With decades of experience guiding clients through shifting markets, I always emphasize the value of informed decisions and honest representation, no matter which side of the transaction you’re on.

As someone who's been guiding clients through the Colorado real estate market for 27 years, I've seen many shifts in home values—both on paper and in real terms. In Q2 2026, while US home prices continued to rise nominally, one federal index actually held steady from mid to late quarter after accounting for seasonal effects. Nationally, we saw about a 1.5% annual increase in late Q2, edging up from 1% earlier in the quarter, yet still lagging behind inflation, which hovered around 3.5%. That means, for the 13th consecutive month, home values have actually declined when adjusted for inflation, though the pace of that erosion is slowing thanks to lower inflation and firmer price gains. It’s worth noting that, since early 2012, nominal prices have managed to post positive annual growth every quarter—even as buyers feel real pressures. Affordability remains front and center, especially for first-time buyers, as typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes continued to climb last quarter. Representing my clients with integrity and deep market knowledge is always my priority, especially as we navigate these evolving trends together.

Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.