The U.S. housing market has had a tough few years, but 2026 is expected to bring some improvement. High mortgage rates, low inventory, and affordability challenges slowed the market from 2023 through 2025. Now, experts believe the market is starting to move in a more positive direction.

More Homes Are Coming on the Market
One of the biggest problems in recent years was the lack of homes for sale. Many homeowners held onto their low mortgage rates and chose not to sell. In 2026, more homeowners are expected to list their homes, giving buyers more choices. This increase in inventory could help reduce competition and make the market feel less stressful for buyers.

Sales Activity Is Picking Up Slowly
Home sales are expected to grow in 2026, but the recovery will be gradual. Buyers are becoming more comfortable with today’s market conditions, and sellers are adjusting their expectations. While sales may not return to the high levels seen before 2020, they should be stronger than in the past few years.

Mortgage Rates Are Still High, But More Stable
Mortgage rates are one of the biggest factors shaping the housing market. In 2026, rates are expected to stay more stable and slightly lower than the highs seen in recent years. While rates are unlikely to drop dramatically, even small improvements can help buyers afford monthly payments and feel more confident about purchasing a home.

Home Prices Continue to Rise — Just More Slowly
Home prices are still increasing, but not as fast as before. Slower price growth is a good sign for buyers who struggled with affordability. At the same time, homeowners continue to build equity, which supports overall market stability. Price trends will vary by location, with some areas growing faster than others.

Buyers Look Different Than Before
Today’s buyers are changing. Many first-time buyers are older than in past decades, often due to student loan debt or high housing costs. More buyers are using help from family, buying with cash, or purchasing homes with relatives. Multigenerational living is becoming more common as families look for ways to manage costs.

What This Means Going Forward
The housing market in 2026 is expected to be more balanced than in recent years. Buyers should see more options and slightly better affordability. Sellers may take longer to find buyers but can still benefit from steady demand. While challenges remain, especially for first-time and middle-income buyers, the overall outlook is more hopeful than it has been in some time.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“What’s Next for Us”
National Association of REALTORS®

Over the past few years, the real estate industry has gone through major changes, especially around how agents are paid and how buyers and sellers choose representation. At the center of these changes is one important idea: consumer choice.

Now that the national real estate settlement has been fully implemented, buyers and sellers have more say than ever in how they work with agents — and how much they pay for those services.

What Changed After the Settlement

Before the settlement, it was common for sellers to automatically offer compensation to the buyer’s agent through the listing system. Buyers often didn’t realize how commissions worked or that they could be discussed or negotiated.

That’s no longer the case.

Today:

• Buyer agents and buyers must have a written agreement before touring homes.
• Agent compensation is discussed upfront, not at the closing table.
• Sellers can decide if they want to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent — and how much, if any.
• Compensation is no longer advertised in listing systems the way it used to be.

These changes were designed to make the process more transparent and easier to understand.

Why Consumer Choice Matters More Than Ever

The biggest goal of the changes was not to eliminate agents or force lower fees — it was to give buyers and sellers options.

In 2026, consumers can:

• Choose whether to work with an agent at all
• Negotiate how their agent is paid
• Compare different service models (full service, limited service, flat fee, or hybrid)
• Decide what level of guidance they want during a transaction

Instead of one standard way of doing things, real estate now allows people to pick what works best for their situation.

What Buyers Should Know

If you’re buying a home today, you should expect:

• A clear conversation about your agent’s role and compensation before seeing homes
• A written agreement that explains what services you’re receiving
• The ability to ask questions and negotiate terms that make sense for you

A good agent will explain their value, not pressure you into anything.

What Sellers Should Know

If you’re selling a home:

• You decide whether to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent
• You can factor that decision into your pricing and marketing strategy
• You are not required to follow old “rules” that no longer apply

Sellers still often choose to offer compensation because it can help attract more buyers — but it is now a choice, not an assumption.

What Hasn’t Changed

Even with all these updates, one thing remains true:
Buying or selling a home is complex.

Many consumers still choose to work with experienced agents because of:

• Negotiation skills
• Market knowledge
• Contract and legal guidance
• Help navigating inspections, financing, and closing

The difference now is that consumers better understand what they’re paying for and why.

The Bottom Line

In 2026, real estate is more transparent than it’s ever been.

Buyers and sellers are empowered to ask questions, compare options, and choose the level of service that fits their needs and budget. That’s what true consumer choice looks like — not being forced into one system, but having the freedom to decide.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“In Defense of Consumer Choice in the Settlement”
National Association of REALTORS®

Real estate has always changed, but the last few years have tested our industry in new ways. From updated business rules to shifting consumer expectations, REALTORS® have had to adapt quickly. Now in 2026, those changes are no longer “new” — they’re simply part of how we do business.

One of the biggest shifts was the move to written buyer agency agreements before showing homes, along with changes to how compensation is discussed and handled. At first, many agents worried these rules would slow business or confuse clients. Instead, they’ve helped us have clearer, more professional conversations about our role and our value. Buyers and sellers now better understand what we do, how we help, and why our expertise matters.

Transparency has become a strength, not a weakness.

At the same time, how REALTORS® get information has evolved. REALTOR® Magazine is now fully digital, allowing faster updates, more timely insights, and content that fits today’s busy schedules. Articles, videos, research, and market data are easier to access and easier to use — helping agents stay informed and competitive in a fast-moving market.

But while the tools and rules have changed, the heart of this profession has not.

REALTORS® are still problem solvers. We’re still trusted advisors. We still guide people through some of the most important financial and emotional decisions of their lives. Whether you’re helping a first-time buyer understand affordability, advising a seller on pricing in a shifting market, or explaining today’s process step by step, your role has never been more important.

The past few years have also reminded us that success in real estate isn’t just about transactions. It’s about relationships, education, and trust. Clients expect clarity, honesty, and confidence — and REALTORS® deliver that every day.

Looking ahead, change will continue. Markets will rise and fall. Technology will keep evolving. Consumer expectations will keep growing. But this profession has always been resilient. REALTORS® adapt. We learn. We lead.

The adjustments we’ve made haven’t weakened us — they’ve strengthened us. They’ve helped define our value more clearly and reinforced why professional representation matters.

We’re not just keeping up with change.
We’re moving forward with it.

And as we step into the future of real estate together, one thing is clear:

We’ve got this.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“We’ve Got This”
National Association of REALTORS®

The real estate industry has always required resilience, adaptability, and confidence—but in 2026, those qualities matter more than ever. As the market continues to evolve, industry leadership is focused on helping REALTORS® not just adjust, but move forward with clarity and purpose.

The message is simple: change is happening, and the best way through it is to dive in prepared.

Leadership Rooted in Experience

National real estate leadership in recent years has been shaped by professionals who understand the business from the ground up. Many leaders began their careers working directly with buyers and sellers, navigating local markets, volunteering in associations, and advocating for property rights. That hands-on experience continues to influence how decisions are made at the national level today.

The “diving right in” mindset comes from a belief that progress requires commitment. Just like a competitive diver must trust their training before stepping off the board, REALTORS® are being encouraged to rely on their knowledge, professionalism, and adaptability as the industry moves forward.

Transparency and Communication Matter More Than Ever

One of the most important priorities heading into 2026 has been clear communication with members. REALTORS® are navigating new rules, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving business practices. Industry leaders have emphasized open dialogue—through meetings, videos, town halls, and written guidance—to ensure professionals understand not only what is changing, but why.

This approach recognizes a key truth: agents perform best when they feel informed, supported, and confident in how to serve their clients.

Navigating Industry Change with Confidence

Recent years have brought meaningful legal, regulatory, and procedural updates to real estate. By 2026, many of these changes are no longer new—they are becoming the standard way of doing business.

Rather than viewing these shifts as obstacles, the industry is reframing them as opportunities:

• Opportunities to strengthen professionalism
• Opportunities to clarify value to consumers
• Opportunities to build trust through transparency

REALTORS® who embrace education, refine their processes, and clearly explain their role to clients are finding that change can actually enhance relationships and long-term success.

A More Modern, Member-Focused Industry

As part of this evolution, the real estate industry has entered 2026 with a renewed focus on modernization. Strategic planning efforts over the past few years have aimed to make associations more efficient, responsive, and aligned with how agents actually work today.

Key priorities include:

• Supporting agents with practical tools and guidance
• Streamlining policies to reduce unnecessary complexity
• Focusing on real, everyday value for members

The goal is not just to keep up with change—but to lead through it.

The 2026 Market: Cautious Optimism and New Momentum

Alongside organizational change, the housing market itself is showing signs of renewed momentum. While affordability and inventory remain challenges in many areas, 2026 is widely viewed as a year of stabilization and opportunity.

Buyers are adjusting to interest rate realities, sellers are becoming more realistic on pricing, and transactions are picking up in markets where balance is returning. For REALTORS®, this environment rewards strong guidance, local expertise, and steady leadership.

Why “Diving Right In” Still Matters

The core message of “diving right in” remains especially relevant today. Success in real estate—whether at the national level or in a local market—requires preparation, trust in your skills, and the willingness to move forward even when conditions aren’t perfect.

For REALTORS® in 2026, that means:

• Staying educated
• Communicating clearly with clients
• Embracing professionalism as a competitive advantage
• Leading with confidence and integrity

Real estate has never been a static industry. Those who succeed are the ones who commit fully, adapt thoughtfully, and move forward with purpose.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“Diving Right In”
National Association of REALTORS®

The real estate industry has changed a lot over the past couple of years — and 2025 is still very much a “reset” phase. Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, has been navigating those changes while leading one of the most agent-centric brokerages in the country.

From shifting compensation models to evolving consumer expectations, here’s how Pareja sees the market today — and what it means for agents moving forward.

1. How is eXp handling all the changes happening in real estate right now?

According to Pareja, flexibility is everything in today’s market.

Between new rules, changing buyer and seller expectations, and lingering uncertainty from the past few years, agents need room to run their businesses in ways that work for them — as long as they’re operating ethically and transparently.

Rather than reacting late or waiting for outside mandates, eXp has focused on giving agents clearer tools, updated processes, and better guidance so they can explain their value confidently to clients. The goal isn’t to limit agents, but to protect them while keeping consumers informed.

In short: adapt early, stay transparent, and don’t overcomplicate what should be clear conversations.

2. What does buyer representation look like in 2025?

Buyer representation is still essential — but how it’s discussed has changed.

Pareja believes buyers deserve clear explanations about services, fees, and expectations right from the beginning. In a more negotiated compensation environment, agents who can confidently explain their value are the ones who will thrive.

Instead of relying on “how it’s always been done,” Pareja encourages agents to focus on education. When buyers understand what they’re getting and why it matters, trust goes up — and smoother transactions follow.

3. Is eXp focused on growth or just staying steady right now?

The answer is: smart growth.

The housing market hasn’t fully rebounded yet, and everyone feels it. But Pareja sees opportunity in moments like this. Rather than chasing raw agent count, eXp is refining how it attracts productive agents, teams, and leaders who want flexibility, ownership, and long-term scalability.

At the same time, the company continues investing in technology — especially automation and AI — to help agents work more efficiently, reduce busywork, and stay competitive in a digital-first world.

4. What advice does Pareja have for agents in today’s market?

His message is simple: communicate clearly, stay adaptable, and always put the consumer first.

Markets are local, conditions are uneven, and clients are more informed than ever. Agents who succeed in 2025 are the ones who explain things well, operate transparently, and help clients understand their options — not pressure them into decisions.

Pareja is also vocal about maintaining open access to listings and avoiding practices that limit consumer choice. He believes trust and cooperation are still foundational to a healthy real estate industry.

Bottom Line

2025 isn’t about shortcuts or waiting for the market to “go back to normal.” According to Leo Pareja, it’s about evolving — embracing transparency, using better tools, and clearly communicating your value to clients.

Agents who do that won’t just survive this market — they’ll be positioned to lead when conditions improve.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“4 Questions for eXp CEO Leo Pareja”
National Association of REALTORS®

Real estate works best when people work together. Behind every smooth transaction, clear answer, and confident client is usually a team that knows how to communicate, adapt, and support one another. A great real estate team isn’t just about sales numbers — it’s about showing up for clients and for each other, especially when the industry changes.

Change Is Part of the Job

The real estate world doesn’t stay the same for long. Rules shift, markets change, and new expectations come up for both buyers and sellers. While change can feel uncomfortable, strong teams don’t panic — they adjust.

The best agents take time to understand what’s new, ask questions, and make sure they’re doing things the right way. Instead of rushing through transactions, they slow down when needed and focus on doing what’s best for their clients.

Teamwork Makes Everything Smoother

A strong real estate team isn’t about one person doing everything. It’s about sharing knowledge, leaning on each other’s strengths, and stepping in when someone needs help. When agents work together, clients benefit from better communication, fewer mistakes, and a more organized experience.

Good teams talk often, share updates, and support one another behind the scenes — so clients feel calm and informed throughout the process.

Clear Communication Matters More Than Ever

Buying or selling a home can already feel overwhelming. Add in industry changes or confusing headlines, and it’s easy for people to feel unsure about their next move. That’s where a great team stands out.

Strong teams focus on explaining things clearly and honestly. They don’t use confusing language or rush conversations. Instead, they make sure clients understand their options, what to expect next, and how decisions will affect them.

When people feel informed, they feel confident — and confidence makes the entire experience better.

Supporting the Bigger Picture

Great teams don’t just think about their own business. They care about their communities and the reputation of the real estate profession as a whole. Many agents take part in outreach, education, and conversations that help the public better understand how real estate works and why professional guidance still matters.

When teams support each other and share accurate information, everyone wins — clients, agents, and neighborhoods alike.

What It All Comes Down To

At the end of the day, a great real estate team is built on trust, adaptability, and people who genuinely care. It’s about staying professional when things change, communicating clearly when things feel confusing, and working together to create the best possible experience for clients.

Real estate isn’t just about houses — it’s about people. And when a team keeps that front and center, everything else falls into place.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“A Great Team”
National Association of REALTORS®