Lower rates, cooling prices prompt cautious optimism for buyers
Though recent data offers mixed signals for the spring season, economists believe the year ahead will be “more constructive” for homebuyers.
January 22, 2026
Dave Gallagher
Director, News Reporting
Dave's journalism career spans 24 years covering business, the economy and real estate in Northwest Washington. He's also a numbers nerd, examining data to spot emerging trends in industries. Having started his career as a sports writer, he's a lifelong baseball and soccer fan and recently discovered pickleball. He grew up in Yosemite National Park and earned his journalism degree at Humboldt State University in northern California.
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- NAR discrimination case dismissed; Zillow clashes with FTCRoshani Sheth’s case was dismissed with prejudice. Plus, Zillow and the FTC bicker over discovery; judge blocks a motion filed by Gibson settlement objectors.January 21, 2026
- Mortgage rates jump as global tensions flareTrump’s vow to seize Greenland prompted threats of retaliatory tariffs from the EU, putting pressure on Treasury bonds and sending rates up (and stocks down).January 20, 2026
- Zillow hit with another lawsuit over allegations of steeringA real estate agent in Washington state filed a class-action case claiming she and her team were penalized after refusing to refer clients to Zillow Home Loans.January 20, 2026
- Affordability forecast indicates ‘small-wins year’ for housingAccording to a new Zillow report, 49 of the 50 largest U.S. markets will see housing costs ease in 2026 — and 20 will meet a key affordability threshold.January 19, 2026
- Builders kick off 2026 in a downbeat moodBuilder confidence dipped in January amid higher construction costs and affordability concerns, according to the NAHB — and many have reported cutting prices.January 16, 2026
- Mortgage rates hit 3-year low — what it means for spring salesRates fell after Trump directed GSEs to buy mortgage-backed securities. Will it be enough to energize a market that ended 2025 with no gain in sales over 2024?January 15, 2026
- Appellants have their final say about commissions settlementsArguments over damages and class standing led the Jan. 14 hearing. A ruling on whether to keep the landmark real estate settlements is expected by mid-2026.January 14, 2026
- Zillow, Redfin seek dismissal of FTC suit over rentals dealA Jan. 13 motion argues that the FTC has provided no evidence of antitrust violations, and renters and property managers benefit from the listings partnership.January 14, 2026
- Housing will face a ‘significant headwind’ in 2026Despite improving affordability and lower mortgage rates, economic anxiety is expected to mute a housing market rebound in 2026, a Bright MLS survey found.January 14, 2026
- Inflation was flat last month, reducing chance of rate cutThe Fed is unlikely to cut interest rates in January, but it might in March. A bigger unknown? How a DOJ probe will affect monetary decisions going forward.January 13, 2026
- Trump housing proposals don’t address biggest challengeThe proposals Trump has announced thus far don’t involve boosting housing supply, which economists and industry leaders say must occur to improve affordability.January 12, 2026
- Fed unlikely to cut rates again after lackluster jobs reportAfter three rate cuts in 2025, the Fed seemed ready to take a wait-and-see approach in 2026 — a strategy expected to hold amid a low-hire, low-fire job market.January 9, 2026
- Mortgage rates steady as monthly payments hit 2-year lowThe year is off to a good start with steady mortgage rates, more inventory and flat price growth. What remains to be seen is whether buyer demand will return.January 8, 2026
- Economists react to Trump’s corporate home purchase banSome real estate economists say the plan announced by the president on Jan. 7 won’t address the key issues at the heart of the housing affordability crisis.January 8, 2026
- Trump ‘taking steps’ to ban corporate home purchasesThe president announced a plan to prohibit “large institutional investors” from buying single-family homes, saying more housing proposals would be coming soon.Updated January 22, 2026
- Real opts into homebuyer commissions settlementThe brokerage has joined a $3.2 million agreement involving 11 other firms, including @properties and Baird & Warner, whose cases were consolidated in October.January 6, 2026
- Real Brokerage pulled into Zillow class action caseReal Broker, LLC, a subsidiary of Real Brokerage, was added as a defendant in the Taylor case, which has accused Zillow of RESPA violations.January 5, 2026
- Big changes could be coming to real estate in 2026While affordability is expected to improve, litigation isn’t going away — and questions remain about what the government will do to bring about housing reform.January 1, 2026
- Mortgage rates close out 2025 at 15-month lowThough lower mortgage rates are improving affordability, economists warn that many potential homebuyers will still be “priced out” in the new year.December 31, 2025
