Agents are banking on stronger spring sales
Recent surveys suggest agents are cautiously optimistic about the market as affordability improves, but rising economic uncertainty could be a spoiler.
March 14, 2026
Sydney Jackson
Sydney Jackson is an award-winning journalist based in Seattle. Previously a health care reporter for one of the largest daily papers in Washington state, she now covers real estate, politics, arts and culture and more as a freelancer. Her work has received awards from the Pacific Northwest Association of Journalism Educators and the Society of Professional Journalists.
- What buyers are stressed about — and how agents can helpA recent survey reveals how emotions and economic pressures influence buyers, sometimes leading to poor decisions and post-purchase regrets.March 12, 2026
- Styldod updates AI image tools — with a focus on complianceThe latest tech, integrated into CRMLS listing workflows, aims to save agents time, reduce violations and turn listing photos into decision-making tools.March 10, 2026
- Side co-founders: Don’t take a ‘strip mall’ approach to growthOn a recent podcast, Guy Gal and Hilary Saunders riffed on consolidation, legal risks of private listings, and the corporate brokerage ”membership club” model.March 5, 2026
- MLS, local association counts drop as consolidation acceleratesThe number of MLSs operating in the U.S. fell below 500 in 2025 — a 43% drop from a decade earlier, according to T3 Sixty’s 2026 Organized Real Estate Indices.March 4, 2026
- Rocket revenue surges: ‘Every move is deliberate and focused’The mortgage giant ended the year strong with two major acquisitions and loan volumes at a 3-year high. “We're hitting every key milestone,” the CEO said.February 26, 2026
- Agents want more (and better) AI tools — and more trainingMost real estate agents in a recent survey reported using AI in their daily work, but confidence is shaky, with accuracy and compliance cited as top concerns.February 16, 2026
- Brokerage leaders bullish on profits in 2026Most executives in a recent survey expect to boost profitability and transactions this year, “while staying focused on pricing pressure, margins and execution.”February 14, 2026
- What consumers think is causing the housing affordability crisisA majority of Americans think that people aren’t making enough money to afford homes — and high mortgage rates aren’t helping, according to a Bright MLS survey.February 10, 2026
- What’s a ‘good’ mortgage rate — according to buyers?Though mortgage rates aren’t expected to change much in 2026, many prospective buyers are holding out hope for a sudden drop, a Clever Real Estate survey found.February 6, 2026
- A typical down payment costs $30k — which takes 7 years to saveThat’s an improvement from 2022, when the timeline was twice as long, but it still puts homeownership out of reach for many consumers as savings rates decline.December 29, 2025
- Zillow wrapped: What buyers searched for in 2025Home shopper keyword searches on Zillow revealed a preference for adaptable homes with regional characteristics over square footage and luxury.December 26, 2025
- Buyers, sellers feeling good about their prospects in 2026Optimism runs high — even as consumers and agents foresee more economic uncertainty ahead, a new survey found. And nearly everyone is worried about money.December 13, 2025
- Buyers eye 2026 as the year to make their moveA recent survey of prospective buyers found that most are motivated to close in the next year, and many are willing to pay more for certain amenities.December 9, 2025
- Homeownership still the ‘American Dream’ — but it comes at a costAmericans are putting off marriage, kids and careers until they can afford a home, according to a new report from Coldwell Banker Affiliates.November 10, 2025
- How to sell in fall and winter’s cooler housing marketAgents and home sellers need to have “honest and candid conversations about market conditions,” according to Coldwell Banker Affiliates President Jason Waugh.October 15, 2025
- Mid-October is the best time to buy in 2025 — with a caveatNationwide trends point to Oct. 12-18 as the best week to buy a home in 2025, a Realtor.com analysis found, but mortgage rates are still a wildcard.September 29, 2025
- In some college towns, buying a home is cheaper than dorm lifeTrading on-campus food and housing costs for those linked to homeownership can save up to $30,000 in three years in some college towns, a new report suggests.September 8, 2025
- Why one NY broker built his brand around inclusivityAlly Realty's Anthony Ruperto is working to make homeownership accessible to all. "I see it as my responsibility as a Realtor," he says, "to call for change."June 26, 2025
