Spring Market Shift: More Options and Softening Prices for Buyers
By: Anastasia Kaufman
As a veteran in this industry for over 25 years, I’ve seen my fair share of market cycles. From the frenzy of the early 2000s to the stagnation of 2008, I’ve learned one thing: Data is your best friend when the headlines get noisy.
This week’s Realtor.com® Housing Trends report reveals a fascinating “tug-of-war” in the 2026 spring market. While we are seeing some volatility due to global economic tensions and shifting mortgage rates, the overall trajectory is beginning to lean in favor of the patient buyer.
Here is my professional breakdown of what these numbers mean for you right now.
1. The Price Plateau: 22 Weeks of Softening
The most significant takeaway from this week’s data is the 1.9% year-over-year drop in median listing prices.
In fact, we have now seen 22 consecutive weeks of flat or negative price growth. To confirm this isn’t just a result of smaller homes hitting the market, the price-per-square-foot metric also fell by 2.5%. For buyers who felt priced out over the last two years, this is the “welcome mat” you’ve been waiting for.
2. Inventory is Growing, but the Pace is Normalizing
Active inventory is up 5.2% compared to last year and up 7.8% year-to-date. While that sounds like a lot of choice, the pace of that recovery is actually slowing down.
Why? Because sales are picking up. As we approach what we call the “Best Week to Sell,” buyers are starting to jump on the inventory that is available. If you see a home you love, don’t assume it will sit forever; the “slow” market is starting to find its rhythm.
3. The “Seesaw” of New Listings
This is where the market gets tricky. New listings (sellers entering the market) have been flip-flopping all year. We are currently sitting at 3.4% fewer new listings year-to-date than in 2025.
Many sellers are still “rate-locked” or hesitant due to international news and interest rate volatility. This creates a bit of a supply pinch even as prices soften.
4. Homes are Taking a Little Longer to Move
Currently, the median home is spending 59 days on the market, which is 5 days slower than this time last year. This is a gift for buyers. It means you actually have time to do your due diligence, schedule a second showing, and breathe before making an offer—luxuries we didn’t have a few years ago.
Pro Advice: How to Navigate This Week
With mortgage rates ticking up recently and geopolitical tensions causing some uncertainty, my advice to my clients is simple: Rate-proof your budget.
Don’t Guess, Calculate: Use a mortgage affordability calculator to see how a 0.25% or 0.5% shift in rates changes your monthly payment.
Look at the Long Game: Prices are softening and inventory is higher than last year. These are the two biggest hurdles for most buyers, and right now, they are moving in your favor.
Stay Informed: We see new data every Thursday. In a shifting market, a week can make a world of difference in your negotiation strategy.
The Bottom Line: We are entering a more balanced market. It’s not a “crash,” and it’s not a “boom”—it’s a transition. Whether you are looking to list or looking to buy, having a seasoned professional to help you interpret these weekly swings is more important than ever.
Have questions about how these national trends affect our local neighborhood? Reach out today for a custom market analysis.
Visit my website at: https://www.anastasiakaufman.com/
Here’s my Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/AnastasiaRealtor/
Anastasia Kaufman, GRI,ABR,SFR,CDPE,SRS
Cell: 401-338-2749
Email: Anastasia@anastasiakaufman.com
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