A resilient US economy kept inflation pressure elevated, leaving mortgage rate forecasts near the low-6% range as unemployment stayed in the low-4% range.
Existing-home sales were expected to reach ~4.1M in 2026, with yearly growth improving later in the year as first-time buyer participation increased to ~35%.
Home price growth cooled to ~1% for 2026, while typical monthly mortgage payments were expected to run ~2% below the prior year.
Sellers reset expectations, trimming asking prices upfront and cutting less often, while homes still sold at nearly 97% of original list price, supporting deal flow.
Rents were expected to keep easing through 2026 as multifamily supply added relief, though that path depended on construction keeping pace with growing demand.
