Are you glued to housing market news, trying to figure out what's next? Are prices going up, down, sideways? Well, the latest word from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is in, and it's a bit of a mixed bag, but with a clear upward nudge on prices. The home price forecast jumps for 2025 and 2026, according to NAR's revised projections, meaning we're likely to see home prices grow faster than initially expected in the coming years.

While they've slightly tempered expectations for home sales volume, the anticipated price increases are now more pronounced. Let’s break down what this means for everyone from first-time homebuyers to seasoned sellers.

Housing Price Forecast for 2025 and 2026 Increased by NAR

For months, I’ve been digging into market data, chatting with real estate pros in my area, and trying to make sense of all the conflicting signals. Initially, there was a lot of buzz about a potential boom in 2025. Now, that excitement is a little more grounded in reality. NAR's recent update gives us a clearer picture, even if it's not exactly what everyone was hoping for – especially those dreaming of drastically cheaper homes.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

Here are the essential points to keep in mind about NAR's revised home price forecast jumps for 2025 and 2026:

• NAR has adjusted its housing market forecast downwards for 2025 in terms of sales volume, now projecting 4.3 million existing-home sales.
• However, they’ve increased their home price growth expectations for both 2025 (to 3%) and 2026 (to 4%).
• The primary reasons for these revisions are persistent affordability challenges and a more realistic outlook on market dynamics.
• Despite the tempered sales forecast, NAR and other experts remain cautiously optimistic about the overall housing market, citing a strong job market, potential for lower mortgage rates, and slowly improving inventory.
• The revised forecast is more in line with other industry predictions, suggesting a consensus view of moderate growth with continued price appreciation.

Now Expect Stronger Home Price Growth

Remember those earlier forecasts that hinted at a moderate 2% bump in home prices for both 2025 and 2026? Well, NAR has tweaked those numbers. In their latest Real Estate Forecast Summit Update, they’ve dialed up their home price growth projections to 3% for 2025 and a more significant 4% for 2026. This adjustment, while seemingly small on the surface, signals a notable shift in expectations.

What caused this change of heart, you might wonder? It boils down to a few key factors that are shaping today’s housing landscape.

Why the Forecast Shift? Affordability and Reality Check

If you've been house hunting recently, you already know the biggest hurdle: affordability. Even though we’ve seen some fluctuations in mortgage rates, they haven't dipped enough to truly make a significant dent in how much house the average person can afford. Prices have also remained quite sticky, not falling as much as some might have hoped.

• Stubbornly High Prices: Home prices haven’t plummeted. In many areas, they are still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. This baseline of higher prices means any percentage increase translates to a larger dollar amount.
• Mortgage Rate Reality: While we all keep wishing for those super-low rates of the past, the reality is that rates are likely to stay higher for longer than initially anticipated. This directly impacts buyer purchasing power.
• A Dose of Realism: I think NAR, like many of us who follow the market closely, is simply being realistic. The initial optimism for a massive housing boom in 2025 was perhaps a bit overzealous. The market is resilient, yes, but the factors needed for a truly explosive surge just aren't fully in place right now.

Essentially, the revised home price forecast jumps are a reflection of these persistent affordability challenges and a more tempered view of how quickly things will change. It’s not that the market is going to crash – far from it. It’s just that the pace of improvement, especially for buyers hoping for price relief, might be slower than previously thought.

Decoding the Revised Numbers: Sales and Prices in 2025 and 2026

Let's get into the specifics. Here’s a side-by-side look at NAR’s previous and revised forecasts, making it easy to see where the changes are:

Forecast	Previous Estimate	Revised Estimate	Change
Existing Home Sales 2025	4.9 million	4.3 million	-0.6 million
New Home Sales 2025	Up 11%	Up 10%	-1%
Home Price Growth 2025	2%	3%	+1%
Home Price Growth 2026	2%	4%	+2%
Existing Home Sales 2026	10%-15% Up	Up 11%	Within Range
New Home Sales 2026	Up 8%	Up 5%	-3%

The table clearly shows the adjustments. While existing-home sales for 2025 are now expected to be lower than previously forecasted (4.3 million versus 4.9 million), the home price forecast jumps are the real story here. The anticipated price growth is now higher for both 2025 and 2026. This suggests that even with slightly fewer sales, demand and limited inventory are still likely to put upward pressure on prices.

Is It All Bad News? Reasons for Optimism Remain

Now, before you start feeling discouraged, especially if you're trying to buy a home, it's important to remember that this isn't a doomsday scenario. Despite the revised forecast, there are still plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the housing market's overall health.

As NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun pointed out, “The worst is over [for home sales]. The worst for inventory is over.” That’s a pretty strong statement coming from a leading expert. He also highlighted that the probability of a recession is still low, and key factors like job growth and the potential for lower mortgage rates are moving in a positive direction.

I echo this sentiment. From what I’m seeing and hearing, the market is showing resilience. Here’s why I believe there’s still room for optimism:

• Solid Job Market: A strong job market is the bedrock of a healthy housing market. People need to feel secure in their jobs to make big purchases like homes. The current job market, while having some shifts, is still generally robust.
• Mortgage Rates – Potential for Gradual Decline: While rates haven't plummeted, the consensus is that they are likely to drift downwards over time, even if slowly. Any decrease in rates will improve affordability and bring more buyers back into the market.
• Inventory – Slowly but Surely Improving: Inventory levels are still below historical norms in many areas, but they are starting to inch up in some markets. More homes on the market give buyers more choices and can help moderate price increases.

How Does NAR's Revised Forecast Stack Up?

It's always wise to look at different sources when making big decisions. Interestingly, NAR's revised forecast of 4.3 million existing-home sales for 2025 actually aligns more closely with predictions from other housing market experts.

Consider these figures:

• NAR (Revised): 4.3 million existing-home sales
• HousingWire (Mohtashami/Simonsen): 4.2 million existing-home sales
• Realtor.com: 4 million existing-home sales

This convergence of forecasts suggests that the revised NAR numbers aren't outliers but rather reflect a more widely held view of where the market is headed. It strengthens the credibility of the updated home price forecast jumps, as it’s not just one organization’s isolated opinion.

What does this mean for you?

• For Buyers: Focus on affordability above all else. Be patient but realistic. Don’t expect dramatic price drops. Budget carefully and be prepared for competition, especially for well-priced homes in desirable areas.
• For Sellers: The forecast suggests continued price appreciation, but don’t get overconfident. Price your home competitively based on current market conditions in your area. Work with a knowledgeable agent who understands local market nuances.

The housing market is always evolving, and staying informed is key. While the home price forecast jumps might not be thrilling news for buyers hoping for bargains, it does signal continued stability and moderate growth in the real estate sector. For both buyers and sellers, navigating this market successfully will require informed decisions and a realistic understanding of the current landscape.

Thinking about the value of your home or planning to buy one? Well, buckle up, because the housing market is looking a bit different for 2025. Experts are saying that home price appreciation for 2025 is forecast to remain lower than in 2024. This doesn't mean prices will suddenly crash, but the big increases we might have seen in the recent past are likely to slow down. Let's dive into why this is happening and what it could mean for you.

Home Price Growth in 2025 is Forecast to Lag Behind 2024's Pace

What the Numbers Are Telling Us

Based on the latest data from CoreLogic, a company that really knows its stuff when it comes to housing, the pace at which home prices are going up is expected to ease in 2025. While we saw some pretty strong gains earlier in 2024, reaching a peak of 6.5% annual price growth in February and March, the forecast for 2025 suggests an average appreciation of around 2.8% nationwide. To put it plainly, the rocket ship of home price increases is starting to gently glide back down.

Even towards the end of 2024, we saw some interesting shifts. December actually marked the second month where the annual price growth ticked upwards slightly, reaching 3.9%. This might seem like things are speeding up again, but it's more of a small bump in the road. Looking closer at the monthly changes, home prices actually declined for five months straight before this little December rise. This shows an underlying cooling trend.

Why the Slowdown? Let's Break It Down

So, what's causing this anticipated slowdown in home price growth? It's not just one thing, but a combination of different factors that are influencing both buyers and sellers.

• The Shadow of High Mortgage Rates: Let's be honest, mortgage rates have been higher than what many of us have gotten used to. This directly impacts how much house people can afford. When it costs more to borrow money, the pool of potential buyers shrinks, and those who are still in the market tend to be more cautious about how much they're willing to pay. This increased cost of borrowing acts like a brake on rapid price increases.
• Buyer Fatigue and Caution: After a period of intense competition and rapidly rising prices, many potential homebuyers have simply become more hesitant. They're seeing more homes on the market, giving them more choices and less pressure to jump into a deal at any cost. Economic worries and uncertainty about the future are also making people think twice before making such a big financial commitment. I've talked to many people who are taking a “wait and see” approach, hoping for more favorable conditions.
• More Homes on the Market: Remember when it felt like there were barely any houses for sale? That's been changing. As we moved through 2024, the number of available homes started to increase in many areas. More inventory gives buyers more power. When there are more options, sellers can't always command the sky-high prices they might have gotten before. The end of 2024 even saw a significant rise in de-listings, meaning some sellers decided to take their homes off the market, perhaps sensing a shift in buyer demand.
• Comparing to a Hot 2024: It's also important to remember what happened in 2024. We saw some really strong price gains, especially in the spring. When we look at the year-over-year numbers for 2025, we're comparing them to those relatively high points from the previous year. This makes the growth rate in 2025 naturally appear lower, even if prices aren't actually falling dramatically.

Regional Differences: Not All Markets Are the Same

One thing I've learned over the years is that the housing market isn't a single, unified entity. What's happening in one part of the country can be very different from what's going on somewhere else. The CoreLogic data highlights this quite clearly.

• Cooling in the Southeast: Some areas, particularly in the Southeast like Tampa and Atlanta, experienced a more significant slowdown in annual price gains towards the end of 2024. Tampa even saw an annual price decline of 1.1% in the 20-city index. This suggests that some markets that were hot may be seeing a correction.
• Continued Strength in the Northeast: On the other hand, cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago showed more resilience, leading the 20-city index with strong annual gains. These areas might have factors like limited inventory or strong local economies that are helping to support prices. I've noticed that in these areas, demand often outstrips supply, which keeps prices firmer.
• The Midwest Story: Markets in the Midwest, like Cleveland and Detroit, saw some cooling after a strong start to 2024. This shows that even areas that initially had an advantage can be influenced by broader market trends.

Here's a quick look at how some key metros were performing at the end of 2024:

Metro Area	Annual Price Growth (December 2024)
New York	7.2%
Chicago	6.6%
Boston	6.3%
National Average	3.9%
Denver	(Lower than national average)
Dallas	(Lower than national average)
Tampa	-1.1%

Looking Ahead to the Spring Buying Season

The spring is usually a busy time for the housing market, and everyone's watching to see what 2025 will bring. Early signs suggest it might look a lot like 2024. While there will likely be more homes available for sale, which is good news for buyers, those buyers are still expected to be cautious due to the economic climate and those persistent higher mortgage rates.

One interesting point is the level of inventory in different markets. Cities like Boston and Chicago, which are still seeing price pressure, have inventories that are significantly below pre-pandemic levels. This lack of supply can help keep prices elevated. In contrast, Western markets like Denver, San Diego, and Las Vegas had more inventory but still showed relatively steady pricing, particularly for mid-tier and high-tier homes. This suggests that even in markets with more choices, demand might still be strong for certain types of properties.

The Wild Cards: Uncertainty and Policy

As someone who follows the housing market closely, I know that there are always factors that can throw a wrench in even the most careful predictions. Right now, there's a fair amount of uncertainty floating around.

• Economic Policies: Potential policy changes can have a big impact on the economy, and by extension, the housing market. For example, talk of government layoffs could affect specific regions, particularly those with a large government presence like the Washington D.C. metro area. Job losses can definitely put downward pressure on housing demand and prices.
• Non-Fixed Homeownership Costs: It's not just the mortgage payment that homeowners have to worry about. Costs like insurance and property taxes are also on the rise in many areas. These increasing costs can make homeownership less affordable and could further dampen demand in some markets, like Tampa, which has already seen some weakening.

My Two Cents: A More Balanced Market Ahead?

If you ask me, the forecast for slower home price appreciation in 2025 isn't necessarily a bad thing. After the rapid increases of the past few years, a more balanced market could be healthier in the long run. It might mean that buyers have more time to make decisions, there's less intense bidding, and prices become more aligned with underlying economic fundamentals.

For sellers, it might mean adjusting expectations. While you might not see the same quick and substantial profits as in recent times, well-maintained and properly priced homes should still attract buyers.

For potential homebuyers, this slowdown could create more opportunities. While mortgage rates remain a factor, the increased inventory and potentially less frantic competition could make finding the right home more manageable.

Of course, the housing market is complex and influenced by a multitude of local and national factors. It's always a good idea to keep a close eye on what's happening in your specific area and consult with local real estate professionals for personalized advice.

In Conclusion:

While home prices are still expected to rise in 2025, the rate of appreciation is forecast to be lower than what we experienced in 2024. This is due to a combination of factors, including higher mortgage rates, increased inventory, buyer caution, and comparisons to a strong prior year. However, remember that real estate is local, and different markets will experience different trends. Staying informed and understanding the dynamics at play will be key for both buyers and sellers in the year ahead.

Thinking about buying a house in the next few years? Well, here's something important you need to know straight away: NAR (National Association of Realtors) predicts mortgage rates will likely stay above 6% through 2025 and 2026. This isn't exactly the news homebuyers were hoping for, especially after seeing those super low rates not too long ago. But let's break down what this quarterly economic forecast really means for you, the housing market, and your homeownership dreams.

NAR Predicts Mortgage Rates to Remain Above 6% in 2025 and 2026

Mortgage Rates: Easing Down, But Don't Expect a Plunge

One of the biggest questions on everyone's mind is, “What's going to happen with mortgage rates?” We've seen them bouncing around quite a bit lately, and it definitely impacts what you can afford and what you might consider doing in the market. The NAR's latest forecast offers a bit of good news here. They're predicting that mortgage rates will gradually come down. Specifically, they anticipate an average of 6.4% in 2025 and then a further dip to 6.1% in 2026.

Now, before you start celebrating and dreaming of those super-low rates we saw a few years back, it's important to manage expectations. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun rightly pointed out that while the Federal Reserve is anticipating slower economic growth – which usually puts downward pressure on rates – our high national debt will likely prevent mortgage rates from falling too dramatically. He specifically mentioned that we shouldn't expect to see rates return to the 4%-to-5% range we experienced during the Trump administration's first term.

In my opinion, this is a realistic outlook. We're not going back to ultra-low rates anytime soon. However, a gradual decline to the 6% range is still a positive step. It can make homeownership more attainable for some buyers and potentially ease some of the pressure in the market. It's a moderate improvement, not a game-changer, but definitely welcome.

Home Sales: Brighter Days Ahead for Both Existing and New Homes

If you've been following the housing market, you know that sales of existing homes have been a bit sluggish. High mortgage rates have definitely played a role in this. But the NAR forecast paints a more optimistic picture for the coming years. They predict a 6% increase in existing-home sales in 2025 and a more substantial 11% jump in 2026. That's a significant acceleration!

What's driving this optimism? Lower mortgage rates, even slightly lower, can bring more buyers back into the market. As affordability improves, even incrementally, more people will be able to qualify for a mortgage and pursue their homeownership dreams. This pent-up demand, combined with potentially more inventory as homeowners become more comfortable listing their properties, could fuel this sales growth.

The forecast is also positive for new-home sales. NAR anticipates a 10% rise in 2025 and another 5% increase in 2026. Interestingly, the report mentions that the new-home sales market has plentiful inventory. This is a key differentiator from the existing home market, which has often struggled with low inventory in recent years. Builders seem to be in a good position to meet demand as rates moderate, offering buyers more options and potentially contributing to overall market stability.

From my experience, a healthy mix of both existing and new home sales is crucial for a balanced market. It gives buyers more choices and helps to keep prices in check. This forecast suggests we're moving in a direction that should support a more balanced and active market.

Home Prices: Steady Growth, But Not Skyrocketing

Let's talk about home prices – another hot topic! The NAR forecast suggests that we can expect continued price growth, but at a more moderate pace. They are predicting a 3% increase in the national median home price in 2025 and 4% in 2026.

This is a far cry from the double-digit price appreciation we saw during the pandemic boom. In my view, this moderation is a good thing. Sustained, but slower, price growth is healthier for the long-term stability of the housing market. It prevents bubbles and makes homeownership more sustainable over time.

Lawrence Yun highlights that this moderation in price growth is expected due to more supply coming onto the market. As mentioned earlier, both new construction and potentially more existing homeowners listing their properties will contribute to increased inventory. When there are more homes available, it naturally takes some pressure off prices.

Yun also points out a very important factor: “Having income and wages rise faster than home prices is welcome to improve affordability.” This is the key to long-term housing affordability. If incomes grow at a faster rate than home prices, it gradually becomes easier for people to afford homes. This is a positive trend that the NAR forecast seems to anticipate.

Personally, I believe this forecast is pointing towards a more sustainable and balanced housing market. We're moving away from the extremes of rapid price growth and ultra-low rates. Instead, we're looking at a market where rates are easing slightly, sales are increasing, and prices are growing at a more manageable pace. This isn't a boom market, but it's certainly not a bust either. It's a market of opportunity for both buyers and sellers who are realistic and well-informed.

Here's a quick summary of the NAR Quarterly Forecast:

Forecast Category	2025	2026
Existing Home Sales	+6%	+11%
New Home Sales	+10%	+5%
Median Home Price	+3%	+4%
Mortgage Rate (Average)	6.4%	6.1%
Job Gains	1.6 million	2.4 million

Nationwide Forecast

Keep in mind, this is a nationwide forecast. Local markets can and will vary. It's always crucial to consult with a local real estate expert to understand what's happening in your specific area. But overall, the NAR Quarterly Forecast provides a valuable glimpse into the likely direction of the housing market, suggesting a path towards greater stability and opportunity in the years ahead.

Is the dream of owning a home in America fading? For many, the answer is unfortunately leaning towards yes, and a growing sense of unease is settling in about the future of the housing market. The stark reality is that Americans Are Losing Faith in Trump’s Ability To Fix the Housing Market—With 70% Fearing an Impending Crash, according to recent surveys. This widespread anxiety signals a major challenge for the current administration and paints a concerning picture for anyone hoping to buy, sell, or even just stay in their homes.

Will Tariffs and Economic Policies Crash the Housing Market in 2025?

As someone who’s been watching the housing market for years, I can tell you this level of pessimism is hard to ignore. It's not just a fleeting worry; it's a deep-seated fear that's taking root as we head into what should be the busy spring homebuying season. Let's dive into what's fueling this growing distrust and explore what it really means for the average American.

The Growing Shadow of Doubt: Why the Faith is Fading

President Trump campaigned with promises to make housing more affordable, aiming to lower mortgage rates and ease the financial burden for homebuyers. However, recent data suggests that these promises haven't translated into reality for many Americans. In fact, his administration's policies, particularly on trade, seem to be having the opposite effect, breeding uncertainty and fueling fears of a market downturn.

One key factor highlighted in a recent Clever Real Estate survey is the impact of tariffs. A significant 72% of Americans believe Trump's trade policies will hurt the U.S. economy, and a staggering 81% are worried about the broader implications of tariffs and potential trade wars. This economic anxiety directly translates into housing market fears, with 70% now fearing a housing market crash.

It's not hard to see why. Tariffs can lead to increased costs for goods and materials, potentially driving up inflation. Inflation, in turn, often leads to higher interest rates, and guess what? Higher interest rates directly impact mortgage rates. This creates a vicious cycle that makes housing less affordable, not more.

70% Fear a Crash – What Does That Really Mean?

When we see a number like 70% fearing a housing market crash, it's important to understand what's behind that fear. It's not just about abstract economic theories; it's about real-life anxieties. The Clever Real Estate survey also revealed that 32% of respondents are worried they won't be able to afford their housing payments if the economy weakens. This is a huge concern for homeowners and renters alike.

Think about it: for many families, housing is the single biggest monthly expense. The fear of losing a job or facing reduced income due to a weaker economy, combined with already high housing costs, creates a perfect storm of worry. People are looking at their budgets, seeing the strain, and wondering if the housing market they're in is about to crumble beneath them.

Expert Insights: Is a Housing Market Crash Really Coming?

While the anxiety is palpable, it's crucial to get perspectives from experts who understand the intricacies of the housing market. Joel Berner, a senior economist at Realtor.com®, offers a balanced view. He acknowledges the current anxieties, stating, “There's no doubt that the current state of the housing market is a source of anxiety for prospective buyers and sellers.” He points out that “Buyers are faced with high mortgage rates, which are poised to remain high due to the inflationary nature of the Trump administration's trade policy.”

However, Berner also provides a crucial counterpoint: “Still, Berner does not view a housing market crash as likely in the near future, because for now, demand for homes remains strong, even among those currently unable to afford them.” This is a critical point. Despite affordability challenges, there's still a significant underlying demand for housing.

Berner suggests that if prices were to drop, it could actually trigger a surge in buying activity from those who have been waiting on the sidelines due to affordability issues. This “pent-up demand,” as he calls it, could act as a natural stabilizer for the market, preventing a full-blown crash.

The Missing Generation: Affordability and Household Formation

To understand the depth of this pent-up demand, let's look at some more data. A recent report from the Realtor.com economic research team highlights a concerning trend: Gen Z and millennial household formation fell short of demographic expectations by 1.6 million last year. That's a massive number! Why? Primarily because of the lack of affordable housing.

This means there are millions of young adults who, under normal circumstances, would be forming their own households – buying their first homes, starting families. But they are being held back by high prices and unfavorable market conditions. This pent-up demand is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it could prevent a crash if prices fall. On the other hand, it represents a huge unmet need and a significant social and economic challenge.

Beyond Tariffs: The Underlying Issues Weighing on the Market

While Trump’s trade policies and tariffs are a recent trigger for anxiety, the housing market's problems are not new. They are rooted in longer-term trends that have been building for years. As Wells Fargo economists noted in a research note, “The tepid pace of home sales can not be blamed on a recession. Rather, the main factor weighing on residential activity continues to be adverse affordability conditions. In addition to high mortgage rates, home prices continue to rise.”

Let's break down these core issues:

• Elevated Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have remained stubbornly high. They've been above 6% since September 2022, and often hovering between 6% and 7%, with occasional spikes even higher. This significantly increases the cost of buying a home.
• High Home Prices: Despite slower sales, home prices are still rising in many areas. The Case-Shiller home price index, a key measure of home values, was up 4.1% in January from a year earlier. This means that even with higher rates, the overall cost of buying a home remains high.
• Weak Home Sales: January saw a total home sales pace of just 4.7 million annually. This is a weak figure, comparable to the period after the Great Recession. It shows that fewer people are buying homes, further indicating affordability issues.

Consumer Sentiment: A Litmus Test for Market Confidence

Consumer sentiment surveys provide valuable insights into how people are feeling about the housing market and their own financial situations. Fannie Mae's latest monthly index of homebuying sentiment shows a worrying trend. It declined in February, largely driven by increased skepticism that mortgage rates will decline in the next year.

Key findings from the Fannie Mae survey include:

• Good Time to Buy: Only 24% of consumers think it's a good time to buy a home. This is a very low number, highlighting the widespread belief that it's currently a challenging market for buyers.
• Good Time to Sell: While a higher percentage (62%) still think it's a good time to sell, this figure is also dipping, suggesting that even sellers are starting to feel less confident.
• Personal Financial Outlook: The most concerning figure is the jump in respondents who expect their personal financial situation to worsen in the next 12 months. This figure rose from 15% in January to 22% in February, reaching the highest level in over a year. This signals a broader economic unease that is spilling over into housing market fears.

The Mortgage Rate Rollercoaster: Hopes Dashed

Many had hoped that as the Federal Reserve started cutting interest rates last fall, mortgage rates would follow suit, providing some relief to the housing market. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. Mortgage rates have remained stubbornly high.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.67% for the week ending March 20th. This is still significantly higher than the rates many homeowners locked in a few years ago, leading to a phenomenon known as the “lock-in effect.” People who have low mortgage rates are hesitant to sell and move because they would have to take on a much higher rate on a new mortgage. This further reduces housing inventory and keeps prices elevated.

Adding to the pessimism, a recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed that households expect mortgage rates to rise to 7% a year from now, and remain that high for three years. These are record-high expectations and reflect a deep-seated belief that high mortgage rates are here to stay.

Looking Ahead: Navigating Uncertainty

What does all this mean for the future? The Realtor.com economic research team's 2025 forecast had projected mortgage rates to fall to the low-6% range by the end of the year. However, even Joel Berner acknowledges that rates in the “high-6% or low-7%” range are “certainly not out of the realm of possibility.”

The reality is that the housing market is in a state of flux. High mortgage rates are squeezing buyers and sellers, affordability remains a major hurdle, and consumer confidence is wavering. While a full-blown crash may not be imminent due to underlying demand, the market is undoubtedly fragile and vulnerable to economic shocks.

For potential homebuyers, this means it's essential to be realistic about affordability, shop around for the best mortgage rates, and be prepared for a competitive market, especially for more affordable homes. For sellers, it means pricing homes strategically and understanding that the days of easy sales and rapid price appreciation may be over for now.

Ultimately, the housing market’s future trajectory will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including inflation, interest rate policy, economic growth, and consumer sentiment. One thing is clear: the anxiety Americans are feeling about the housing market is real and justified. Addressing these concerns will require a comprehensive approach that tackles affordability, supply constraints, and broader economic uncertainties. Whether the current administration can effectively address these challenges remains to be seen, but the growing lack of faith is a stark warning sign that cannot be ignored.