On The Market Demand Springs Back for Winter Deals, But First-Time Homebuyers Vanish
Dec 11, 2025
The housing market is surprisingly heating up this winter due to lower prices and buyer urgency. However, first-time homebuyers are disappearing, with the median age climbing to 40, raising concerns for future market stability. Delinquencies on DSCR loans are also on the rise, signaling potential pitfalls for investors. Exciting predictions for 2026 emerge from a new investor survey, showcasing optimism and innovative strategies. Dive in to understand these pivotal shifts shaping the future of real estate!
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Modest Rate Drops Spark Buying
- Slightly lower mortgage rates near 6% are drawing sidelined buyers back into the market.
- Increased inventory plus modest rate relief is reversing some price declines and raising demand.
Local Pockets With Almost No Inventory
- James describes listing homes in December where some neighborhoods had zero active listings within a half mile.
- He sold a million-dollar flip in five days and found pockets with even lower inventory than 2020.
Sellers Hold Back, Stabilizing Prices
- Sellers are withholding listings rather than selling into a soft market, which limits inventory growth.
- That behavior supports prices and can keep the market more balanced than raw inventory stats suggest.