The Fox News Rundown Business Rundown: Is 2026 The Year To Buy Your Next Home?
Jan 2, 2026
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, shares insights on the 2026 housing forecast. She discusses how mortgage rates are set to drop to 6.3%, offering potential relief for buyers after a tough 2025. Sales are expected to recover modestly, with inventory up about 9%, particularly in southern and western regions. Hale highlights rising prices in affordable Midwestern cities and advises buyers to act wisely as improvements will be gradual. Expect steady growth in the market as economic conditions stabilize.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Low-6% Rates Nudge Buyers Back
- Mortgage rates around the low 6% range correlate with higher home sales but not a dramatic surge.
- Danielle Hale says rates act like a dimmer switch, each decline brings more buyers back into the market.
Inventory Is Improving But Uneven
- National inventory is expected to climb about 9% in 2026 but remain roughly 12% below pre-pandemic levels.
- Recovery will vary by region with the South and West closer to normal due to more home construction.
Economy To Steady, Not Collapse
- Danielle Hale expects 2026 will be a modestly slower-than-trend growth year rather than a deep recession.
- She forecasts inflation around 3% and unemployment rising slightly but staying under 5%.