Marketplace A glimmer of hope for the housing market
Dec 29, 2025
Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter specializing in housing, discusses a promising rise in pending home sales and improving affordability as prices stabilize. He notes that mortgage rates need to dip below 6% for stronger demand. Elizabeth Troval, who covers energy markets, shares insights on the EIA's outlook for 2026, forecasting lower U.S. oil production amid global oversupply. The conversation also touches on minimum wage hikes across states and the emerging influence of AI travel influencers in marketing.
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Housing Market Showing Modest Recovery
- Pending home sales and existing sales rose in late 2025, signaling a modest market improvement.
- Rising inventory and lower mortgage rates are easing affordability, though demand needs rates below 6% to grow meaningfully.
Price Stagnation Eases Affordability
- House price appreciation has slowed and is roughly flat after adjusting for inflation, improving affordability slightly.
- More homes coming to market plus falling mortgage rates could further check price gains and encourage buyers.
Watch For Rates Under 6%
- Expect mortgage rates to fall with projected Fed cuts and monitor when rates dip below 6%.
- Prepare to act or list if rates move into the upper fives, since that may unlock hesitant buyers and sellers.