The Spring Market Doesn’t Wait for April: Why Real Estate Season Starts Now
The groundhog may have just looked for his shadow, but in the real estate world, spring has already sprung.
If you are waiting for flowers to bloom before you put your home on the market or start your search, you might be missing the most critical window of the year. The "Spring Market" is a misnomer—savvy buyers and sellers know the activity ramps up the moment the Super Bowl ends.
We are entering what experts are calling the "Great Normalization" of 2026. After years of rollercoaster interest rates and inventory droughts, this season is shaping up to be calmer, more balanced, but distinctly active.
Here is what you need to know about the market right now.
1. The Inventory "Reset"
For the first time in years, we are seeing a meaningful uptick in inventory—up roughly 15–20% compared to this time last year.
What this means: We aren't back to pre-pandemic levels yet, but the "inventory starvation" days are fading. Buyers finally have options, meaning they aren't forced to bid on the first house they see. Sellers, this means you have competition again.
2. Rates Have Found Their Groove
The volatile swings of 2023–2025 have largely leveled out. We are currently seeing rates stabilizing in the low-to-mid 6% range.
The Reality Check: We likely won't see 3% rates again, but the panic of 8% is also in the rearview. This stability is giving buyers the confidence to budget accurately, which is fueling early-season demand.
3. Pricing: The Era of "Aspirational Pricing" is Over
Home prices are projected to rise modestly this year (approx. 2–4%), but the days of throwing a wild number at the wall to see if it sticks are gone.
The Shift: Buyers are price-sensitive. Homes that are priced correctly are selling quickly (often in the first two weeks). Homes that are overpriced are sitting, becoming "stale," and eventually selling for less than they would have if priced right initially.
Advice for Sellers: Beat the Rush
If you are thinking of selling in 2026, list in February or early March.
Less Competition: Most sellers wait until April or May to list because they want their gardens to look nice. By listing now, you are the only game in town for the serious buyers who have been refreshing Zillow all winter.
Serious Buyers: The buyers looking in February aren't "tire kickers"—they are motivated, often needing to move for jobs, schools, or lease endings.
Prep Matters: Because buyers have more choices, they are pickier about condition. You don't need a full remodel, but handling deferred maintenance (painting, curb appeal, fixing that leaky faucet) is non-negotiable this year.
Advice for Buyers: You Have Leverage Again
This is your year to negotiate. You may not get a fire-sale price, but you can get terms that work for you.
Ask for Concessions: Instead of just looking at the sticker price, ask the seller to buy down your interest rate. A "2-1 Buydown" (paid by the seller) can save you hundreds per month for the first two years of your mortgage.
Don't Wait for "Perfect": With prices slowly rising and rates stable, waiting for a crash that isn't coming will only cost you equity. The best time to buy is when you are financially ready.
Inspections are Back: You no longer have to waive inspections to get a house. Use this to your advantage to ensure you aren't buying a money pit.
The Bottom Line
The Spring 2026 market is about balance. It’s not the frenzy of 2021, and it’s not the freeze of late 2023. It’s a healthy, moving market—but it favors the prepared.
Are you curious what your home is worth in this new 2026 landscape? Or are you ready to see what inventory is hitting the market this week?
