Spring Housing Market 2026: A Second Chance for Sellers?
The spring housing market is underway, and while a strong surge isn’t anticipated, there’s a glimmer of optimism, particularly for sellers. Many who paused their plans last year are now revisiting the possibility of listing their homes.
Relistings Surge to Record Highs
Nearly 45,000 homes that were previously delisted in 2025 have been relisted for sale in January 2026, according to Redfin. This represents the highest January figure in a decade and equates to a record 3.6% of all homes on the market that month.
This increase follows a trend of sellers pulling their properties off the market last fall. Approximately 85,000 sellers delisted their homes in September 2025, a 28% jump from September 2024. Higher mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and economic uncertainty contributed to this pause, shifting the advantage away from sellers who had enjoyed favorable conditions during and after the pandemic.
Seller Sentiment Shifts
Real estate professionals are observing a change in seller attitudes. Ashley Rummage, a real estate agent in Raleigh, North Carolina, noted in a recent survey that many sellers are now willing to reconsider listing, even if it means accepting concessions they previously wouldn’t have.
“A lot of sellers I’ve encountered and worked with have just thrown their hands up in the air and said, ‘If People can’t get what we want for our house right now, or what we think is it’s worth, then we’re gonna go ahead and take it off to market and try again, maybe in the spring,'” Rummage said.
Inventory Trends: Plateauing Gains
While overall housing inventory nationally is higher than it was a year ago, the rate of increase is slowing. Active listings were up 7.9% in February 2026 compared to the previous year, but this growth has been decreasing for nine consecutive months. Inventory remains 17% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, points out that inventory improvements have been concentrated in the South and West, primarily for homes priced below $500,000. The Northeast and Midwest continue to face significant undersupply.
The Rate Factor: A Delicate Balance
Mortgage rates are currently near four-year lows, creating a pivotal moment. The question now is whether lower rates will attract more buyers or encourage more sellers to enter the market. Recent fluctuations, influenced by geopolitical events and inflation concerns, add another layer of complexity.
FAQ
Q: Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market right now?
It’s not definitively either. The market is currently in a state of limbo, with both buyers and sellers facing challenges.
Q: What is driving the increase in relisted homes?
Sellers who previously paused their plans due to high rates and economic uncertainty are now reconsidering listing their properties as conditions improve.
Q: Is housing inventory increasing everywhere?
No, inventory gains are primarily concentrated in the South and West, and mostly for lower-priced homes. The Northeast and Midwest remain undersupplied.
Q: What is the current status of mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates are near four-year lows, but have experienced some recent fluctuations due to global events and inflation concerns.
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