Mostly a balanced-to-buyer-leaning market in many areas: more inventory, longer days on market, and sellers needing strong pricing and presentation. (Still varies by neighborhood.)
Right now the market is in a holding pattern. Mortgage rates are sitting around 6.5% after briefly dipping below 6% earlier this year, and that reversal has put both buyers and sellers on pause heading into what was supposed to be a strong spring season. Homes are taking longer to sell, new listings have slowed down, and buyers have more negotiating power than they have had in years.
Prices nationally are essentially flat, up less than one percent year over year. That said, the picture varies significantly by region. The Midwest and Northeast are still seeing modest price growth. The South and West have softened in many markets with some states like Florida and Texas actually seeing prices decline from their peaks as inventory has built up.
The short version is this is the most balanced market in nearly a decade. It is not a buyer's market or a seller's market in most areas, it is somewhere in the middle. Buyers who can qualify have real leverage right now. Sellers who price correctly are still moving homes. The people struggling most are first time buyers trying to break in at current prices and rates, and that story is unlikely to change dramatically in 2026.
Every neighborhood can vary in market conditions depending on location, price point, schools, amenities and much more. Most markets I understand have low inventory which makes it better for seller, though interest rates climbing causing buyers to afford less makes for an interesting market. Most areas have less sells then previous months but still quite active.
New Hampshire has a strong and steady market, Prices have risen over last year but days on market have also increased, so please be patient as you wait for the right buyer to come along.
Here is exactly where things stand right now as of this week (March 20th, 2026).
IT IS NEITHER A BUYER NOR SELLER MARKET RIGHT NOW
After several years of bidding wars, rising mortgage rates, and tight inventory, the housing market is at a crossroads. Interest rates have stabilized, the number of homes for sale is growing, and price appreciation is slowing. The best word to describe it is balanced, but with a lean toward buyers having more power than they have had in years.
HOMES ARE SITTING LONGER
The typical home spent 66 days on the market in February, up from 58 days at the same time last year and the slowest February pace in a decade. That tells you buyers are not rushing and sellers can no longer expect instant offers.
MORTGAGE RATES ARE A MOVING TARGET RIGHT NOW
Rates briefly dipped below 6% for the first time in years, then bounced back. Economic uncertainty including rising oil prices and inflation concerns are making buyers nervous and pushing rates back up, with the 30-year fixed rate sitting around 6.43% as of this week.
BUYERS HAVE MORE LEVERAGE THAN BEFORE
Nearly two thirds of home buyers in 2025 received a discount off the list price, and buyers in 2026 should not write off homes slightly above their budget since there is a good chance of getting concessions from the seller including price cuts, closing cost help, or repair credits.
FOR SELLERS: PRICING IS EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW
The days of multiple bids and houses selling above asking price are over in most markets. If you overprice your house it is just going to sit there. Forget peak-era expectations from 2021.
BOTTOM LINE
This is the most buyer-friendly market in several years, but it is not a fire sale. Prices are not crashing. They are just growing slowly. If you are buying, you have options and negotiating room. If you are selling, realistic pricing from day one is no longer optional, it is essential.
