As the housing market experiences a natural cooling period, more homeowners are choosing to pull their homes off the market after not achieving their desired sale price. According to the latest data from Realtor.com, the number of homeowners delisting their properties has jumped 38% since the beginning of the year and a notable 48% compared to the same time last June. In June alone, for every 100 new listings, approximately 21 homes were taken off the market.

If you’ve recently made the decision to pause your selling plans, it’s understandable to feel disappointed. However, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Real estate, like any other market, moves in cycles—and slowdowns never last forever. In fact, historical patterns suggest that what feels like a lull today often leads to renewed opportunities tomorrow.

History Repeats Itself: What Past Markets Teach Us

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the housing market take a breather. Here are a few notable slowdowns and their eventual recoveries:

- 1980s: Mortgage rates soared to over 18%, putting a freeze on buyer activity. Sales slowed, but once rates declined, demand rebounded strongly, and the market regained strength.

- 2008: The Great Financial Crisis brought one of the most significant housing downturns in recent memory. Both home sales and prices dropped. Yet, as the economy recovered, so did the housing market.

- 2020: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic halted home sales practically overnight. But the recovery was swift and surprising, with buyers re-entering the market as soon as public health restrictions eased.

The takeaway? No matter the reason behind a slowdown, the housing market has always bounced back—and often stronger than before.

Today’s Market: A Snapshot of Where We Are

Over the last few years, home sales have seen some deceleration, largely driven by affordability challenges. Mortgage rates climbed quickly in 2022, while home prices continued to rise. This combination sidelined many potential buyers, leading to a dip in demand and a slowdown in sales.

But just as we've seen in the past, this phase isn’t permanent. It’s a transitional period that typically leads to the next wave of housing activity.

Looking Ahead: Why Brighter Days Are Coming

Here’s the good news—market experts foresee a turnaround on the horizon. Projections indicate that home sales will begin to accelerate again by 2026.

Last year, around 4 million homes were sold (as shown in gray in the graph). This year’s numbers are tracking similarly (in blue). But the latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) suggest that we could see sales rise to approximately 4.6 million by 2026 (shown in green).

A key driver behind this optimism is the expectation that mortgage rates will ease, creating a more favorable environment for buyers. And as affordability improves, so too will buyer activity.

This current slowdown? It’s not a setback—it’s a setup for a vibrant return.

What This Means for You

If you’ve decided to hit pause on your real estate goals, you’re not alone—and your decision makes sense given the current landscape. But don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Market slowdowns are temporary, and they often present opportunities for those who stay informed and ready.

That’s where your local real estate expert comes into play. A knowledgeable agent will monitor market trends closely and alert you when conditions start to shift. That way, you’ll be ready to relist with confidence and catch the next surge in buyer demand.

Bottom Line

Even if the housing market feels a bit stagnant today, history tells us it won’t stay that way. Each slowdown has paved the way for a comeback, and this time is no different. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to act, that moment could be closer than you think.

When the market picks up again, will you be ready? Whether you're preparing to relist or need to make a move sooner, having the right guidance can make all the difference.

Reach out to Mike Panza and the trusted team at Panza Home Group for expert insights and personalized support. For more information or to get in touch, visit: https://panzarealestate.com/team/mike-panza