When the Market Slows: Why Today’s Housing Pause Won’t Last Forever

If you’ve had your home on the market but didn’t get the offer you were hoping for, you’re not alone. Many sellers are making the choice to pull their listings right now. Realtor.com reports that the number of homes being removed from the market is up 38% since January and 48% higher than last June. For every 100 new homes listed in June, about 21 sellers took theirs down.

It’s natural to feel disappointed if your sale didn’t go as planned. But while slowdowns feel discouraging in the moment, history shows they’re always temporary.

Looking Back: Market Challenges Aren’t New

Housing has faced major setbacks before—and every time, the market has bounced back:

• 1980s – Mortgage rates soared above 18%, and sales nearly froze. Once rates eased, buyers returned and sales picked up.

• 2008 – The financial crisis caused one of the steepest housing downturns ever. Yet, sales eventually recovered as the economy stabilized.

• 2020 – The pandemic caused an immediate standstill. But demand rebounded almost overnight once restrictions lifted, fueling a surge in sales.

The takeaway? No matter the cause, housing downturns don’t last forever.

Today’s Market: What’s Holding Things Back

Over the last few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge. Rising mortgage rates combined with still-elevated home prices made buying difficult for many. Naturally, fewer buyers in the market has meant fewer home sales.

The Road Ahead: Why Things Are Set to Improve

The good news—experts expect sales to gradually climb again.

📊 Projections from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and NAR show that home sales could reach around 4.6 million in 2026—an increase from the 4 million sold last year. A key reason behind this forecast is the expectation that mortgage rates will ease, opening the door for more buyers.

Just like past cycles, today’s slowdown will give way to renewed activity.

What This Means for You

If you’ve paused your selling plans, you made the best choice for your situation. But remember—the market never stays down forever. The key is to be ready when momentum returns.

That’s where your local real estate professional comes in. An experienced agent can track the shifts, help you recognize when buyers are returning, and position your home for success when it’s time to relist.

Bottom Line

Housing slowdowns are never permanent. Activity always comes back. If you want to be prepared for the rebound—or need to move before then—let’s connect so you can make the best move for your future.