Now that the market is slowing down, homeowners who haven’t sold at the price they were hoping for are increasingly pulling their homes off the market. According to the latest data from Realtor.com , the number of homeowners taking their homes off the market is up 38% since the start of this year and 48% since the same time last June.
For every 100 new listings in June, about 21 homes were taken off the market. If you’ve made that same choice, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. But while slowdowns can be painful in the moment, history tells us they don’t last forever.
History Repeats Itself: Proof from the Past
This isn’t the first time the housing market has experienced a slowdown. Here are a few notable examples:
- 1980s: Mortgage rates climbed past 18%, freezing buyer activity. Once rates came down, sales surged again.
- 2008: During the Great Financial Crisis, sales and prices dropped sharply, but rebounded as the economy recovered.
- 2020: COVID caused sales to halt almost overnight, yet recovery came faster than expected as restrictions eased.
The lesson is clear: no matter the cause, the housing market always rebounds.
Today’s Situation: Where We Stand Now
Home sales have been sluggish in recent years, largely due to affordability challenges. Mortgage rates rose at a record pace in 2022 while home prices climbed simultaneously, pushing many buyers out of the market.
The Outlook: Why Things Will Improve
Here’s the encouraging news: forecasts show home sales are expected to pick up moving into 2026.
Experts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association , and the National Association of Realtors project approximately 4.6 million home sales in 2026, driven largely by expectations of easing mortgage rates.
Just like the 1980s, 2008, and 2020, today’s dip in home sales is temporary.
What That Means for You
If you’ve paused your moving plans, your decision is valid. Housing slowdowns don’t last forever—and that’s where a trusted local real estate agent comes in. When the market begins to rebound, they’ll help you spot the shift early and relist with confidence.
Bottom Line
Slowdowns end. Activity returns. Buyers come back. Connect with a local real estate agent now so you’re ready when momentum builds again.
As activity picks up again, will you be ready to list—or do you need to move sooner?
Click here to schedule a time to talk or call/text (813) 693-2224
