This month’s homebuyers are quietly scoring some of the best deals we’ve seen in a while, and it’s happening in ways that don’t always show up in headline price reductions. Sellers whose homes have been sitting on the market for three months or longer are tired. Instead of chasing the market down with repeated price cuts, many are choosing a different route: Small but meaningful concessions that make a real difference at the closing table.
Rather than lowering their asking price, these sellers are offering interest rate buydowns, paying closing costs or covering specific buyer expenses. For buyers, that translates to better “closing table affordability.” In plain terms, it costs less money upfront to buy the home, which can be just as impactful as a price reduction – sometimes more so – especially for buyers watching their cash closely.
At the same time, we’re seeing another shift. As the holidays approach, some sellers are letting their listings expire altogether. They’re opting to take a break, enjoy the season and regroup in the first quarter of 2026.
On paper, shrinking inventory might sound like a return of seller control, but buyer psychology tells a different story. Many buyers interpret expired listings not as strength, but as sellers giving up. That perception alone is fueling optimism and encouraging buyers to step forward rather than step back.
Looking ahead, national forecasts suggest this pattern isn’t about to flip dramatically. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, projects that 2026 will look a lot like 2025 in terms of mortgage rates, with a modest increase in the number of homes sold as inventory inches up. Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors, has echoed similar expectations, pointing to gradual improvements rather than sudden change.
Their regional outlooks are especially telling. Heat map data shows continued momentum in the Midwest and parts of the East, while Western markets – including ours – are expected to remain relatively flat. That doesn’t mean nothing is happening; it means opportunities are more strategic than sensational.
The takeaway is simple. For smart buyers, the next 30 days – when holiday distractions are high and competition is low – may be the best window to get under contract before the new year resets the market. For sellers whose listings expire, the opportunity lies in repositioning with a local Realtor who understands not just the data, but the psychology that drives hyper-local markets.
Curious how all of this fits into your real estate plans for 2026? Let’s sit down, look at the numbers and build a strategy that works for you.
Theresa Grant is a real estate broker and columnist covering Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs and the surrounding mountain communities. Reach her at (909) 442-1345, visit www.HomesInLakeArrowhead.com and follow her on social media, @TheresaGrantRealtor. Theresa is a Broker Associate with REAL Broker Technologies. DRE#01202881.
0 Comments