Making Moves with Mandee

Why Lower Rates, Better Affordability, and “Overlooked” Listings Are Opening New Doors in 2026

Making Moves with Mandee: What Today’s Growing Buying Power Means for You

Thinking about buying this year but worried you missed your chance? New data shows the opposite: buyers are quietly gaining power again. Zillow’s latest numbers point to better affordability, more realistic options, and more room to negotiate than we’ve seen in years. Here’s what that means for you if you’re planning a move in 2026.

1. Buying Power Is the Best It’s Been Since 2022

Zillow economists found that a median‑income U.S. household can now afford a home priced around $331,483 with 20% down—about $30,000 more than just a year ago. That jump is driven by:

• Lower mortgage rates, which make each dollar of monthly payment go further.
• Wage growth outpacing home value growth in many areas.

Those shifts also mean the average mortgage payment is roughly 8% lower than a year ago, even though prices haven’t fallen dramatically. As Zillow Senior Economist Kara Ng put it, a $30,000 gain in buying power “can mean the difference between settling versus choosing” the home you really want.

What this means for you:
If you pressed pause when rates spiked, your budget may quietly stretch farther today—without you having to do anything except recheck your numbers.

2. Buyer‑Friendly Conditions Are Real (Even If Headlines Miss Them)

Zillow ranked major metros to find the “best markets for 2026 buyers,” looking at more than just cheap prices. The most buyer‑friendly markets shared three things:

• Home values are cooling now but expected to rise over time.
• A typical mortgage payment uses a smaller share of local income.
• Buyer competition is lower, so people have room to breathe.

Many of those top markets are in the Midwest and Sun Belt—places like Indianapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Detroit, Miami, Tampa, and Pittsburgh. They tend to have steady local economies, more new construction, and more manageable monthly payments.

​

What this means for you (even in Colorado):
Conditions like “more listings, longer days on market, and regular price cuts” aren’t just national stories—there are usually pockets in every local market where buyers have more leverage. Part of my job is to help you identify those “best bet” neighborhoods and price ranges right here.

3. The Hidden Opportunity in Older Listings

Another trend: the median age of inventory recently spiked to its highest level since 2020, meaning more homes are sitting on the market longer than usual. As Zillow’s Kara Ng explains, shopping now is like buying clothes between seasons—you’re looking at what didn’t sell last season, but the right “fit” can come with a discount.

Homes that have been listed 60–90+ days often signal:

• Sellers who may be more flexible on price, closing costs, or repairs.
• Properties that were slightly overpriced and are now ready for a realistic offer.
• Great homes that other buyers simply overlooked the first time around.

What this means for you:
A “slow” listing isn’t always a bad home—it’s often a negotiation opportunity. We can build a low‑pressure search focused specifically on these homes so you’re talking to the sellers most likely to work with you.

4. Why Now Is a Smart Time to Re‑Check Your Game Plan

Putting all of this together:

• Buying power is up compared to last year.
• Monthly payments are a bit easier thanks to lower rates and flatter values.
• Some segments of the market are slower, giving you more room to think and negotiate.

You don’t have to decide to move tomorrow to take advantage of this.

But it is the perfect time to:

• Revisit your pre‑approval or talk to a lender if it’s been a while.
• Ask me to flag neighborhoods with more inventory and longer days on market.
• Start a “soft” search now, so you’re ready when the right home appears.

If you’ve been in “someday” mode, this shift in buying power and market pace might be your sign to explore what’s possible. I'm here to help you turn those numbers into a clear, personalized plan—so when you’re ready to move, you aren’t just hoping for a good deal, you’re positioned to get one.