Expert Analysis: Joseph Daley Breaks Down the 2026 Housing Market on CBS42 скачать в хорошем качестве

Expert Analysis: Joseph Daley Breaks Down the 2026 Housing Market on CBS42

Local Expert Forecasts Stabilization for 2026 Housing Market BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After years of volatility defined by skyrocketing prices and fierce competition, the 2026 housing market is showing signs of returning to normalcy. Joseph Daley, a RealTrends verified top-performing agent with Keller Williams Realty, joined Andrea Lindenberg on CBS42 Weekend Mornings recently to discuss the shifting landscape for buyers and sellers. With mortgage rates currently hovering above 6% and home prices near record highs, Daley said the market has been difficult to maneuver. However, he offered a positive forecast for the remainder of the year, predicting that prices will finally level out. Daley noted that while home prices jumped by as much as 25% in previous years—a rate he described as unprecedented—the national forecast for 2026 indicates a much more modest improvement of about 2%. This stabilization suggests a calmer environment compared to the frenzy of 2020 and 2021. For the first time in several years, the market is shifting toward buyers. Daley reported that national inventory has increased by approximately 25%, a significant turnaround from the inventory deficits seen recently. On a local level, Jefferson County currently has about 3.5 months of housing supply. Daley explained that this level of inventory moves the area toward a neutral market, offering buyers more options than they have had in years past. Regarding mortgage rates, Daley told Lindenberg that while rates may decrease slightly, potential homebuyers should not expect a drastic drop this year. He characterized this stability as a positive factor, noting that a sharp decrease could trigger another surge in demand and drive prices up again, similar to the market behavior seen when rates dipped quickly in 2020. For homeowners considering selling in 2026, Daley advised listing immediately rather than waiting for spring. He referred to the current period as the "winter renewal season," a window of opportunity where serious buyers are active before the market becomes saturated with spring listings. Daley emphasized that in a normalizing market, the condition of a home is paramount. He warned sellers that because buyers now have more choices, they will be more critical of a property’s appearance. He described the selling process as both a price war and a beauty contest, stating that a home must be a strong contender to command top dollar. To prepare a home for sale, Daley recommended simple but effective updates. He suggested replacing worn carpet and touching up paint where necessary. He also noted that sprucing up landscaping with fresh pine straw or mulch can significantly improve curb appeal. Staging also remains a crucial component of a successful sale. Daley described his process of walking through a client’s home with sticky notes to identify personal items that should be removed. He explained that depersonalizing a space, such as removing children's artwork, helps buyers visualize the value of the home rather than focusing on the seller's personal life. With new home construction catching up to a decade-long deficit, Daley said the market is returning to a normalized state where pricing can level out, providing a more balanced environment for both buyers and sellers in 2026. Daley, a RealTrends verified top-performing agent, encourages residents to be proactive in this shifting landscape. For more information on the local market forecast or to schedule a listing consultation, interested parties can contact Joseph Daley at Keller Williams Realty Metro South by visiting YourBirminghamHome.com or calling 205-475-2469.