Homebuyers Are Still Active: What Today's Market May Mean for You

If you've been thinking about selling, you've probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting the real estate market has slowed significantly. While today's market is different than it was a few years ago, that doesn't necessarily mean buying and selling activity has stopped. 

Recent housing reports indicate that homes continue to go under contract across many markets. Although activity varies by location and market conditions, many buyers continue to remain active for a variety of reasons, including job relocations, growing families, downsizing, and other life changes.  

A Different Market Doesn't Mean an Inactive Market 

Today's housing market is more balanced than the fast-paced environment many experienced during 2020 and 2021. Homes may take longer to sell in some areas, and buyers often have more options to consider. As a result, factors such as pricing, property condition, and local market conditions can play an important role in the homebuying and selling process.

It's also important to remember that every local market is different. National trends can provide useful context, but they don't always reflect what's happening in your community.

Buyers Continue to Explore Their Options

One way to measure buyer demand could be by looking at pending home sales. Those are homes that have gone under contract but haven't closed yet. Think of them as a real-time pulse check on the market and whether buyers are still buying.

HousingWire Data shows more homes are going under contract than at the same time the past 2 years (see graph below):

Source: HousingWire, America’s Housing Market Favors Buyers—But Their Advantage Is Finally Starting to Shrink, July 2026

While it may come as a surprise, the data suggests many buyers remain active. It doesn’t mean buyer activity is the same in every market, but does indicate may buyers continue to move forward. And even if this ebbs and flows a bit in the weeks ahead, right now we’re still ahead of where we’ve been lately. That's encouraging news if you're thinking about selling because it tells us something important…

 Buyers Continue to Explore Their Options 

And many of these buyers may be buying because they decided they can't keep waiting. Whether it's a growing family, a new job, retirement, or simply wanting a different home, life keeps moving… even when mortgage rates stay higher than we'd like. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“A late spring buyer rush—even with mortgage rates not budging—is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers’ acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal."

So, if you've been worried no one’s buying, this data may give you some confidence. Today’s buyers often aren’t just casually browsing open houses on a Sunday afternoon. Many have spent months waiting for rates to improve and now decided that purchasing now is the best choice. 

Planning Ahead Can Make a Difference

Whether you're buying your first home, moving to a new one, or exploring refinancing opportunities, preparation is an important part of the process. Reviewing your budget, understanding available loan programs, and discussing your goals with a trusted lender can help you make informed decisions.

At First Federal Bank, we're committed to providing guidance, answering your questions, and helping you understand the mortgage options available to you. Every borrower's situation is unique, and we're here to help you navigate the process with personalized service.

Bottom Line

Housing markets continue to change, and activity levels may vary from one community to another. If you're thinking about purchasing a home or simply want to learn more about today's mortgage options, talking with a local loan officer can help you better understand your choices.

If you'd like to discuss your home financing goals, contact a First Federal Bank Loan Officer today. We're here to provide information, answer your questions, and help you explore your available mortgage options.