If you've been thinking about buying a home over the past few years,
While every local market is different, recent housing data suggests conditions are shifting in many areas. Buyers may be seeing more homes available and sellers pricing their properties more competitively than they have in recent years.
According to Realtor.com, the national median asking price was $430,000 in June, nearly $11,000 under what it was the year before (see graph below):
Source: Realtor .com, June 2026 Monthly Housing Trends Report, June 2026
That’s the eighth month in a row that the typical asking price may have dipped below where they were the previous year, according to the same Realtor.com report.
And while falling prices can sound worrying, this may not be a sign of an impending crash. This could be a sign that today’s sellers are meeting the market where it is and pricing to draw buyers. And that’s actually something normal we’d expect from the market. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, puts it:
“Sellers are reading market conditions and are pricing accordingly from the start rather than listing high and cutting later, and buyers are taking note and making bids. This is a welcome sign that we are in a functioning market.”
Another trend buyers may notice is an increase in the number of homes available for sale. Realtor.com reported that June inventory reached its highest level for the month in the past three years (see graph below):
Source: Realtor .com, June 2026 Monthly Housing Trends Report, June 2026
Although housing supply hasn't returned to pre-2020 levels in many markets, additional inventory can provide buyers with more opportunities to compare homes that fit their needs and budget.
What This Could Mean for Buyers
With more homes available in some markets and sellers adjusting asking prices, buyers may have more opportunities to explore their options.
Every real estate market is different, and factors such as location, price range, and financing all play a role in the homebuying process. That's why it's important to understand your budget and financing options before beginning your search.
Whether you're purchasing your first home or planning your next move, having a conversation with a trusted real estate professional and a mortgage lender can help you better understand today's market and what may be available to you.
If you're considering buying a home, contact a First Federal Bank Loan Officer, to discuss the mortgage process, and review financing options based on your individual financial situation.