Kira Witherwax

Mortgages can be overwhelming—FHA, VA, USDA, conventional. FHA helps first-time buyers with lower credit but adds insurance. VA loans offer no down payment for eligible service members. USDA loans aid rural buyers with low rates. Conventional loans suit strong-credit borrowers, offering flexibility. The “best” mortgage depends on your finances, plans, and risk comfort. Sellers prefer cash, then conventional without PMI; government loans are less competitive.

U.S. existing-home sales rose 0.5% MoM to 4.13M but fell 1.0% YoY, with gains in the Northeast and South. New listings dropped 29.2% to 63, pending sales rose 6.3% to 85, and inventory fell 3.1% to 534. Median price climbed 4.6% to $250K. National median price hit $409,200, up 1.2% YoY, as supply remained tight at 1.43M homes, a 4.2-month supply.

In 2024, U.S. home sales hit a 30-year low, with 2025 sales down 1% nationally but up 3% locally as prices rose to $255,000 and days on market increased. Mortgage rates eased to about 6.24%, with forecasts near 6% in 2026 and a 14% sales increase. Buyer activity is expected to rebound after the holidays. Inventory is rising, creating more seller competition. Sellers must price realistically, focus on strong marketing, and prepare early for a more balanced 2026 market.