Kira Witherwax

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.

U.S. existing-home sales rose 1.2% month-over-month to a 4.10M annual rate as buyers benefited from lower mortgage rates, according to NAR. Sales increased in the Midwest and South, were flat in the Northeast, and dipped in the West. New listings fell 12.1%, while pending sales rose 9.6% and inventory edged up. Median sales price jumped to $305,000 locally and $415,200 nationally, marking 28 straight months of annual price gains.

Your home is listed and you expect lots of showings, but nothing happens. You may wonder why your agent isn’t hosting an open house. Real estate is local—while open houses work in big markets, they rarely generate offers in the North Country. Serious buyers here prefer private showings. Open houses mostly attract neighbors, curious homeowners, or agents. Still, they can refresh marketing and bring attention, even if they don’t directly sell the home.