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n 2025 the housing market stayed largely stagnant. Sales fell as inventory remained scarce, prices stayed high, and mortgage rates stayed steep, pushing many prospective buyers out. The National Association of REALTORS® reported that first‑time buyers hit an all‑time low, with their median age rising to 40. Anticipated Fed rate cuts in the fall, along with easing prices and a modest rise in listings, suggested a possible return to pre‑pandemic normalcy.

    What will 2026 bring? Chicago Agent consulted leading local brokers, lenders, and developers for their forecasts. Will the sector normalize? What strategies will agents need? How will mortgage rates evolve? Which market segments will expand? Contributors offered cautious optimism, acknowledging the many disruptive forces shaping today’s economy. Their insights are appreciated.

    Read the 2026 predictions for real estate sales

    Read the 2026 predictions for mortgage lending

    Read the 2026 predictions for new construction