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The housing‑market freeze that halted many transactions is easing, said National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun at the NAR NXT conference on Nov. 14 in Houston. “America is now open for business,” Yun announced, noting the 43‑day federal shutdown that ended last week. He expects deals stalled during the shutdown to gradually catch up. Yun projects the average 30‑year fixed rate to hover near 6 % in 2026, down from the 6.7 % average this year.
Yun’s Houston remarks differ from his June comments, where he warned agents that the recovery had been delayed. He forecasted a flat year for existing‑home sales and a 2 % decline in new‑construction sales, with 2026 expected to bring a 14 % rise in existing‑home sales and a 5 % gain in new construction. “The light is flashing at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Borrowing costs remain the key factor for buyers reentering the market. Pivot Realty CEO Mark Perkins told Homes.com that a more favorable interest‑rate environment would encourage buyers who no longer need to move up. He added that the Federal Reserve could cut its benchmark rate next month, with two more cuts possible in 2026, potentially improving mortgage rates slightly. Yun echoed this, saying rates will be “a little bit better” next year.
Fast Company has dubbed a new creator‑economy platform a “groundbreaking step,” while a fund now lets investors tap home equity like Wall Street.
