Optimism is high among buyers, sellers, and real estate agents as they look ahead to 2026, even as economic uncertainty looms. A recent survey by Clever Offers highlights both hope and hesitation in the market.
Market Outlook:
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About 86% of potential buyers and sellers and 75% of agents believe 2026 will be a good year to make a move.
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Despite this optimism, many worry about a potential market downturn or economic challenges affecting their finances.
Survey Insights:
The survey included 500 consumers planning to buy or sell a home in 2026, 500 not planning to enter the market, and 804 real estate agents. The results reveal mixed perceptions that could shape the housing landscape in the coming year.
Positive Sentiment:
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Agents remained optimistic about local markets throughout 2025, and this trend appears set to continue: 63% expect more market stability compared to the past two years.
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Nearly three-quarters of prospective buyers (73%) and sellers (72%) feel confident that 2026 will be a good year to buy or sell—encouraging news for agents after a slow 2025 marked by record delistings.
Lingering Concerns:
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Only 22% of buyers and sellers believe the overall housing market will improve next year, while 40% fear a market crash.
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About 60% of consumers expect the economy to take a negative turn, with over half anticipating a recession or depression in 2026.
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These concerns align with broader measures of consumer sentiment, including Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index and the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment, both showing continued anxiety about the economy.
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Even optimistic agents view economic uncertainty as their biggest challenge in the year ahead.
Affordability Challenges:
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Nearly all buyers and sellers (93%) anticipate financial hurdles in 2026, citing inflation, rising insurance and healthcare costs, and high home maintenance expenses.
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Forty percent worry about affording housing payments, while roughly two-thirds of buyers fear that higher home prices or a potential recession could delay their plans.
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Many buyers (about 50%) expect to need financial assistance to purchase a home.
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Sellers identify top challenges as preparing their home for sale (40%), negotiating offers (36%), and selling in a high-interest environment (35%). Agents, however, see listing prices as the primary factor affecting sale speed.
Agent Outlook and Commission Expectations:
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Most agents feel confident about their careers and financial stability, expecting little change in commission rates.
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Yet, there’s a disconnect: 70% of buyers expect sellers to pay their agent’s commission, but only 45% of sellers plan to do so, which could create complications.
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Despite career optimism, over half of agents anticipate more difficulty closing deals in 2026, and nearly half of buyers and sellers indicate they may not work with an agent, reflecting a shrinking client pool.
Bottom Line:
While 2026 brings optimism for buyers, sellers, and agents alike, economic uncertainty and affordability concerns are top-of-mind. The year ahead may reward those who stay informed, flexible, and strategic in their real estate decisions.