Direct Answer: Yes—while 2025 has seen slower sales and more withdrawn listings, housing slowdowns historically don’t last. Major forecasts point to rising activity into 2026 as mortgage rates ease and buyers re-enter the market.
Why Sellers Paused
Across the U.S., more homeowners are stepping off the field temporarily. Recent Realtor.com data shows withdrawn listings up 38% since January and 48% year-over-year. For every 100 new listings in June, about 21 homes were removed. If you’ve done the same, your frustration is valid—but it’s also part of a familiar cycle.
History Repeats Itself: Proof from the Past
1980s: Rates Above 18%
When mortgage rates soared past 18%, buyers paused and sales slowed. As rates normalized, demand returned.
2008: The Great Financial Crisis
One of the toughest housing downturns in history. After the broader economy recovered, home sales did too.
2020: COVID Shock
Transactions froze overnight. As restrictions eased, buyers surged back, surprising even seasoned pros.
The pattern holds: slowdowns end, activity rebounds.
Today’s Market: The Affordability Drag
Sales softness since 2022 is tied to affordability—rates jumped quickly while prices remained firm, pushing buyers to the sidelines. That reduces demand and, in turn, slows transactions.
Outlook: Why Things Will Improve
Consensus forecasts from Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAR anticipate higher sales into 2026—roughly ~4.6 million—with easing mortgage rates as a key catalyst.
What This Means for Kansas City Sellers
If you’ve paused plans, you made a reasonable decision for today’s conditions. Partner with a local expert who watches the week-by-week data (rates, showings, days-on-market) and be ready to relist quickly when demand inflects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are more sellers withdrawing listings?
- Affordability pressures—higher rates with firm prices—are prompting some owners to wait for better conditions.
- Does the market really bounce back?
- Historically, yes. After the 1980s rate spike, 2008 downturn, and 2020 freeze, sales activity returned.
- When could conditions improve?
- Forecasts point to rising activity in 2026 as rates are expected to ease.
- What can I do while I wait?
- Complete high-ROI refreshes, gather documents, and align timing with your agent’s read on local demand.
