Welcome to AgentUp’s January 2026 Real Estate Update. January brings a sense of renewal and fresh opportunity, and the real estate market is no exception.
This month’s newsletter highlights community networking ideas, along with a snapshot of current market trends and key statistics to help you start the year informed and prepared.
Let’s make January a strong beginning by setting goals, building momentum, and positioning ourselves for a successful year ahead.
AgentUp Podcast
Listen to a summary of the January 2026 Real Estate Update on the AgentUp Podcast.
If you prefer to read rather than listen to the podcast, let’s take a look at a real estate update for January and how to get a strong start to the new year.
January: New Year, New Meaningful Opportunities
As we step into a new year, January offers a moment to reset, reflect, and recommit to practices that grow our businesses and visibility.
In real estate, connection remains essential, and the start of the year creates meaningful opportunities to strengthen relationships—through intention, clarity, and planning.
Here are a few simple but meaningful ways to set the tone for the year ahead:
- Set Clear Goals: Define your business, financial, and personal goals for the year to create focus and momentum
- Refresh Your Brand: Review your messaging, visuals, and online presence to ensure they reflect who you are and where you’re headed
- Map New Networking Opportunities: Identify new local groups, events, and community spaces where you can build authentic, long-term relationships
This January, focus on building momentum with purpose and intention. Thoughtful planning now creates confidence and stronger results, all year long.
Wishing you a focused, productive, and successful start to the new year!
Sign up for a free AgentUp account and discover how we can partner together for a successful new year.
Expected Trends for 2026
Here are three real estate trends to watch for in 2026:
1. Modest Home Price Growth and Increased Sales
Experts forecast that U.S. home values will rise modestly in 2026, with existing-home sales increasing as affordability gradually improves. Zillow projects home values up about 1.2% and around a 4.3% rise in sales in 2026 as mortgage rates ease slightly and buyer demand strengthens.
2. Affordability Improves and Market Balances Shift
Realtor.com’s national forecast anticipates that mortgage rates will average around 6.3% in 2026, inventory will continue to recover, and housing affordability will improve modestly as incomes grow faster than prices. This points to a more balanced market compared to recent years.
3. Limited New Construction Puts More Pressure on Existing Home Inventory
Despite rising demand, new single-family home construction is expected to remain weak in 2026, potentially the slowest since before the pandemic. Builders may continue offering incentives, such as rate buydowns, to move inventory, while existing homes play a larger role in meeting buyer demand.
Please note that these trends reflect national averages. Conditions in your local market could vary.
Median Regional Home Prices
As of January 1, 2026 (Zillow)
| City | Median Home Price | Increase / Decrease |
| New York | $793,900 | Up 3.2% from the previous year |
| Chicago | $305,500 | Up 2.2% from the previous year |
| San Diego | $986,800 | Down 4.0% from the previous year |
| Seattle | $837,800 | Down 2.1% from the previous year |
| Austin | $490,200 | Down 6.6% from the previous year |
| Denver | $525,700 | Down 4.2% from the previous year |
| Atlanta | $384,900 | Down 4.4% from the previous year |
National Average Mortgage Interest Rates
As of January 1, 2026 (BankRate)
| Mortgage | Current Rate | Last Month |
| 30-year Fixed | 6.27% | 6.25% |
| 20-year Fixed | 6.08% | 5.99% |
| 15-year Fixed | 5.58% | 5.60% |
| 30-year Jumbo | 6.39% | 6.41% |
Fact of the Month – January
As we closed out 2025, the median existing-home sales price in the U.S. was $409,200, up 1.19% year over year, reflecting continued modest home price growth despite affordability challenges.
Start the New Year Fresh
Start the year by setting the tone for success by partnering with AgentUp. Use expert transaction coordination services to maximize your closings and overall efficiency.
Transaction Coordination – from $399 per file
Listing Coordination – from $249 per file
To start the year off right, we’re offering $50 off your first transaction!
Call an AgentUp TC at (888) 982-4368 or schedule a complimentary TC consultation.
Moreover, refresh your brand with new, impressive digital marketing solutions for all your listings:
- Virtual tours
- Property websites
- Home flyers
- House portraits
- AI real estate photo editing
- Virtual staging
This year, optimize your transactions, strengthen your brand, and stand out in the market.
Happy New Year from your friends at AgentUp!
We hope this real estate update provided you with some insights into the market for January.