5 Housing Market Signals for the Rest of 2026 | Tom's Take 488

Realtor.com released its 2026 mid-year housing forecast, and there are five major takeaways buyers and sellers need to understand heading into the second half of the year. In this episode of Tom's Take, Tom Toole breaks down what the latest forecast means for mortgage rates, inventory, first-time homebuyers, the lock-in effect, and overall housing market activity. The big message: the market is not frozen. Rates are expected to remain more stable, inventory is improving, first-time buyers are becoming more active, and the second half of 2026 could create new opportunities for buyers and sellers. If you are thinking about buying or selling in the Greater Philadelphia area, the Main Line, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, or Philadelphia, schedule a call with our team using the link in the comments.