Real Estate News 03/04/2026

Mortgage rates just hit their lowest level in over three years, boosting buyer purchasing power by $34,000 and easing monthly payments nationwide. While affordability is improving, many buyers are still waiting on the sidelines—but with spring approaching, renewed momentum may be right around the corner, according to Redfin.

In The News:

Nasdaq – “Homebuying Affordability Improves As Mortgage Rates Fall to Lowest Level in Over 3 Years“ (02-26-2026)

“Redfin reports lower rates haven’t yet brought homebuyers off the sidelines, but hope is in the air as spring approaches.”

PR Newswire –“California home sales decline in January to lowest level since May 2025 amid 23-month price low, C.A.R. reports” (02-18-2026)

“Existing, single-family home sales totaled 256,550 in January on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 10.8 percent from 287,570 in December and down 1.3 percent from 260,040 in January 2025.”

Redfin News –“The Typical U.S. Homeowner Hangs Onto Their House For 12 Years. In Los Angeles, It’s 20 Years.” (03-03-2026)

“Homeowner tenure peaked at 13.4 years in 2020, roughly doubling the average tenure from 2005. Then it declined marginally for four years before ticking up in 2025..”

Forbes–“Zillow Predicts Increase In Home Sales, Kidfluence, Lifestyle Renters“ (01-29-2026)

“In 2025, the U.S. housing market limped along in its fourth year of home sales at a 30-year low (although conditions began to improve in December, according to the National Association of Realtors).”

Zillow –“Housing Data“ (02-16-2026)

“Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI):A measure of the typical home value and market changes across a given region and housing type. It reflects the typical value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. Available as a smoothed, seasonally adjusted measure and as a raw measure.”