According to Realtor.com Economic Research, housing conditions appear more balanced nationally while entry-level buyer engagement has weakened.
What the report says
Realtor.com Economic Research analyzed active listings and online views from January 2019 through July 2026. Its latest analysis finds that overall market measures look more aligned, but the improvement is uneven across price tiers.
Key points to know
- The median list price declined 2.4% year over year, from $439,450 in July 2025 to $428,950 in July 2026.
- Homes below $370,000 made up 50% of listings in 2021, compared with 42.2% in 2026.
- Views per property in the entry-level segment fell to the lowest level since 2019, while luxury buyer engagement remained closer to 2019 levels.
Why it matters for buyers and homeowners
The national picture may look less competitive, but that does not mean affordable homes are easier to find. Buyers with smaller budgets may face fewer suitable listings and less leverage, while higher-priced segments continue to attract more financially qualified shoppers. Local California and Oregon conditions can differ.
Important limits to keep in mind
- This is Realtor.com company research based on its listings and online shopper views, not an independently verified market census.
- The analysis is national and may not describe conditions in specific California or Oregon markets.
- The source uses annual averages from January through July, so the 2026 figures are not full-year results.
Bottom line: A balanced headline can conceal a tougher search for buyers targeting lower-priced homes.
Source: Realtor.com Economic Research: read the original report
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