Weekly Updates & Market Insights

Week Ending Friday, January 16, 2026
Teresa Butler | Worthington Realty

If you’ve been watching the real estate market and wondering “Is anything finally changing?” — the answer this week is yes.

Mortgage rates hit a meaningful low, home sales activity jumped, and inflation came in calmer than expected. That combination matters because it affects buyer confidence, affordability, and what sellers can realistically expect right now.

Below is a clear breakdown of what happened nationally — and what it means for buyers and sellers here in Central Ohio.

National Real Estate News

✅ Mortgage Rates Hit a 3-Year Low

Mortgage rates made the biggest headline this week.

According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.06%, marking the lowest level in more than three years. When rates come down, even slightly, affordability improves — and buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines tend to re-enter the market.

What this means:
Lower rates can increase buyer activity quickly, especially for first-time buyers and move-up buyers who are payment-sensitive.

Source: Freddie Mac

Chart: Average 30-year Fixed-Rate Mortgage

✅ Existing Home Sales Jumped

Buyer activity didn’t just improve “in theory” — we saw it in actual sales volume.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that existing home sales rose 5.1% month-over-month to 4,350,000 units. That’s the fastest sales pace since March 2023, and a sign that the market may finally be breaking out of the sluggish “stuck around 4 million” pattern we’ve seen for the last couple of years.

At the same time, inventory dropped (which is common for this time of year), falling to 1,180,000 homes for sale, and the median sales price was roughly flat year-over-year at $405,400.

What this means:
Sales activity is improving, but inventory is still tight — which keeps the market competitive for the best homes.

Source: NAR

Chart: Existing Home Sales (SAAR by month)

✅ Inflation Came In Calm (Good News for Rates)

Inflation news matters because it affects what the Federal Reserve does next — and that directly influences mortgage rates.

This week, the inflation report came in tamer than expected, with core CPI up 2.6% year-over-year in December 2025.

What this means:
A cooler inflation report supports the idea that mortgage rates may continue to stabilize or even drift lower, which keeps buyers active and improves affordability.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chart: Consumer Price Index (% YoY)

Central Ohio Market Insights (Local View)

National headlines are important — but real estate is local, and here’s what I’m seeing in Central Ohio right now:

🏡 Buyer Activity Is Picking Up (But Still Selective)

Lower rates are giving buyers a little breathing room, and many are finally ready to start looking again. That said, today’s buyers are more educated and more cautious than in the frenzy years.

Homes that are priced right and show well are moving.
Homes that are overpriced or need “a lot of projects” are getting less attention.

📦 Inventory Is Still Tight

Central Ohio continues to feel the pressure of limited inventory — especially in popular school districts and neighborhoods where move-in-ready homes under $400,000 are in high demand.

We typically see a seasonal inventory dip in January, so this isn’t unusual — but it does mean sellers still have leverage if they price correctly.

💰 Pricing Is Steady — and Strategy Matters More Than Ever

We’re seeing stability in pricing, not dramatic jumps.

This is a market where:

• Smart pricing wins

• Condition matters

• Presentation matters

• And the numbers have to make sense from day one

⏱️ Days on Market Depends on Price Range

Not all homes are moving the same speed:

Faster-moving segment:
✅ entry-level and mid-range homes, especially updated and well-located

Slower-moving segment:
⏳ higher-priced listings that aren’t positioned competitively, or need major updates

Bottom Line: What This Week’s Data Means for You

If You’re a Buyer:

You may be getting the best mix we’ve seen in a while:
✅ improving affordability + improving activity + steady prices

But the best homes are still selling fast, so preparation matters.

If You’re a Seller:

Serious buyers are active again — but they’re not overpaying for homes that aren’t priced or prepared properly.

If you want strong results, the keys are:
✅ accurate pricing
✅ strong presentation
✅ smart marketing
✅ expert negotiation

Want to Know What This Means for YOUR Home?

If you have questions about these national trends or what’s happening in your specific Central Ohio neighborhood, I’m happy to help.

Teresa Butler | Worthington Realty
📞 614-565-8161
📧 teresa@teresabutler.com