---
title: Central Ohio Market Brief
description: Weekly Central Ohio real estate market brief featuring national housing news, mortgage rate trends, pending sales updates, and local insights for buyers and sellers.
---

[Central Ohio Real Estate News](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news)

# [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1)

 Written by [Teresa Butler](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/author/teresa-butler) | Jan 23, 2026 5:27:06 PM

## Weekly Updates & Market Insights

**Week Ending Friday, January 23, 2026**  
**Teresa Butler | Worthington Realty**

If you’re wondering what’s really happening in real estate right now, this week’s story is simple:

**Mortgage rates are holding in the low 6% range, buyer demand is still present, and the market continues to reward smart pricing and good strategy — not wishful thinking.**

Below is what stood out nationally this week, along with what it means locally here in **Central Ohio**.

## National Real Estate News

### 1) Housing Affordability Takes the Spotlight (Trump at Davos)

Housing affordability made headlines this week after **President Trump addressed housing at the World Economic Forum in Davos**, referencing an Executive Order aimed at restricting large institutional investors from buying single-family homes.

While this sounds dramatic, it’s **not a full ban**, and it may not move the needle as much as some think. Large investors are estimated to own only **about 2–3%** of U.S. single-family homes, so the real issue remains the same:

✅ **We need more homes built.**

**My take:**  
Policies come and go, but supply is still the long-term problem. Until more housing is built, affordability challenges won’t disappear.

### 2) Pending Home Sales Dropped — But Something Doesn’t Add Up

The National Association of Realtors reported that **pending home sales dropped 9.5% month-over-month in December**.

That number raises eyebrows because it doesn’t match what many agents are seeing in real time. Mortgage rates stayed **below roughly 6.25%** through December, and buyer activity has been improving in many markets.

This decline could be:

- a reporting lag,
- seasonal distortion,
- or a data issue that gets corrected with stronger January numbers.

**Source: NAR**

### 3) Mortgage Rates Remain in the Low 6% Range

Mortgage rates stayed relatively stable this week, hovering in the **low 6% range**.

A few things influenced the rate environment:

- U.S. **10-Year Treasury yields moved above 4.25%**
- Global bond market pressure (including Japan)
- Ongoing concerns about tariffs and international issues

But despite the noise, the big takeaway is this:

✅ Rates moved slightly, but **didn’t spike**, and buyers are still adjusting to the “new normal.”

Also important: the Federal Reserve is **not expected to cut or raise** short-term interest rates at their **January 28 meeting**, which supports a steadier rate environment near-term.

**Source: Freddie Mac PMMS**

## Central Ohio Market Insights (Local View)

Real estate is always local — and here’s what this national news looks like on the ground in **Central Ohio** right now:

### Buyer Activity: Still There, But Pickier Than Ever

Buyers are active — especially those who have been waiting for rates to settle. But they’re also more selective than the “frenzy market” years.

**Today’s buyers want:**  
✅ good condition  
✅ realistic pricing  
✅ fewer surprises

Homes that feel dated, overpriced, or poorly presented are sitting longer — and buyers aren’t afraid to walk away.

 

### Inventory: Still Tight in the Homes People Actually Want

Central Ohio inventory remains tight, especially in the most in-demand categories:

- move-in ready homes
- good locations / school districts
- homes priced under $400,000–$450,000

We’re still seeing the usual early-year pattern: fewer new listings, less choice, and stronger competition on the best homes.

### Pricing: Stable, But the Market Will “Correct” Overpricing Quickly

This is not a market where you toss out a high price and hope it sticks.

**The homes that sell are:**  
✅ priced correctly from day one  
✅ professionally presented  
✅ marketed well

Overpriced homes? They don’t necessarily “crash,” but they do sit — and sitting creates doubt.

### What Sellers Should Know Right Now

The market is still rewarding sellers — **if the home is positioned correctly**.

To get top results:

- pricing has to match the current market (not 2022 headlines)
- presentation matters more than ever
- buyers still pay up for “clean + updated + ready”

### What Buyers Should Know Right Now

If you’re buying, this is a market where preparation matters:

- get your financing lined up early
- be ready to move fast on the right home
- don’t overreact to headlines — focus on your payment and your needs

Rates aren’t perfect, but stability is giving buyers more confidence than we’ve seen in a while.

## Bottom Line This Week

Even with headlines and mixed data, the overall picture remains steady:

✅ Mortgage rates are holding in the low 6% range  
✅ Demand is still present  
✅ Central Ohio remains resilient  
✅ Smart pricing and strategy win every time

If you’d like to know what your home could sell for in today’s market — or what you can realistically expect as a buyer this season — I’m happy to help.

## Questions About Your Local Market? Let’s Talk.

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

[View full post](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1)

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