National news and local views for the week ending Friday, January 9, 2026

National Real Estate News

Activity is picking up

With average 30-year mortgage rates staying below 6.50% since early September 2025, and hovering around 6.25% since late November 2025, transaction activity is (finally) starting to pick up. The National Association of Realtors’ Pending Home Sales Index rose 3.3% month-over-month to 79.2. That’s the highest index level seen since February 2023! [Source: NAR, Mortgage News Daily]

 

Price growth perking up too

In October 2025, Case-Shiller’s national home price index climbed a robust 0.4% month-over-month. And that followed 0.2% MoM rises in both August and September. While year-over-year home price growth decelerated for most of 2025 (started at +4.1% YoY and is now a flattish +1.4% YoY), we could be at an inflection point with demand improving on both lower rates and prices (in many markets). [Source: S&P Cotality]

 

Approaching the 5% level

According to Freddie Mac's weekly PMMS survey, the average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.16% last week. If rates did manage to break into the 5% range, that would be the lowest levels since September 2022. [Source: Freddie Mac]

Local Market Trends

As of Friday, January 9, 2026

Central Ohio Market Insights

Week Ending January 9, 2026

While national headlines are pointing to renewed momentum, Central Ohio is showing steady, disciplined movement rather than a surge — which is exactly what you want in a healthy market.

Buyer activity is cautiously improving.
With mortgage rates holding in the low-to-mid 6% range, buyers who sat out much of 2024 and early 2025 are beginning to re-engage. Showings are picking up, especially in well-priced homes under the $400,000 mark, where affordability still matters most.

Inventory remains tight — but not desperate.
New listings are coming online slowly after the holidays, and quality homes are still drawing attention. However, buyers are no longer rushing blindly. Properties that are priced right and move-in ready are selling; those that miss the mark are sitting longer.

Pricing is stable, not soaring.
Across Central Ohio, prices are holding firm with modest movement rather than sharp increases. Sellers who price strategically are being rewarded, while overpricing is quickly exposed in today’s more informed market.

Days on market vary by price point.
Entry-level and mid-range homes continue to move faster than higher-priced properties. Luxury and upper-end listings require sharper pricing, strong presentation, and patience — the days of “name your price” are behind us.

The takeaway:
Central Ohio remains a balanced, resilient market. Buyers have more breathing room than in past years, and sellers still benefit from solid demand — but success on either side depends on strategy, not luck.