As we step into 2026, the US real estate market is poised for some changes, blending cautious optimism with persistent challenges. New data reveals a dynamic environment where homeowners grapple with climate risks and rising costs, yet anticipate greater stability. Meanwhile, the way buyers and sellers connect with agents is increasingly digital, reshaping traditional relationships.
These trends, drawn from recent research reports, signal a market adapting to economic and technological pressures.
A standout insight comes from the 2026 Kin Homeownership Trends Report, which highlights unprecedented mobility among US homeowners. Nearly half (49%) are contemplating a move this year, driven largely by climate-related anxieties.
An overwhelming 93% express concerns about potential home damage from extreme weather events in the next two to three years, with 68% expecting these incidents to intensify compared to 2025.
Among those eyeing relocation, 25% are open to crossing state lines, steering clear of high-risk areas like Florida (avoided by 58%) and California (52%), followed by Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, and Alaska.
This “climate migration” underscores how environmental factors are now central to housing decisions.
Compounding these worries are economic hurdles.
Eighty percent of homeowners predict rises in home prices, repairs, and maintenance costs, while 82% foresee insurance premium hikes—mostly in the 1-10% range for 72% of respondents.
Insurance has emerged as a pivotal factor, influencing 70% more than it did five years ago, with 49% weighing it heavily in purchases and 19% planning to switch providers.
Interest rates remain a barrier too; 74% insist on rates dropping to 5% or below before buying, though only 32% expect meaningful declines in 2026.
Despite these pressures, there’s a silver lining: experts forecast enhanced market stability.
Kin‘s Founder and CEO, Sean Harper, notes that after absorbing inflation and rate fluctuations, “substantial premium increases” that plagued 2024 and parts of 2025 won’t dominate 2026.
He emphasizes focusing on customer service over price volatility, suggesting a more predictable landscape for buyers and sellers alike.
On the transactional front, Zillow‘s (NASDAQ: Z and ZG) latest report reveals how online research is revolutionizing agent-client dynamics.
Today, 36% of sellers discover agents through digital channels—more than double the 15% in 2018—while 33% of buyers credit online sleuthing as crucial to their choice.
Repeat buyers, comprising 55% of the market, are particularly savvy, with nearly half interviewing multiple agents after online vetting.
Decisions often happen swiftly: 47% of buyers and 59% of sellers hire the first agent they contact, prioritizing clear online profiles showcasing expertise and track records.
Consumer preferences lean toward efficiency and tech-savvy services.
Repeat buyers value paperwork handling (63% rank it highest) and text-based communication (50% prefer it over calls).
Sellers favor agents offering high-resolution photos (78% more likely to hire) and virtual tours (75%).
In a competitive arena, agents must excel online to attract intentional clients, with two-thirds of sellers covering buyer closing costs and one in three opting for rate buydowns to seal deals.
These developments point to a resilient market.
Homeowners’ mobility reflects adaptive strategies against climate and costs, while digital tools enable more informed choices.
For stakeholders, embracing stability and prioritizing grater online visibility will be key to thriving in 2026‘s real estate ecosystem.
