The Real Estate Market Is Stalling, Not Crashing (Here’s What We’re Actually Seeing)
Thu Feb 05 2026
"I think if the market is sort of neutral and if last year was tough and if people have had a tough year... we need to get creative with how we grow our businesses and put in more time. It's gonna take more time on task and more creativity and more resilience to maybe get half the business that you would get in a quote unquote good market." - Jen
Description:
Hey there! Jen here with Annalie, and we're back after taking last week off to catch our breath. Times are tough, and this market is a lot, and sometimes you just need a minute to get your feet underneath you again.
This week we're diving into what's actually happening in the 2026 housing market both the national headlines, and what the data is really showing at the micro-market level. We break down nationwide trends like stalling prices (not falling, stalling), the tale of two markets between different regions, and why the Northeast and Midwest are seeing completely different dynamics than the Sun Belt.
We're not just talking market data. We're talking about what it means for YOU as an agent trying to build a business in this weird, ambiguous, neutral-but-not-really market. Jen shares actual showing data from Minneapolis that surprised even us, and we get real about business planning when your conversion rates from last year might not mean anything anymore.
Whether you're sitting on listings that aren't moving or watching buyers lose out in multiples on the rare homes hitting the market, this episode gives you the context to understand what's happening and how to adapt. Plus, we talk about cocooning (yes, padding your bedroom walls), color drenching, and why our favorite times of day might mean we need better hobbies.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome back: Winter thickness and ethical thickness explained
08:35 - National pricing trends: Stalling vs. falling markets
15:22 - Regional differences: Northeast/Midwest vs. Sun Belt dynamics
22:43 - Twin Cities data: What's really happening with buyer activity
32:15 - Inventory shortage reality: One house in a 2-mile radius
38:50 - The tale of two markets: Haves vs. have-nots
45:30 - Interest rates and affordability: No relief coming in 2026
52:10 - Job market, foreclosures, and neutral market navigation
58:45 - Business planning for agents: Tripling your time on task
01:05:20 - Budget tightening strategies for uncertain times
01:12:40 - Fun trends: Color drenching, cocooning, and pickleball courts
01:22:15 - Smart home paranoia and February's perfect calendar
Email: hello@realestatedonerightishpod.com
Website: www.realestatedonerightishpod.com
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Real Estate Done Right(ish)
Jennifer Briggs
Annalie Nienow
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"I think if the market is sort of neutral and if last year was tough and if people have had a tough year... we need to get creative with how we grow our businesses and put in more time. It's gonna take more time on task and more creativity and more resilience to maybe get half the business that you would get in a quote unquote good market." - Jen Description: Hey there! Jen here with Annalie, and we're back after taking last week off to catch our breath. Times are tough, and this market is a lot, and sometimes you just need a minute to get your feet underneath you again. This week we're diving into what's actually happening in the 2026 housing market both the national headlines, and what the data is really showing at the micro-market level. We break down nationwide trends like stalling prices (not falling, stalling), the tale of two markets between different regions, and why the Northeast and Midwest are seeing completely different dynamics than the Sun Belt. We're not just talking market data. We're talking about what it means for YOU as an agent trying to build a business in this weird, ambiguous, neutral-but-not-really market. Jen shares actual showing data from Minneapolis that surprised even us, and we get real about business planning when your conversion rates from last year might not mean anything anymore. Whether you're sitting on listings that aren't moving or watching buyers lose out in multiples on the rare homes hitting the market, this episode gives you the context to understand what's happening and how to adapt. Plus, we talk about cocooning (yes, padding your bedroom walls), color drenching, and why our favorite times of day might mean we need better hobbies. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome back: Winter thickness and ethical thickness explained 08:35 - National pricing trends: Stalling vs. falling markets 15:22 - Regional differences: Northeast/Midwest vs. Sun Belt dynamics 22:43 - Twin Cities data: What's really happening with buyer activity 32:15 - Inventory shortage reality: One house in a 2-mile radius 38:50 - The tale of two markets: Haves vs. have-nots 45:30 - Interest rates and affordability: No relief coming in 2026 52:10 - Job market, foreclosures, and neutral market navigation 58:45 - Business planning for agents: Tripling your time on task 01:05:20 - Budget tightening strategies for uncertain times 01:12:40 - Fun trends: Color drenching, cocooning, and pickleball courts 01:22:15 - Smart home paranoia and February's perfect calendar Email: hello@realestatedonerightishpod.com Website: www.realestatedonerightishpod.com Join Our Nonsense - Want more real estate insights, stories we can't share on the podcast, early access to resources and events? Join our newsletter community. Click the link and sign up! Follow Us On Instagram: Real Estate Done Right(ish) Jennifer Briggs Annalie Nienow