Housing Market Momentum Is Finally Building

Housing Market Momentum Is Finally Building

After several challenging years for home buyers and sellers alike, the housing market is showing meaningful signs of renewed momentum.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing-home sales jumped 5.1% in December, marking the strongest monthly performance in nearly three years after adjusting for seasonal factors. Even more encouraging, sales were 1.4% higher than December of the previous year — a clear signal that buyer activity is beginning to rebound.

This improvement didn’t happen overnight. December’s gain followed a smaller increase in November, largely tied to declining mortgage rates that began easing in the fall. While affordability challenges remain, lower borrowing costs have helped bring hesitant buyers back into the market and restored a sense of confidence that had been missing.

“2025 was another tough year for home buyers, marked by record-high home prices and historically low home sales,” said Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR. However, he noted that conditions began improving in the fourth quarter as mortgage rates declined and home price growth slowed.

For buyers, this shift may translate into renewed opportunity. Increased activity often leads to better inventory selection and more confidence to move forward, especially for those who paused during peak uncertainty.

For sellers, momentum matters. When buyer confidence returns, well-priced and well-marketed homes tend to attract more serious interest. Strategic timing, pricing, and presentation become especially important in a transitioning market like this one.

While no two markets are identical, national trends often provide insight into where local conditions may be heading next. Understanding how these shifts impact pricing, demand, and negotiation power is key — particularly in Northern Utah’s unique and highly localized real estate landscape.

As the market continues to adjust, buyers and sellers alike benefit most from informed guidance, thoughtful strategy, and a clear understanding of current conditions. Momentum is building — and knowing how to position yourself can make all the difference.