From Frozen to Flowing: Early Signals for 2026
December closed with lighter transaction volume, lingering uncertainty and a lot of hope from the broker community for a rebound year in 2026.
Compared to 2024, 2025 finished higher in volume and flat in price. As the year drew to an end, our team finally put a 4mm condo in contract. It first came on the market 2 years ago with a different broker and my team took over in June. I was humbly reminded how much persistence and hard work it took to sell a home, especially in this difficult market for sellers.
Economists who predict for a living say 2026 is going to see more transactions in the housing market because people are getting tired of being locked into their homes due to rate lock-in and the trend of WFH is pulling more people back to the city. Jumbo rates are in the low 6s, a workable range to a meaningful segment of buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for years. Last week, two sellers reached out after spending a year unsuccessfully trying to sell with different brokers.
Both buyers and sellers have felt stuck, paused by rates, uncertainty, and timing. As the market begins to thaw, many are simply ready to move forward with the next chapter of their lives.
Personal Update
I just found out that I have a complete ACL tear from the very first day of skiing this season. I went from being so excited to so bummed and angry at myself in the span of two days. A good reminder to my foolhardy self that life can change on a dime.
As I write this note, I am feeling very grateful for my friends and my team. If it weren’t for their urging, I would not have gone to see a doctor. I would have gotten back on the treadmill and broken more things. (I have no swelling and am not feeling much pain. How crazy is this by the way?!). My team offered to cover my showings for free. There are not enough words to describe my gratitude.
I hope all of you are having a good start to the new year! If anyone has a good three-limbed workout routine, send me!