As we step into the new year, many people are watching for signs of momentum in the housing market and for clues about what comes next for buyers and sellers. The latest report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) points to renewed activity nationally, helped by shifting mortgage rates and a slower pace of price growth. Locally, the Chattanooga region continues to show steady movement that rewards good planning and clear expectations.
U.S. existing-home sales climbed 5.1% month-over-month and 1.4% year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million units, the strongest pace in nearly three years, according to the NAR. Lower mortgage rates and slower home price growth helped spur buyer activity, and sales increased month-over-month in every region. On an annual basis, sales rose in the South, held steady in the West and Midwest, and declined in the Northeast.
New Listings in the Chattanooga region increased 15.5 percent to 1,407. Pending Sales increased 8.9 percent to 823. Inventory increased 21.6 percent to 3,317.
Median Sales Price increased 1.5 percent from $325,000 to $330,000. Days on Market increased 12.5 percent to 63. Months Supply of Inventory increased 18.8 percent to 3.8.
Nationally, there were 1.18 million homes for sale heading into January, an 18.1% decline from the previous month but 3.5% higher compared to the same period last year, representing a 3.3-month supply at the current sales pace, according to NAR. Meanwhile, the median existing-home price rose 0.4% from a year ago to $405,400, reflecting a continued moderation in national price growth.
Taken together, this month’s numbers suggest a market that is moving but not rushing. Buyers have options to compare, and sellers still benefit from thoughtful pricing and strong presentation, especially as conditions shift from week to week. If you are making plans for 2026, a local Realtor can help you translate the data into practical next steps for your neighborhood and your timeline. #That'sWhoWeR
Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with nearly 3,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of some 1,200 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423.698.8001