Real Estate Market Cooling Trends Reported by Agents
Homeowners may see slower sales and higher inventory levels as agents report ongoing challenges for buyers.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Residential
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Real REMAX Group released its August 2026 Agent Survey, showing a cooling in market sentiment as both optimism and transaction growth indices declined. The report indicates that homes are taking longer to sell, and buyers are increasingly sensitive to affordability constraints.
Why it matters
Higher mortgage rates are placing significant pressure on prospective buyers, while sellers have been slow to adjust their pricing expectations to match current demand. This mismatch between buyer affordability and seller pricing is resulting in a rise in available housing inventory.
The survey of 455 agents found that 58% identify affordability as the primary obstacle for buyers, while 75% report that homes are taking longer to sell compared to last year. Additionally, 53% of participants observed higher housing inventory levels than were seen in August 2025.
The players
Real REMAX Group
A major real estate services provider that monitors market trends through agent surveys.
The details
The market shift is driven by a combination of elevated mortgage rates and rigid price expectations among sellers. Agents report that as homes linger on the market, inventory is accumulating, leading 46% of respondents to describe current conditions as favoring buyers. Transaction volume remains soft, with only 25% of agents noting an increase in activity compared to the same period last year.
Timeline
August 2025 served as the baseline for comparing transaction activity levels.
July 2026 was the prior month used for index comparisons.
August 2026 is the period covered by the latest Real REMAX Agent Survey.
September 1, 2026 through September 11, 2026 marked the period of data collection.
The Home Front
The current market environment reflects a broader trend of cooling transaction volumes and rising inventory levels across North America. This development marks a shift away from the rapid turnover seen in previous years as higher financing costs continue to reshape home-buying affordability.
Homeowners planning to sell should consult with a local real estate professional to understand how longer marketing times may impact their strategy. Sellers should be prepared to review competitive comparable listings to ensure their pricing aligns with the current buyer-favorable market.
The takeaway
The housing market is currently experiencing a period of adjustment characterized by lower buyer affordability and rising inventory. Sellers should track the time homes stay on the market in their local area to adjust expectations and pricing strategies accordingly.
Further reading
For more on evolving housing market conditions, see our latest analysis in Residential.
More information
View the full report and additional data metrics on the Real REMAX Group investor relations website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kingston Whig-Standard.
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