From Slowdown to Comeback: What’s Next for Home Sales

Now that the market has slowed down, many homeowners who didn’t get the offers they hoped for are taking their houses off the market. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes being pulled has jumped 38% since the start of the year and 48% compared to last June.

For every 100 new listings in June, about 21 were removed.

If you’ve made that same choice, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. But here’s the thing: history shows that every slowdown eventually gives way to a rebound.

History Repeats Itself: Proof from the Past

This isn’t the first housing slowdown, and it won’t be the last. Take a look:

• 1980s: Mortgage rates soared past 18%. Buyers froze, sales slowed for years. Once rates dropped, the market bounced back strong.

• 2008: During the Great Financial Crisis, sales and prices tumbled. But when the economy improved, housing recovered.

• 2020: COVID caused sales to vanish overnight. Yet, the rebound came quickly, with buyers flooding back as restrictions eased.

👉 The lesson? No matter the cause, housing always recovers.

Today’s Market: Why Sales Are Sluggish

Right now, affordability is the biggest challenge. Mortgage rates spiked in 2022 while prices climbed at the same time. That double hit made it harder for many buyers to move forward.

When fewer buyers can afford to buy, sales slow down.

The Outlook: Why Things Will Improve

Here’s the good news: forecasts point to a rebound.

• In 2024, about 4 million homes sold.

• 2025 is on track to look very similar.

• But by 2026, experts project around 4.6 million home sales.

Why the shift? Mortgage rates are expected to ease slightly, which should help more buyers re-enter the market.

Just like past downturns, today’s dip is temporary.

What That Means for You

If you pulled your listing, you made the decision that felt right for now. But don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

Your local real estate agent is tracking the market daily. When the rebound begins, they’ll help you spot the signs early so you can relist at the right moment — with a stronger strategy and renewed confidence.

Bottom Line

Slowdowns don’t last forever. History proves it. And today’s market is no different.

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, make sure you’re ready when activity starts to climb again. Because when the next wave of buyers hits, you won’t want to miss your chance.

👉 As activity picks up, will you be ready to put your home back on the market — or do you need to move sooner?

Amber Johnson, Founder
Pillar Real Estate
805.835.3425
[email protected]
1345 Park St. Paso Robles, CA 93446
DRE# 01925434