Think Prices Are Dropping? Here’s What’s Actually Happening

Why Small Price Drops Aren’t Hurting Your Home Equity

If you’ve seen headlines about home prices slipping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for your own property value. But here’s the truth: even if prices are softening a bit in some markets, odds are you’re still sitting on a substantial amount of equity.

Let’s break down why that is — and why the headlines don’t tell the full story.

The Link Between Home Prices and Equity

Your home equity rises and falls with prices. When home values climb, your equity grows. When prices cool off, equity growth slows — but it doesn’t automatically reverse.

After the record-breaking surge in 2020 and 2021, a market adjustment was inevitable. Back then, housing supply hit record lows, buyers competed fiercely, and home prices skyrocketed — boosting homeowner equity at a historic pace.

Now that inventory’s improving, price growth has naturally slowed. But that doesn’t mean you’ve lost value. It just means the market is settling back into balance.

Putting It Into Perspective

You likely have far more equity than you did just a few years ago — and that’s true even in markets seeing small price dips.

According to Zillow, home prices nationwide are still up 45% since March 2020. That’s massive.

And even in the metros seeing the largest declines, the typical drop is only around 4%. In other words, those slight pullbacks don’t come close to erasing years of gains.

So, even if your local market has cooled a bit, your equity position is still incredibly strong.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) confirms this: every single U.S. state has seen prices rise over the past five years. That means homeowners across the country are in a much stronger financial position than they were pre-pandemic.

What the Experts Say

Don’t let minor fluctuations shake your confidence. As Jake Krimmel, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“The slight recent declines in aggregate value and total home equity are not cause for concern . . . Although the market is coming into better balance, large price declines nationally are extremely unlikely in the near term.”

This moderation isn’t a crash — it’s a correction toward normal. And after several years of record appreciation, that’s exactly what a healthy market looks like.

Why This Matters If You’re Thinking About Selling

If you’ve owned your home for more than a few years, you’re likely sitting on significant equity. That gives you options — whether you want to:

• Downsize to cut costs or simplify your life,

• Move up into a bigger home, or

• Relocate for a job or lifestyle change.

Your equity can help fund your next purchase, reduce your loan amount, or even make a cash offer.

Bottom Line

Even with prices easing in a few markets, homeowners are still in one of the strongest equity positions ever.

If you’re curious about how much your home is really worth — or how your equity could power your next move — talk to a local real estate expert.

Chances are, you’re still way ahead.