Fewer Listings, Slower Sales, and Rates in Focus

October 19, 2026 | Kevin Brierton Team | ,

Inside Lending – Week of October 19, 2026

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

  “The future depends on what you do today.” — Mahatma Gandhi

NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE

New listings fell 5.1% from last year, the sharpest decline since winter. Fewer homeowners are listing, but homes aren’t selling quickly enough to reduce inventory. Sellers must price competitively.Fewer Listings, Slower Sales, and Rates in Focus

MBA expects mortgage and Treasury rates to ease from recent peaks but remain higher than forecast. Affordability challenges will likely persist, keeping buyers focused on monthly payments.

Existing-home sales rose slightly in September, but remained 2.2% below last year’s pace. The modest improvement shows buyers are still making moves, even as the market remains sluggish.

Sources: Realtor.com, MBA Newslink, Scotsman Guide

REVIEW OF LAST WEEK

INFLATION SHAKES MARKETS…Hotter-than-expected inflation and elevated Treasury yields weighed on investor confidence as stocks shifted away from technology toward more defensive sectors. Higher borrowing costs remain a challenge for housing, even as buyers gain leverage on prices.

Technology stocks struggled as investors questioned AI-related borrowing and growth expectations. Money shifted toward defensive sectors like health care, utilities and consumer staples, reflecting growing caution on Wall Street.

The economy showed strength as September retail sales rose 0.8%, beating the 0.3% forecast. Strong corporate earnings and consumer spending continue supporting economic growth despite elevated borrowing costs.

The week ended with the Dow up 0.7%, to 52,002; the S&P 500 down 1.9%, to 7,659; and the Nasdaq down 4.5%, to 26,140.

Sellers are facing a tougher pricing environment as buyers become more selective. Homes priced appropriately can still attract attention, but overpriced listings risk sitting longer and requiring reductions.

DID YOU KNOW…The typical home spent 61 days on the market last week, exactly matching last year’s pace. For sellers, that makes the first few weeks of pricing and marketing especially important as the fall market slows.

THIS WEEK’S FORECAST

HOUSING TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT…This week’s housing construction data and early October business activity reports will help clarify whether economic growth is holding up despite higher borrowing costs. Tuesday’s housing starts report will offer a fresh look at builder activity, while Friday’s manufacturing and services reports will provide insight into inflation pressures and economic momentum. Stronger growth could keep Treasury yields elevated, while signs of cooling could offer some relief. For Realtors, the question is whether borrowing costs can stabilize enough to turn growing inventory into more transactions.

FEDERAL RESERVE WATCH

Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months. The Fed faces a difficult balancing act ahead of its October 28 meeting. September inflation reached 3.7%, while strong consumer spending suggests the economy remains resilient. Note: In the lower chart, the 14.9% probability of change means there’s an 85.1% probability the rate will stay the same. Current rate is 3.75%-4.00%. Fed Watch Source

AFTER FOMC MEETING ON:CONSENSUSOct 283.75%-4.00%Dec 94.00%-4.25%Jan 274.00%-4.25%

Probability of change from current policy:

AFTER FOMC MEETING ON:CONSENSUS

Oct 28th 14.9%

Dec 9th 75.2%

Jan 27th 46.6%

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK

Make every showing count. With more listings competing for fewer active buyers, feedback is especially valuable. After each showing, ask what kept the property from being a stronger contender. Specific feedback on price, condition or presentation gives sellers something actionable before their listing loses momentum.

Let’s Plan The Next Move

Rates, inventory, and the Fed are all moving at once, and the headlines rarely tell you what any of it means for your numbers. That’s what a Mortgage Strategy Call is for.

In about 20 minutes, we’ll look at:

  • Where the market stands right now and what it means for your timing
  • Your real buying power at today’s rates
  • Whether a refinance makes sense, or what to watch for if it doesn’t yet

No pressure, no pitch. Just a clear plan so you can make your move with confidence.

👉 [Schedule your Mortgage Strategy Call]

Kevin Brierton | Your No Excuse Lender | NMLS #599873 Branch Manager