Early-Year Momentum Is Quietly Building in the Housing Market

February 9, 2026 | Kevin Brierton Team | ,

Inside Lending – Week of February 9, 2026

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I didn’t fail the test. I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.”—Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and inventor

NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE

Housing inventory continues to improve. Weekly Housing Trends report shows active listings remain well above year-ago levels, giving buyers more options and helping markets move toward healthier balance ahead of the spring season. New listings are also trending higher. A sign more homeowners are testing the market earlier this year, helping boost selection and reduce pressure on buyers.

New-home sales have lost some momentum. Real Estate News notes the shift is creating opportunity for buyers, with more negotiating room as builders work through completed inventory.

REVIEW OF LAST WEEK

CHOPPY BUT RESILIENT… Markets moved back and forth last week as traders balanced strong earnings results with ongoing uncertainty around inflation and future Fed policy. By week’s end, major indexes finished mixed but remained close to recent highs.

Some caution came from economic data. Labor productivity softened and factory orders dipped, while traders watched upcoming inflation reports closely for confirmation that price pressures continue easing.

The week ended with the Dow down 0.4%, to 49,210; the S&P 500 down 0.2%, to 6,915; and the Nasdaq up 0.1%, to 23,540.

Bond prices edged lower overall, though the 30-Year UMBS 5.0% finished little changed on the week. Freddie Mac reported the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate showed minimal movement in its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Remember, mortgage rates can be extremely volatile, so check with your mortgage professional for up-to-the-minute information.

DID YOU KNOW…Homes listed early in the year typically face less competition, and sellers are more likely to entertain negotiations —making the first quarter an opportunity-rich window for buyers.

THIS WEEK’S FORECAST

INFLATION, CONSUMER SENTIMENT, HOUSING ACTIVITY…This week brings updates on Consumer Price Index, Consumer Sentiment, and Housing Starts, all of which will help shape expectations for the spring market. Economists expect inflation to remain contained and housing activity to show gradual improvement.

FEDERAL RESERVE WATCH

Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months. Markets continue to expect the Fed to hold steady in the near term while monitoring inflation and labor trends, with futures pricing suggesting increasing confidence in potential policy support later this year. Current rate is 3.75%–4.00%.

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK

Momentum compounds. Consistent outreach to referral partners, past clients, and prospects—especially early in the year—builds trust and keeps you top of mind as market activity accelerates.

Markets reward preparation, not guesswork.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or refinancing in 2026, the early part of the year is the ideal time to get intentional—before competition increases and options narrow.

In a Mortgage Strategy Call, we’ll:

  • Review how current inventory and buyer demand impact your position
  • Map out timing and structure options based on your goals
  • Build a clear, confident plan so you’re ready when the right opportunity shows up

📅 Schedule your Mortgage Strategy Call today and move forward with clarity, not noise.