National News

Survey: What’s your 2026 look like?

What do you think will happen with the residential market you serve next year? Take a minute and let us know in our latest survey!

Average buyer’s agent commission jumps in Q3

The average commission was up from a recent low in third quarter 2024 that followed the NAR settlement. 

Cotality: Home-price growth slips to slowest pace since 2012

Geographically, trends varied widely, with formerly hot areas like Florida and the Southeast posting the deepest declines and formerly cool areas, like the Midwest, showing healthy gains.

Space, comfort and control drive 2026 bathroom design trends

Spa-style amenities, customizable lighting options, integrated technology, storage solutions — and ample space for these features — all surfaced as top trends.

Pending home sales climb 1.9% in October

By region, sales rose in the Midwest, Northeast and South but fell in the West. 

Zillow: MRED private listings ‘reinforce segregation’

The allegation is the latest volley between the Chicagoland MLS and the real estate platform over MRED’s Private Listing Network. 

The exterior of the 2-story brick and white-siding "Wheeler House" featured in Stranger Things.
‘Stranger Things’ Wheeler House sells in Atlanta

Inside, the house includes original retro features like wood paneling, built-in bookshelves, a brick fireplace and an eat-in kitchen perfect for enjoying Eggos.

NAR to drop membership requirement for MLS access on Jan. 1

The association made local MLSs responsible for deciding whether non-Realtors may access their platforms as part of a suite of changes aimed at reducing antitrust risk. 

NAR’s Lawrence Yun expects 14% surge in existing-home sales in 2026

The chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS® also predicts home prices will climb 4% compared to 2025. 

Rate relaunches app with wellness focus

As part of the relaunch, Rate announced the results of a study it conducted, which found almost seven in 10 homebuyers said homeownership keeps them up at night. 

NAR: Home prices rose in 77% of metro areas in Q3

Nationwide, the median price for a single-family home increased 1.7% year over year to $426,800. Prices increased by the same annual rate during the second quarter.

Fed cuts rates again

The Federal Reserve trimmed its federal funds rate from 4% to 3.75% as it seeks maximum employment and inflation of 2%. 

Chicago ranked No. 1 winter destination for cold-weather lovers

It may come as a surprise to Chicagoans used to braving the Windy City’s legendary winters, but Chicago was named the best cold-weather winter travel destination by WalletHub. 

NAR survey finds interest in green homes is growing — slowly

Among the green features most prioritized by clients, windows, doors and siding topped the list.

Existing-home sales tick 1.5% higher in September

Given the rate of sales, the nation had a 4.6-month housing supply, up from 4.2 months a year prior.

RE/MAX: Chicago home sales rise annually in September

Nationally, home sales in the 52 metro areas surveyed by RE/MAX increased 8.5% year over year for the fourth time in 2025, but declined 4.6% month over month.

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