If you’ve been casually thinking about selling your home this year, there’s something important happening in the real estate market that you should know.
Not dramatic.
Not panic-worthy.
Just… different.
Buyers Are Backing Out at Higher Rates
According to Redfin’s January 26, 2026 report, about 40,000 home purchase agreements were canceled in December alone — roughly 16.3% of homes that went under contract nationwide. That’s one of the higher cancellation rates on record.
Why?
Because buyers have more options now.
Today’s buyers are highly informed and spend significant time comparing properties before making a decision. When inventory increases, buyers tend to:
- Compare more homes
- Revisit their decisions
- Experience buyer’s remorse
- Walk away from contracts more often
- And in some situations, even risk losing earnest money deposits if they believe a better opportunity exists
There Are Simply More Listings
We’re no longer in the 2021–2023 environment where nearly everything sold in a weekend.
The number of homes listed for sale has increased compared to the ultra-tight pandemic years. Buyers have breathing room again, and many sellers are beginning to feel price pressure as competition grows.
The takeaway isn’t that the market is crashing.
It’s this:
Preparation matters more now than it has in the last two years
What This Means for Sellers
Research from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that buyers consistently prioritize the following when choosing between comparable homes:
- Condition
- Price
- Updates
- Cleanliness
- Presentation and photography
- Inspection confidence
If your home looks average, it competes with every other average home.
If your home looks exceptional, it competes in a smaller, more desirable pool.
This Is Where Strategy Matters
As your agent, Meki Cross doesn’t:
- Overpromise on price just to win your listing
- Use cell phone photos
- Upload your home to the MLS and hope it gets noticed
- Avoid honest conversations about condition or repairs
- Price based on past years’ frenzy instead of today’s reality
- “List and disappear” after the sign goes in the yard
Instead, Meki:
- Sets a pricing strategy designed to attract strong offers — not chase unrealistic numbers
- Invests in professional photography and elevated presentation
- Executes proactive, multi-channel marketing so your home stands out immediately
- Provides honest guidance about condition and true return on investment
- Analyzes current market data and buyer behavior to position your home competitively
- Stays actively involved with communication and strategy adjustments all the way to closing
Because the goal isn’t just to get an offer.
The goal is to get you an offer that closes.
The Bottom Line
More listings plus more buyer choice equals more scrutiny.
That doesn’t mean you can’t sell well.
It means your home needs to be positioned correctly from Day One.
If you’re considering selling this Spring or Summer, I’m happy to provide a no-pressure strategy session tailored specifically to your home and neighborhood.
📞 Call or text Meki on 571-234-1830
Source
Redfin Housing Market Report – January 26, 2026
https://www.redfin.com/news/
National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics
Daily Mail Housing Market Coverage
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/index.html