There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash.

Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why.

Over 100 leading housing market experts were surveyed in the latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. Their collective forecast shows prices are projected to keep rising over the next 5 years, just at a slower, healthier pace than what we’ve seen more recently. And that kind of steady, sustainable growth should be one factor to help ease your fears about the years ahead (see graph below):

And if you take a look at how the various experts responded within the survey, they fall into three main categories: those that were most optimistic about the forecast, most pessimistic, and the overall average outlook.

Here’s what the breakdown shows:

• The average projection is about 3.3% price growth per year, through 2029.
• The optimists see growth closer to 5.0% per year.
• The pessimists still forecast about 1.3% growth per year.

Do they all agree on the same number? Of course not. But here’s the key takeaway: not one expert group is calling for a major national decline or a crash. Instead, they expect home prices to rise at a steady, more sustainable pace.

That’s much healthier for the market – and for you. Yes, some areas may see prices hold relatively flat or dip a bit in the short term, especially where inventory is on the rise. Others may appreciate faster than the national average because there are still fewer homes for sale than there are buyers trying to purchase them. But overall, more moderate price growth is cooling the rapid spikes we saw during the frenzy of the past few years.

And remember, even the most conservative experts still project prices will rise over the course of the next 5 years. That’s also because foreclosures are low, lending standards are in check, and homeowners have near record equity to boost the stability of the market. Together, those factors help prevent a wave of forced sales, like the kind that could drag prices down. So, if you’re waiting for a significant crash before you buy, you might be waiting quite a long time.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been on the fence about your plans, now’s the time to get clarity. The market isn’t heading for a crash – it’s on track for steady, slow, long-term growth overall, with some regional ups and downs along the way.

Want to know what that means for your neighborhood? Because national trends set the tone, but what really matters is what’s happening in your zip code. Connect with a real estate agent to have a quick conversation so you can see exactly what the local data means for you. 

If you’re a homeowner planning to move, you’re probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first:

• Is it better to start by finding your next home?
• Or should you sell your current house before you go out looking?

Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear.

They know your local market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. And they’ll be able to make a recommendation based on their expertise and your needs.

But here’s a little bit of a sneak peek. In many cases today, getting your current home on the market first can put you in a better spot. Here’s why that order tends to work best (and how an agent can help).

The Advantages of Selling First

1. You’ll Unlock Your Home Equity

Selling your current home before you try to buy your next one allows you to access the equity you’ve built up – and based on home price appreciation over the past few years, that’s no small number. Data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) shows the average homeowner is sitting on $302K in equity today.

And once you sell, you can use that equity to pay for the down payment on your next house (and maybe even more). You could even have enough to buy your next house in cash. That’s a big deal, and it could make your next move a whole lot easier on your wallet.

2. You Won’t Be Juggling Two Mortgages

Trying to buy before you sell means you could wind up holding two mortgages, even if just for a few months. That can get expensive, fast – especially if there are unexpected repairs or delays. Selling first removes that stress and helps you move forward without the financial strain. As Ramsey Solutions says:

“It’s best to sell your old home before buying a new one to avoid unnecessary risks and possible headaches.”

3. You’ll Be in a Stronger Position When You Make an Offer

Sellers love a clean, simple offer. If you’ve already sold your house, you don’t need to make your offer contingent on that sale – and that can help you stand out. Your agent can position your offer to be as strong as possible, so you have the best shot at getting the home you want.

This can be a big advantage in competitive markets where sellers prefer buyers with fewer strings attached.

One Thing To Keep in Mind

But, like with anything in life, there are tradeoffs. As you weigh your options, consider this potential drawback, too:

1. You May Need a Place To Stay (Temporarily)

Once your house sells, you may need a short-term rental or to stay with family until you can move into your next home. Your agent can help you negotiate things like a post-closing occupancy (renting the home from the buyer for a set period) or flexible closing dates to help smooth out that transition as much as possible.

Here’s a simple visual that can help you think through your options (see below):

But the best way to determine what’s best for you and your specific situation? Talk to a trusted local agent.

Bottom Line

In many cases, selling first doesn’t just give you clarity, it gives you options. It helps you buy with more confidence, more financial power, and less pressure.

If you’re ready to make a move but not sure where to begin, talk to a local agent. They’ll walk you through your equity, your timing, and your local market so you can decide what’s right for you.

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are down compared to last year, you might be thinking – is it even a good time to sell? 

Here’s the thing. Sure, the pace of the market has cooled compared to the frenzy we saw just a few years ago, but that’s not a red flag. It’s a return to normal. And normal doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Buyers are still out there – and homes are still selling.

Why? Because real life doesn’t pause for perfect conditions. There are always people who need to buy – and this year is no exception. Buyers who are in the middle of a big change in their lives, a new marriage, a growing family, or a new job still need to move, no matter where mortgage rates are. And they may be looking for a home just like yours.

Every Minute 8 Homes Sell

Let’s break it down using the latest sales data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Based on the current pace, we’re on track to sell 4.03 million homes this year (not including new construction).

• 4.03 million homes ÷ 365 days = 11,041 homes sell per day
• 11,041 homes ÷ 24 hours = 460 homes sell per hour
• 460 homes ÷ 60 minutes = roughly 8 homes sell every minute

That means in the time it takes to read this, another 8 homes will sell. Let that sink in. Every minute, buyers are making moves – and sellers are closing deals.

The Right Agent Makes All the Difference

If you’ve been holding off on selling your house because you think buyers aren’t out there, let this reassure you – there are still buyers looking to buy.

But since the market is balancing out, selling today takes more than just putting up a sign in the yard. You’ve got to price your house right, market it well, and know how to reach the buyers who are ready to act. That’s where a trusted local agent comes in.

They’ll help you navigate this market, position your home to stand out, and guide you through every step.

Bottom Line

The market hasn’t stopped. Buyers are still buying. Life is still happening. And if selling your home is part of your next chapter, you can make it happen.

Roughly 11,000 homes are selling every day – and yours could be next. When you’re ready to take the next step, connect with a trusted local real estate agent so you have an agent to create that perfect strategy.