For the last few years, it’s felt like home buyers were running uphill in a headwind. Higher mortgage rates. Low inventory. Homes selling fast. And plenty of frustration.

But here’s the big question real estate experts across the country are asking right now:

Is 2026 finally the year the market starts to tilt back toward buyers?

At Home Team 605 pwrd by Krogman & Company Real Estate, we’re watching this shift closely here in Brookings and across South Dakota. And the early signs are pretty interesting.

What’s Happening Nationally Right Now

Across the U.S., several key changes are happening at once:

• Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels in over three years

• Housing inventory is slowly increasing

• Home prices are stabilizing instead of skyrocketing

• Builders are offering incentives and price cuts

• Buyer confidence is improving

That combination is rare. It means buyers finally have a little more breathing room.

What That Means for Brookings and South Dakota

Here in Brookings, we don’t see the wild swings of big-city markets. But we do feel national trends, just in a more steady way.

Right now, we’re seeing:

• More listings coming on the market

• Fewer bidding wars

• More room for inspections and negotiations

• Buyers taking time instead of rushing

That doesn’t mean prices are crashing. It means the market is becoming more balanced, which is exactly what healthy real estate looks like.

Why Buyers May Finally Have an Advantage

Lower mortgage rates alone can make a huge difference. Even a small drop can save hundreds per month on a typical Brookings home. That increases buying power without raising prices.

Add in:

• More homes to choose from

• Sellers willing to negotiate

• Builders offering incentives

And suddenly, buyers have options again.

But There Are Still Challenges

This isn’t a buyer free-for-all just yet.

Inventory is still tight in some price ranges.
New construction takes time.
Escrow costs like insurance and taxes are rising.

So while 2026 looks more buyer-friendly, being prepared and strategic still matters.

What About Sellers?

A balanced market is not bad news for sellers. It simply means:

• Pricing needs to be accurate

• Presentation matters

• Marketing makes a difference

Homes that are priced right and marketed well are still selling in Brookings. The difference now is buyers have choices.

Questions for You to Think About

• If mortgage rates stay lower, would that change your plans to buy?

• Would you rather wait or take advantage of a more balanced market now?

• Do you think Brookings will continue attracting new residents in 2026?

• As a homeowner, have you wondered what your home could sell for today?

These are the conversations we’re having every day at Home Team 605.

Final Thoughts from Home Team 605

2026 is shaping up to be a turning point. It’s not a crash. It’s not a boom. It’s something better… a chance for buyers and sellers to both win.

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or just watching the market, we’re here to help you understand what’s really happening.

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• Mortgage Rates (218)
• Inventory (162)
• market (145)
• Brookings (64)
• Advantage (6)
• challenges (4)
• 2026 (3)
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