Is 2026 Finally the Year Home Buyers Get a Break? What the Market Is Telling Us

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

• …

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Open House-1907 Council Ridge Rd-Brookings SD

1907 Council Ridge Road, Brookings, SD

Open House

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Welcome home to this well-maintained, one-owner property in the desirable Indian Hills neighborhood. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a smart, functional layout with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy everyday living. One of the full bathrooms includes a convenient pass-through to the primary bedroom, creating a semi-private suite feel.You’ll love the bright kitchen featuring an island and great workspace, along with a large primary bedroom and an…

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Why More Buyers Are Choosing Small-Town Living (And Why Brookings Is on the Radar)

Over the past few years, one of the biggest real estate trends across the United States has been a noticeable shift away from big-city living and toward suburban and small-town communities. And no, this isn’t just a temporary phase.

At Brookings Home Team, we’re seeing this trend show up locally in real ways — from out-of-area buyers relocating to Brookings, to longtime renters finally making the jump into homeownership here.

So what’s driving this movement, and why does it matter if you live in or are considering Brookings, South Dakota?

Let’s break it down.

What’s Fueling the Shift to Small-Town Living?

1. Remote and Hybrid Work Changed the Game

More Americans can now work from home or commute only a few days a week. That…

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Why Brookings Real Estate Is in the Spotlight Right Now (And What It Means for You)

If you’ve heard someone say, “There just aren’t many homes for sale right now,” they’re not wrong. One of the biggest and hottest real estate stories in Brookings and across South Dakota is the ongoing housing inventory shortage, paired with steady demand from buyers who want to live, work, and invest here.

At Brookings Home Team, we see this play out every single week. Buyers watching listings closely. Sellers wondering if now is the right time. And a lot of questions floating around.

So let’s break it down.

What’s Driving the Demand in Brookings?

Brookings continues to benefit from several strong fundamentals:

• South Dakota State University growth brings students, faculty, and staff into the area

• Stable…

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New Listing-707 Elm Ave-Brookings

707 Elm Ave, Brookings, SD

Just Listed

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A nicely designed townhome offers comfort, convenience, and style in a fantastic location. With over 1,800 finished sq. ft., this two-bedroom, two-bath home features an open main level with plenty of natural light, a functional kitchen with a great pantry, and a main-level bedroom with generous closet space and a pass-through bath. Upstairs, you'll find a second bedroom, private bath, and walk-in closet, plus a cozy loft overlooking the main level. The two-stall…

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Open House-711 6th Ave-Brookings SD

711 6th Ave, Brookings, SD

Open House

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Looking for your first home or a smart investment? This one checks the boxes! Just blocks from SDSU, you'll be close to classes, Jackrabbit games, and all the action. Inside you'll find 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and over 1,000 finished square feet with a splash of fresh paint inside and out. Outside, the 3-stall detached garage and alley access make parking and storage a breeze (and yes, room for the toys, too). Whether you're settling in or renting it out, this home is move-in ready and waiting for its…

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851 Regency Ct-Brookings Open House

851 Regency Ct, Brookings, SD

Open House

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Welcome to your next adventure! This stunning 5-bed, 3-bath home sits on a generous lot in one of Brookings' favorite neighborhoods. From the moment you walk in, you'll love the grand entry with pillars, an arched doorway, and an oversized double closet. The main level offers laundry, a beautifully finished 3-stall garage with floor drains, and a kitchen that checks all the boxes: granite countertops, pantry, and all appliances included! You've got both formal and informal dining options, dinner…

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Open House 106 Wagon Wheel Circle

106 Wagon Wheel Cir, Brookings, SD

Open House

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You can't go wrong with over 1,700 square feet of living space in this spacious and well-kept double wide mobile home! With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and fresh paint in the large living room and two of the bedrooms, this place is move-in ready. The seller just installed a brand-new dishwasher and a SMART thermostat. Step outside to a big backyard perfect for BBQs, relaxing on the deck, or letting your furry friends run around. Oh yea this pet-friendly mobile home park is ready to welcome your four-legged family…

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336 21st Ave S Open House

336 21st Ave S, Brookings, SD

Open House

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336 21st Ave S is ready to welcome you! In the centrally-located Hillcrest neighborhood, this ranch home offers over 2,200 finished sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms (3 on the main level) and 2 baths. The Living Room offers tons of natural light and transitions into the generous dining room and kitchen. Downstairs, in this recently updated area, you'll find even more room to relax and entertain. The backyard is a great space to retreat that includes a paver patio, walkway, and a large storage shed. Come see…

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Buyer or Seller? What Side of the Housing Line is Brookings On-And What That Means For You

Ever feel like the real estate universe is playing favorites? In some markets, sellers are laughing all the way to the bank—while in others, buyers are doing high-fives because their offers are actually being considered. Let’s unpack where we stand and why that matters.

A Tale of Two Markets

On the national stage, the housing scene isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some cities still boast intense bidding wars—others? Not so much. Buyers are starting to charm their way into better deals in places where inventory is loosening, and sellers are beginning to adjust expectations.

Think of it like a yard sale: in some spots, folks are getting top dollar for grandma’s old dresser, while others are letting go of treasures at bargain prices.

What…

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