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Think Nobody's Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.

By: The McClung Group | Published 07/23/2026

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Are buyers still purchasing homes, even with today's mortgage rates?

Yes. While the market has slowed compared to the frenzy of a few years ago, buyers haven't disappeared. Current pending home sales are outpacing the past two years, indicating that motivated buyers are still actively making moves.
 

Headlines Don't Tell the Whole Story

If you've been thinking about selling your home, you've probably seen countless headlines suggesting that buyers have stepped away from the market. Higher mortgage rates, affordability concerns, and longer days on market can certainly make it feel that way.

But there's an important distinction between a slower market and a stalled market.

The reality is that homes are still selling every day. Buyers are still writing offers. And recent data suggests demand is stronger than many people realize.
 

Pending Home Sales Show Buyers Are Still Active

One of the best indicators of buyer demand is pending home sales—properties that have gone under contract but haven't closed yet. Since these contracts are signed before a sale officially closes, they provide an early look at market activity.

The latest HousingWire data shows pending home sales are currently higher than they were at the same point during the last two years.

a graph showing the sales of a home sales

Source: HousingWire Data

While activity isn't at the record-breaking pace seen in 2021, today's market continues to outperform both 2024 and 2025 in pending sales. That's an encouraging sign for homeowners who may be wondering if buyers are still out there.
 

Why Buyers Haven't Stopped Moving

Life doesn't pause because mortgage rates are higher.

Many buyers have reached a point where waiting simply isn't practical anymore. Some are relocating for work. Others need more space for a growing family. Some are downsizing for retirement, while others are purchasing their very first home.

After spending months waiting for lower rates, many have adjusted their expectations and are moving forward with their plans.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:
 

"A late spring buyer rush—even with mortgage rates not budging—is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers' acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal."
 

That means today's buyers tend to be more intentional. They're not simply browsing listings—they're actively searching for the right home and are prepared to act when they find it.
 

What This Means If You're Thinking About Selling

Does this guarantee every home will sell immediately?

No.

Today's market is much more balanced than it was a few years ago. Buyers have more options, and they're taking time to compare properties before making decisions.

That makes preparation more important than ever.

Successful sellers are focusing on:
 

  • Pricing their home based on today's market conditions.
  • Preparing the property to make a strong first impression.
  • Marketing the home professionally to maximize exposure.
  • Working with an experienced real estate professional who understands local buyer behavior.

When those pieces come together, motivated buyers are still making offers.
 

The Opportunity Is Still There

The biggest misconception in today's housing market is that "nobody is buying."

The data tells a different story.

Pending home sales continue to outperform the previous two years, demonstrating that qualified buyers remain active despite higher financing costs.

The market may require a more thoughtful strategy than it did during the pandemic boom, but opportunities still exist for sellers who position their homes correctly.
 

Bottom Line

If you've been waiting because you believe buyers have disappeared, current market data suggests otherwise.

Serious buyers are still entering the market, homes are still going under contract, and demand remains stronger than many headlines imply.

If you're considering selling your home, understanding your local market is more important than ever. A well-priced, well-marketed home can still attract motivated buyers and achieve a successful sale.
 

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you're wondering if now is the right time to sell or you're simply curious about what your home could be worth in today's market, having accurate local information makes all the difference.

At The McClung Group, we'll provide a personalized market analysis, explain what's happening in your neighborhood, and create a strategy tailored to your goals—without any pressure or obligation.

Contact The McClung Group today to schedule your complimentary home value consultation and discover what today's active buyers could mean for your home.

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