A survey of >850 agents found many US homeowners delayed moves as mixed housing signals fueled hesitation about selling in the current 2026 market.
Top seller fear: missing peak pricing. Agents said regret mattered as much as price, while realistic pricing remained the biggest factor in selling quickly.
Agents said finding the next home also worried sellers, especially those juggling two deals or giving up low-~2% to ~3% mortgage rates.
To ease that stress, agents pointed to sale contingencies, rent-back agreements, careful timing, and buy-before-you-sell or bridge options that unlock equity first.
Affordability fears centered on higher borrowing costs, taxes, insurance, and paying more for less-updated homes. Agents suggested equity, downsizing, concessions, and rate buydowns.
Economic uncertainty also froze some sellers, yet surveyed agents largely expected slow 2026 growth, not recession, and said buyer demand remained for well-priced turnkey homes.
Agents said perfect market
Seller Fears Shape 2026 Decisions
