Holiday Housing Talk: 3 Big Questions Everyone’s Asking

Whether it’s around the dinner table, at a company party, or catching up with friends, the housing market always seems to sneak into holiday conversations. If you’re hearing a lot of mixed opinions, you’re not alone. Here are three of the most common questions people are asking right now—and simple, honest answers you can rely on.

1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?” 🔍

Yes—more than you could a year or two ago.

The number of homes for sale has grown compared to recent years, and nationally, inventory has stayed above one million active listings for several months in a row. That hasn’t happened consistently since before the pandemic, and it means:

• Buyers have more homes to choose from.

• Sellers have more realistic options for where to go next.

Because there’s more on the market, homes aren’t vanishing the same day they’re listed. Instead of racing against the clock, buyers now have a bit more time to compare properties, think things through, and make confident decisions. If you pressed pause on your home search before because shelves looked bare, this season may be worth another look.

2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?” 💸

Affordability is finally starting to move in a better direction.

The past few years have been tough on buyers, with rising rates and prices squeezing budgets. Recently, though, two key trends have helped:

• Mortgage rates have eased from their peaks.

• Home price growth has moderated rather than surging.

Together, those shifts mean today’s typical monthly payment is lower than it would have been just a few months ago on the same home. Buying still isn’t “easy,” but the math is improving—and that’s putting homeownership back on the table for more households.

3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?” ⏳

For most people, waiting on a big price crash isn’t a winning strategy.

While inventory has increased, it’s still not high enough to trigger major price drops nationwide. Most homeowners also have strong equity positions and solid finances, which helps support prices and prevents a repeat of 2008-style distress.

What’s more, national surveys of housing experts point to prices continuing to rise over the next several years—just at a slower, more normal pace instead of the spikes seen during the pandemic boom. Some local markets may level off or see small dips, while others keep climbing, but the overall expectation is steady, gradual growth.

History shows that people who stay in the market—owning, holding, and building equity—tend to build more long‑term wealth than those trying to perfectly “time” a drop that may never come.

Bottom Line: Tune Out the Noise, Lean Into Facts 📊

Holiday housing talk can get loud: crash predictions, rate rumors, and everyone’s “friend of a friend” story. What really matters is your budget, your timeline, and your local market data.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2025–2026 and want help cutting through the noise, talk with a local expert who lives and breathes this market every day. Call Krista Klause, your trusted realtor serving San Antonio, Helotes, Bandera and surrounding areas, to get clear answers and a personalized plan for your next move. 🏡📲