Why the Housing Market Is Still Frozen in 2026 | Mortgage Rates, Home Sales & Inventory Explained

The housing market has stabilized—but that doesn't mean it's healthy.

In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy explain why home sales remain stuck near historic lows despite expectations for a stronger 2026 housing market.

They discuss why Americans aren't moving, how weak job growth is slowing housing demand, the impact of mortgage rate lock-in, rising rents, aging demographics, housing shortages, and why a lack of inventory continues to keep the market frozen. Plus, what to expect from the latest Zillow housing market report.

Topics Covered:

• Why the housing market remains frozen
• Home sales and inventory trends
• Mortgage rates and housing affordability
• Why Americans aren't moving
• Labor market's impact on real estate
• Housing supply shortage explained
• Rising rents and the rental market
• 2026 housing market outlook

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#HousingMarket #RealEstate #MortgageRates #HomeSales #HousingInventory #Economy #InterestRates #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare

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