Here is your real estate news for Thursday, December 18th.
Today’s Real Estate News (December 18th, 2025):
Pending Home Sales Fall Most Since Early 2025
U.S. pending home sales declined 5.8% year-over-year during the four weeks ending December 14 — the largest drop since the start of 2025. Buyer demand softened across most major markets, with some (San Jose, Houston, Oakland) posting particularly steep declines. The typical home took about 52 days to go under contract, about a week longer than last year. New listings also fell ~3.1% year-over-year, signaling continued seller hesitation.
Sellers Stepping Back Despite Higher Affordability Metrics
New analysis shows that while housing affordability improved — with mortgage payments as a share of median household income at the lowest level since 2022 — many sellers pulled their homes off the market rather than adjust prices. New listing counts declined sharply from October to November, even as price-cut frequency dropped back to seasonal norms.
Mortgage Rates (December 18th, 2025):
- 30-Year Fixed-Rate: 6.27%
- 15-Year Fixed-Rate: 5.76%
- 30-Year Jumbo: 6.42%
- 10 Year Treasury Yield: 4.14%
In the competitive real estate market, staying informed is crucial for both buyers and sellers. By understanding mortgage trends, housing market shifts, and the broader economic environment, individuals can make well-informed decisions. This knowledge can lead to more effective pricing strategies, better investment timing, and smoother transactions. For buyers, tracking mortgage rates can help them secure more favorable terms, while sellers who know their local market trends can set more competitive listing prices. Overall, staying updated on these topics not only helps real estate professionals serve their clients better, but also empowers everyday buyers and sellers to achieve their property goals.
Thanks for reading,
Chris
