IS OUR HOUSING MARKET SPRINGING FORWARD? 

New listings and available inventory are definitely on the rise.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Early spring marks the timeframe when market metrics begin to foretell what will likely be the fate of residential real estate sales for the remainder of the year. Are good things on the horizon for home sales? Over the past three-plus years and all throughout Greater Sacramento, low-standing inventory, a shortage of new listings entering the market, and higher-than-optimal mortgage rates have obstructed any path for sustainable housing market momentum. 

These lingering conditions were created by the Federal Reserve Bank’s commitment to reduce inflation through persistent upward pressure on mortgage interest rates, as well as quantitative tightening steps. The result reflects a prolonged hesitancy among buyers due to challenges with financing and affordability when considering a home purchase. Potential move-up sellers have also stood by much longer than normal, with reluctance to leave their existing lower-rate mortgages for a more costly home and mortgage.

Tour one of these available homes and make the move this year. 

Now, halfway through April of 2026, more buyers and move-up sellers are showing signs that they are tired of waiting and ready to move on with their life plans. Fortunately, some favorable mortgage rate movement has occurred; however, most people have accepted that nothing more substantial is expected anytime soon.

Specifically, 3,319  homes were listed as active and available on March 31st. That number represented a 3 percent increase year-over-year. New listings entering the market in March alone were also up 11 percent compared to last year. “These metrics reinforce the idea that more prospective sellers have decided that it’s time,” says Pat Shea, President of Windermere Signature Properties. “In 2026, we will see a higher number of listings and sales that more closely resemble other calendar years recognized as having a normal and balanced market.” 

The resale market, per usual, did launch into the new year rather slowly as only 3,839 homes successfully closed escrow in the first quarter. This was flat compared to last year, but things appear to be looking up. New open escrows for the quarter were up 8 percent year-over-year, with March numbers alone up 16 percent versus last year. March openings were also 34 percent higher than those of February, which supports the idea that momentum is building. These combined market metrics left the market with approximately 2.2 months of supply. This is still considered low by historical standards, as 3 to 4 months are perceived as healthier and more balanced.

View all current listings in the Greater Sacramento.

The average sales price for homes that closed escrow in March rested at $685,000. This metric was flat year over year and 6 percent versus February. Sellers who closed escrow in March received an average of 98 percent of the original list price and were on the market an average of 47 days. Year-to-date numbers, as we approach mid-April, show closed sales 1 percent less, and new open escrows 4 percent greater when compared to last year. Thus, the next few months will be very revealing as we forecast overall market potential. 

Shea offers that: “Most market analysts suggest that home sales will continue to rebound throughout Greater Sacramento with typical seasonality likely to surface again at year-end. They have, though, been saying similar things for the past year or so. Do not be surprised, however, if lower rates eventually materialize and the year finishes much stronger than 2024. Buyers and sellers are finding their way and are well aware of refinancing options if rates improve down the road. Homes that are priced properly and placed in market-ready condition will surely sell. When people ask me if this is a good time, the answer is always the same. There is no time like the present to pursue your goals and dreams.”

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This market information was presented by Windermere Signature Properties based on data provided by Trendgraphix Inc., a Sacramento-based reporting company.

ABOUT WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE Windermere Signature Properties, formerly known as Lyon Real Estate, has served the Greater Sacramento Region for 80 years. In 2025, the company closed over 2,800 transactions and $1.75 billion in sales volume. Windermere Signature Properties has over 550 agents in 13 offices located throughout the Sacramento region. The company is a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the largest network of premier locally branded firms, as well as LeadingRE’s Luxury Portfolio International® program. Since 2015, Windermere Real Estate has contributed more than $1,622,565 to local nonprofits throughout the Sacramento region.

ABOUT TRENDGRAPHIX, INC. TrendGraphix, Inc. is a real estate data analytics company based in Sacramento that uses local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data. TrendGraphix provides highly visual performance and market statistical graphs to real estate brokers, agents, and MLS/Realtor associations across the country. TrendGraphix’s programs are currently used by tens of thousands of brokers and agents in more than 300 brokerages across the nation. For more information about TrendGraphix, visit www.trendgraphix.com.