If you’ve ever been at a Thanksgiving table where the conversation swings from gravy to housing predictions, you know exactly how wild it can get.

This year was no exception. Between Aunt Sally wondering why her condo hasn’t sold yet and your cousin insisting the “market is about to crash,” I realized something important:

People are hungry for actual data, not fear-based headlines.

So today, I’m serving up a fresh fourth-quarter Housing Market Q&A — clear, friendly, and backed by real stats — to help you plan your next move with confidence.

How’s the housing market right now?

Watch My Nov/Q3 2025 Market Update Here

Let’s zoom out for a moment.
According to the latest report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR):

• Existing home sales rose 1.2% in October

• Sales are up 1.7% year-over-year

• The median home price hit $415,200, up 2.1% from last year

• National inventory sits at 4.4 months of supply, still considered low

Low inventory is the big storyline right now. Even when demand cools slightly, fewer homes available keeps prices stable.

‼️ LOCAL INSIGHT: DESERT CITIES MARKET SNAPSHOT

Here’s what this means here in the 9 Desert Cities (Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, Coachella):

• Median prices are holding strong, with some neighborhoods still edging upward

• A noticeable percentage of homes are making price adjustments — mostly due to over-ambitious original pricing or longer market times

• Days on market continue to hover in a “healthy but patient” range

• We’re seeing consistent buyer activity, especially from remote buyers, snowbirds, and lifestyle-driven movers

• Pending sales remain steady, indicating buyers are taking action when homes are priced well

If you want numbers tailored to your neighborhood or HOA community, I can run a quick custom report anytime.

Are home values really dropping? Will this hurt my equity?

Zillow released a stat that made the internet gasp:
53% of homes nationwide dipped in value over the past year.

Sounds dramatic, right?
But here’s the part the headlines skipped:

• Home values surged for six straight years — a slight step back was inevitable

• The average decline from peak value is just 9.7%

• Only 4.1% of homes are worth less than what they were purchased for

• The typical homeowner has gained 67% in value since buying

In real terms?
Most homeowners still have strong equity, especially here in the Coachella Valley where demand is lifestyle-driven and long-term.

Your Zestimate wiggle ≠ your financial life crumbling.
Think of it like desert weather — a brief dip doesn’t change the season.

Are foreclosures rising? Is this another 2008?

Foreclosure filings have increased — 36,766 in October, up 19% year-over-year.

But... context is everything:

• We’re rising from historically low levels

• Repossessions are extremely low (just 3,872 properties in October)

• Some cities are seeing bumps due to reporting delays, not actual distress

• Most homeowners have enough equity to sell long before facing foreclosure

What is impacting people?

• Higher insurance premiums

• Higher property taxes

• Everyday cost-of-living increases

These financial pressures are real — but the housing market remains far healthier than the 2008 era. Today’s lending standards are stronger, and equity levels are significantly higher.

‼️LOCAL INSIGHT

If rising costs are squeezing you here in the Desert Cities, please know you have options. I regularly help homeowners explore cash-plus offers, repairs-plus-list programs, valuation reviews, and move-now/close-later strategies to create breathing room.

You’re never stuck — and you never have to navigate it alone.

What’s going on with the 50-year mortgage trend?

Yes, TikTok made it famous... but here’s the truth:

• A 50-year mortgage is not legal under today’s federal lending rules

• The Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule caps loans at 30 years

• Even if it became legal, it would slow down equity growth and increase total interest paid

Right now, this is more of a conversation starter than an actual product.

What about portable mortgages? Can I take my rate with me if I move?

Oh, if only.
Imagine keeping your 2.5% rate and buying a new home with it. Magic.

The FHFA is studying this idea, but:

• No official policy exists

• Most mortgages explicitly prohibit portability

• Lenders cannot offer this today

If the rules change, you know I’ll be the first to break the news.

What should we expect for 2026?

NAR’s new forecast is the optimistic energy we all needed going into the new year:

• Home sales up 14%

• Home prices rising 3% in 2025 and 4% in 2026

• Mortgage rates easing toward 6%

• Mortgage applications already up 31% year-over-year

This signals something big:
We’re gearing up for a busier, healthier, more balanced market.

If you’ve been waiting for clarity… this is your sign. ✔️

Have questions about buying, selling, or planning ahead?

Whether you're thinking about making a move or just want a clearer picture of what’s happening in the Desert Cities, I’m here for you — no pressure, no sales pitch, just real guidance.

If this blog didn’t answer something you’re wondering about, message me anytime. I love helping people make smart, confident decisions.