HISTORY SHOWS THE HOUSING MARKET ALWAYS RECOVERS

 

History Shows the Housing Market Always Recovers

Now that the market is slowing down, homeowners who haven’t sold at the price they were hoping for are increasingly pulling their homes off the market. According to the latest data from Realtor.com, the number of homeowners taking their homes off the market is up 38% since the start of this year and 48% since the same time last June. For every 100 new listings in June, about 21 homes were taken off the market.

And if you’ve made that same choice, you’re probably frustrated things didn’t go the way you wanted. It’s hard when you feel like the market isn’t working with you. But while slowdowns can be painful in the moment, history tells us they don’t last forever.

History Repeats Itself: Proof from the Past

This isn’t the first time the housing market has experienced a slowdown. Here are some other notable times when home sales dropped significantly:

• 1980s: When mortgage rates climbed past 18%, buyers stopped cold. Sales crawled for years. But as soon as rates came down, sales surged back, and the market found its footing again.
• 2008: The Great Financial Crisis was one of the toughest housing downturns in history. Sales and prices both dropped hard. Still, sales rebounded once the economy recovered.
• 2020: During COVID, sales disappeared overnight, and many people had to put their plans on hold. Yet the recovery was faster than anyone expected, with a surge of buyers re-entering the market as soon as restrictions eased.

The lesson is clear: no matter the cause, the market always rebounds.

Today’s Situation: Where We Stand Now

Over the past few years, home sales have been sluggish. And one big reason why is affordability. Mortgage rates rose at a record-breaking pace in 2022, and home prices were climbing at the same time. That combination put buying out of reach for many people. And when demand slows, home sales do too.

The Outlook: Why Things Will Improve

But here’s the encouraging part. Forecasts show sales are expected to pick up again moving into 2026.

Last year, just about 4 million homes sold (shown in gray in the graph below). And this year is looking very similar (shown in blue). But the average of the latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show the experts believe there will be around 4.6 million home sales in 2026 (shown in green).

And a big reason behind that projection is the expectation that mortgage rates will come down a bit, making it easier for more buyers to jump back in.

That means what’s happening now is part of a cycle we’ve seen before. Every slowdown in the past has eventually given way to more activity, and this one will too.

Just like the 1980s, 2008, and 2020, today’s dip in home sales is temporary.

What That Means for You

If you’ve paused your moving plans, you did what you thought was right. Your frustration is valid. But it’s also important to remember the bigger picture. Housing slowdowns don’t last forever.

That’s where your local real estate agent comes in. Their job is to keep a close eye on the market for you. When the first signs of a rebound appear, they’ll help you spot the shift early so you can relist with confidence.

Bottom Line

If today’s housing market feels stuck, remember it’s never stayed down for good. Slowdowns end, activity returns, and people get moving again. So, let’s connect, because when the next wave of buyers shows up, you won’t want to miss it.

As activity picks up again, will you be ready to put your house back on the market, or do you need to move sooner?

Give the Rural KC Team-Keller Williams Partners a call today.  We can help!

913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411

RURALKC.COM

STARTING FRESH IN THE COUNTRY: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE

 

Moving to a Small Town

Trading city skylines for open fields may sound idyllic, but the reality of moving to a rural

small town involves more than a change of scenery. Whether you're looking for slower

living, lower costs, or closer-knit communities, adjusting to life in a small town requires

preparation, patience, and a sense of curiosity. From learning how to navigate new social

dynamics to understanding the resources—or lack thereof—available to you, this move is

about more than packing boxes. It’s about embracing a new rhythm of life while staying

connected to the things that matter most.

Understand the Lifestyle Shift

Before you commit to a rural relocation, take a moment to reflect on the kind of lifestyle

you’re about to enter. Small towns often operate at a much slower pace, and conveniences

you took for granted—like 24-hour grocery stores, same-day delivery, or five Uber drivers

on standby—might not exist. Expect longer drives for certain goods and services and fewer

options overall. But in exchange, you’ll find less traffic, more tranquility, and a deep sense

of community that’s hard to replicate in a city. This change can be refreshing, but only if

you're willing to adapt.

Earn a Degree from Anywhere

If your new town lacks a local college or university, earning an online degree can help you

continue growing your career while settling into rural life. For instance, by earning an IT

degree, you can build career-relevant skills in information technology, cybersecurity, and

more—without ever needing to commute to campus. Online degree programs make it easy

to work full-time and keep up with your studies, offering both flexibility and structure. This

is a good option to consider if you’re aiming to future-proof your career in a location with

fewer local education opportunities.

Entertainment is What You Make It

You won’t find a comedy club, a string of museums, or rooftop lounges in most rural

towns—but you will find charm in the simpler things. Small-town entertainment often

revolves around local sports, community events, outdoor activities, and seasonal festivals.

Hiking trails, fishing spots, and stargazing nights might replace your usual nights out, and

that can be a good thing. The slower pace gives you room to rediscover old hobbies or start

new ones, and you'll likely find that bonding over local traditions becomes its own kind of

fun.

Job Hunting in a Smaller Market

Finding work in a small town may require a more flexible mindset. Local job markets can

be limited, with fewer corporate roles and more reliance on small businesses or

agricultural industries. You may need to pivot—either by embracing remote work, taking

on a role outside your usual field, or even launching a small business yourself. Make use of

local job boards, community bulletin boards, and word-of-mouth. In tight-knit areas,

knowing someone who knows someone can be just as valuable as your résumé.

Do Your Homework on Schools

If you’re moving with kids, school quality will be top of mind—and it varies widely in rural

areas. Some small-town schools offer small class sizes and close teacher-student

relationships, while others may struggle with funding or resources. Visit schools in advance

if possible, talk to parents in the area, and look at public data on school performance.

Homeschooling and online options are also growing in popularity for families looking for

flexibility. The key is to know what your child needs and whether the local options align

with those needs.

Helpful Services to Have in Place

When you’re new to town, setting up basic services efficiently is key to avoiding surprises.

Research your options for internet (which may be slower or more limited), waste removal,

utilities, and medical care. Knowing where the nearest hospital, urgent care center, and

pharmacy are can be especially important. You’ll also want to locate the closest mechanic,

post office, and pet care provider early on. Being proactive about these practical matters

makes your transition smoother and less stressful.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Even if you’re moving for all the right reasons, the adjustment period can bring unexpected

challenges. Isolation, homesickness, or moments of frustration are all normal, especially if

you're leaving behind a vibrant social life and fast-paced routine. But don't rush the

process—like any transition, this one takes time, and the rewards reveal themselves

slowly. Keep your routines where possible, stay connected to old friends virtually, and

make space for new relationships to bloom. Over time, what feels unfamiliar can become

comfortingly yours.

Relocating from a busy city to a rural small town is more than a move—it’s a lifestyle

transformation. It offers a chance to slow down, focus on what matters, and grow roots in a

community that values connection over convenience. While you’ll need to adjust to changes

in entertainment, transportation, and job markets, you’ll also discover a wealth of

opportunity in the simplicity and sincerity of rural life. And if you ever want to deepen your

skills or improve your career options, going back to school—especially through online

programs—is a powerful step forward.

Discover the charm of rural living and explore opportunities to make your dream home

a reality with the Rural KC Team-Keller Williams Partners today!