What’s Happening in the Real Estate Market? | March 2026 Update
What’s Up with Real Estate?
National news and local views for the week ending Friday, March 20, 2026
National Real Estate News
Fed keeps rates on hold
At their March 18 FOMC meeting, Fed members voted to keep the Federal Funds Rate target range set at 3.50–3.75%. It’s a tough situation for Fed members: job growth is very low, inflation is rising again, and the war in Iran multiplies the uncertainty.
Mortgage rates move up
In the first week of the war, average 30-year mortgage rates managed to stay in the low 6% range. But with the conflict broadening, oil prices jumping, and a shocking PPI (wholesale inflation) report, US Treasury yields and mortgage rates moved up aggressively.
Reminder: Rising inflation is bad news for bond prices and, by extension, mortgage rates.
A little good news
The National Association of Realtors’ Pending Home Sales Index rose 1.8% month-over-month in February 2026. Despite improvements, transaction activity remains very subdued.
An index level of 100 equals the average level of contract activity in 2001. We are currently running 28% below that level—near a 25-year low.
Local Market Trends
As of Friday, March 20, 2026
| Area | Median Price | Active Listings | New Listings (5 days) | Median Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77058 | $176,000 (-0.2%) | 81 (0%) | 4 | 70 (0%) |
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Ercilia Gascar
KW Metropolitan