Latest U.S. Real Estate News and Market Signals to Watch

Hi community!
 

Here’s a quick pulse check on U.S. real estate news from the past week, with a focus on what’s actually actionable for buyers and wholesalers right now.

 

📉 Mortgage Rates Remain Near Multi-Year Lows

Source: AP News - Jan 22, 2026
 

Mortgage rates ticked slightly higher this week but are still hovering near their lowest levels in over three years (around 6.1% for a 30-year fixed).
 

Why this matters

• Buyer confidence continues to improve

• More financed buyers are re-engaging

• Deals are penciling more often, but pricing still matters
   

👉🏼 On Investorlift

• Buyers: double-check buy boxes with current rate assumptions

• Wholesalers: expect quicker responses, but buyers are still selective
   

📊 Sellers Still Outnumber Buyers (By a Lot)

Source: Investopedia (Redfin data) - Jan 21, 2026
 

Redfin data shows 47% more sellers than buyers nationwide, the largest gap in over a decade.
 

Why this matters

• Negotiation leverage is shifting in many markets

• Buyers are more price-sensitive

• “Test-priced” deals are struggling to move
   

👉🏼 On Investorlift

• Buyers: this is a moment to be disciplined and patient

• Wholesalers: accurate pricing and clean deal packaging matter more than ever

🏗️ Large Office-to-Residential Conversion Breaks Ground in D.C.

Source: Washington Post - Jan 23, 2026
 

Construction has officially started on D.C.’s largest office-to-residential conversion, adding over 500 apartments downtown.
 

Why this matters

• Confirms office conversions are moving from planning → execution

• Long-term impact on urban rental supply

• Not a short-term SFR driver, but a real structural shift
   

👉🏼 On Investorlift

• More relevant for long-term and urban-focused investors

🏛️ Housing Affordability Is Back in the Political Spotlight

Source: Le Monde - Jan 21, 2026
 

Housing affordability is becoming a central national policy topic again, with renewed discussion around rates, subsidies, and housing costs.
 

Why this matters

• Still conversation, not action, but sentiment shapes markets

• Signals continued attention on affordability pressures
   

👉🏼 On Investorlift

• No immediate change to deal flow
   

🧠 Quick take for you
 

Mortgage rates near 6% continue to make deals more pencil, but strategic pricing and buyer expectations still matter more than national averages.
The seller surplus signals a tactical advantage for strong buyers in many markets.
Office conversions and policy discussions remain interesting tailwinds rather than immediate deal triggers.