Spring Housing Market Shows Signs of Optimism as Relistings Surge

The spring housing market is underway, and while a strong surge isn’t anticipated, early indicators suggest a degree of optimism, particularly among sellers. A notable trend is the increase in relistings – homes that were previously taken off the market are now being put back up for sale.

Record Number of Relistings

According to Redfin, nearly 45,000 homes that were delisted in 2024 were relisted in January 2026. This represents the highest January figure Redfin has recorded in a decade and equates to 3.6% of all homes on the market that month.

Previous Delisting Trend

This rise in relistings follows a significant number of homes being pulled off the market last September, with close to 85,000 sellers delisting their properties – a 28% increase compared to September 2024.

Factors Influencing the Market

Last year, higher mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and economic uncertainty contributed to a slowdown in buyer activity, shifting the advantage away from sellers who had previously benefited from a hot market during and after the pandemic.

Seller Sentiment and Concessions

Ashley Rummage, a real estate agent in Raleigh, North Carolina, noted a shift in seller expectations in December. Some sellers, unwilling to make concessions, chose to temporarily remove their homes from the market with the intention of relisting in the spring. “A lot of sellers I’ve encountered and worked with have just thrown their hands up in the air and said, ‘If we can’t acquire what we want for our house right now, or what we consider is it’s worth, then we’re gonna move ahead and take it off to market and try again, maybe in the spring,'” Rummage said.

Inventory Trends

While overall housing inventory is higher than it was a year ago, the rate of increase is slowing. Realtor.com reported that active listings were up 7.9% in February, year over year, but this growth has been decreasing for nine consecutive months. Inventory remains 17% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

“Inventory has improved for more than two years, but the momentum has faltered in recent months,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “Supply gains have been concentrated in the South and West and skewed toward homes priced below $500,000. While the Northeast and Midwest have seen growth, they remain significantly undersupplied.”

Impact of Mortgage Rates and Geopolitical Factors

Mortgage rates, currently near four-year lows, are a key factor influencing the market. However, recent slight increases, driven by the ongoing conflict with Iran and renewed inflation concerns, could impact both buyer and seller behavior. The question remains whether lower rates will spur more buyer activity or encourage more sellers to list their homes.