For the eighth consecutive month, the national housing market has seen asking prices decline. According to Realtor.com, June marked the largest year-over-year decline in median list prices since they began tracking the data in 2017.
For buyers, that's welcome news.
For sellers, it is not bad news. It is simply a reminder that today's market rewards strategy over optimism.
Nationally, the median asking price declined 2.5% compared to last year. Combined with slightly lower mortgage rates than a year ago, the typical monthly payment on a median-priced home is now approximately $132 less per month.
That improvement in affordability is helping buyers return to the market.
Pending home sales have now increased for seven consecutive months, showing that well-priced homes are still selling.
What I'm Seeing Here in Colorado Springs
This mirrors what I experience every day with my clients throughout Colorado Springs, Monument, Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain, and the surrounding communities.
Buyers have become incredibly educated.
They know inventory has increased.
They know they have more choices.
They know they can negotiate.
That means sellers no longer compete against what their neighbor sold for last spring. They compete against every active listing available today.
Pricing correctly from day one has become more important than ever.
Buyers Have More Opportunity Than They've Had in Years
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
"I'm waiting until rates come down."
The reality is that many buyers are already winning in today's market because there is less competition and more negotiating power.
In many of my recent transactions, I've successfully negotiated seller concessions that helped buyers:
- Reduce their cash needed at closing.
- Fund temporary mortgage rate buydowns.
- Lower their monthly payment.
- Sometimes accomplish both.
My lending partner, Matt Wentz with Speak Straight Mortgage, then structures the financing to maximize those concessions based on each buyer's goals.
Today's buyers often have options they simply didn't have two or three years ago.
Sellers Still Have a Great Opportunity
This is not a market where homes are sitting because buyers disappeared.
Homes that are priced appropriately, presented well, and marketed strategically are still attracting showings and offers.
What has changed is buyer expectations.
Buyers are no longer paying tomorrow's prices today.
They're making decisions based on current market value.
When sellers understand that from the beginning, they often avoid multiple price reductions and sell faster with less stress.
Every Home Has Its Own Market
One of the biggest mistakes I see is applying national headlines directly to every home.
A home in Monument is different from one in Fountain.
A luxury property behaves differently than a starter home.
Even within the same neighborhood, condition, updates, floor plan, and competition can dramatically impact demand.
That's why I spend so much time helping my clients understand their specific market rather than relying solely on national headlines.
My Philosophy
Whether you're buying or selling, my goal isn't simply to help you complete a transaction.
My job is to help you understand your options, educate you on today's market, negotiate strategically, and give you the confidence to make the decision that's right for you.
The market has changed.
Good advice matters more than ever.
If you're wondering what these trends mean for your home or your buying plans, I'd be happy to walk through the numbers with you.
Source: Realtor.com Housing Market Trends Report, July 1, 2026.
