2026 Real Estate Market Outlook:
A Year of Steady Transition
As we look ahead to 2026, the housing market appears poised for a year of gradual adjustment rather than dramatic shifts After several years of volatility and unprecedented market forces, current indicators suggest a landscape defined by cautious optimism, thoughtful decision-making, and a slow but steady return of activity. Buyer participation, which softened in recent years due to elevated mortgage rates and economic uncertainty, is expected to improve modestly in the coming year. While conditions are unlikely to spark a rush of frenzied demand, slightly lower rates and stabilized pricing could encourage more prospective homeowners to engage with the market This increase in activity will not be marked by urgency, but rather by deliberation. Today’s buyers are more selective, placing a premium on fair value, thoughtful upgrades, and neighborhoods that align with both lifestyle and long-term investment considerations.
On the supply side, a subtle shift in inventory may begin to unfold Many sellers who delayed listing their homes in 2025 could re-enter the market in 2026, contributing to a gradual increase in available properties. This incremental rise in inventory rather than a sudden flood would offer buyers more options without overwhelming demand.
Price trends are likely to reflect this balance between supply and demand. Rather than steep declines, most markets are projected to see price stability or modest softening Significant downturns remain unlikely in the absence of a broader economic disruption The current environment suggests a market that is recalibrating rather than contracting, with pricing adjusting to align more closely with underlying economic conditions and buyer expectations.
Ownership costs remain a critical factor shaping local market dynamics Rising property insurance premiums, particularly in regions with wildfire risk or complex condominium structures, continue to influence purchasing decisions. These costs are especially pronounced in attached housing segments, such as condos and certain multi-family properties, where insurance and homeowners association fees can add materially to monthly carrying costs. As a result, singlefamily homes may maintain a relative advantage in buyer interest, while condos and similar housing formats could see slower demand Mortgage products that offer unique purchasing advantages, such as assumable FHA and VA loans, are expected to receive increased attention from buyers searching for ways to navigate higher interest rates. While these products will not redefine the market, they may provide niche opportunities for certain buyers to secure more favorable financing conditions. Beyond the numbers, 2026’s housing story will continue to be shaped by personal and lifestyle motivations Whether driven by family needs, employment transitions, or long-term planning, many move decisions will hinge on more than purely financial considerations. This human element the desire for space, community, convenience, and stability remains a powerful engine of housing market activity.
In summary, 2026 is shaping up as a year of measured progress rather than abrupt change Market participation is expected to rise cautiously, inventory should expand slowly, and price trends are likely to settle into a more sustainable rhythm. Buyers and sellers alike will benefit from patience and perspective as the market evolves. For those navigating these shifts, clarity and grounded expectations will be key to making informed choices in the year ahead
“By mber ready to make a move, I’d love to take great care of them.”
Feautured Listings
$649,900 1444 Bicker Circle Folsom, CA 95630
3 Bedrooms | 25 Baths
1888 sqft | 10 Acre lot
Listed by: Mary Grebitus & Leah Cox
$680,000
6996 Lincoln Creek Cir, Carmichael, CA
4Bedrooms | 25 Baths
1924 sqft | .23 Acre lot
Listed By: Leah Cox & Mary Grebitus
$649,999
4209 Garden Highway Sacramento, CA 95834
3 Bedrooms | 15 Baths
1351 sqft | 77 Acre lot
Listed by: Josh Lasquete
SpringHomeRefresh
Spring doesn’t officially start until March 20, but now is a great time to create a plan to spruce up your home, especially if you are a homeowner who is considering selling this year. Even if you’re not, or are currently renting, a spring cleaning may help you feel refreshed!
Tips for Sellers
This Spring
Determine what repairs need to be done. Book home service professionals before the spring rush.
Finding problems now can put you in a stronger position during negotiations and potentially save you money at closing
Improvements can boost the price of your home A solid first impression can speed up the sale of your home
The Benefits of a Spring Home Reset
• Creates calmness and serenity
• Tackling projects now will free up time later
• Offers a clean slate
• A tidy outside fosters neighborhood harmony
The number one reason current homeowners age 62 and over say they want to sell their home and buy a new one?
To be closer to family and friends.
Easy Steps to Prep
When you break down your to-do list into strategic steps, it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. Use these tips to get started.
•
•
•
•
Indoors
Outdoors
Curb Appeal
Touch-up paint
Oil squeaky hinges
•
•
• Declutter anddeep clean areas Shampoo carpets and polish floors
Inspect roofing, siding,gutters, etc
Inspect outdoor lighting
Order spring landscaping needs (mulch, seeds, plants, etc.)
• Schedule service professionals before the spring rush (lawn service, irrigation, etc.)
• Touchup or replacehouse numbers and mailbox
• Polish door knockers and handles
• Sweep away salt or sand on walkways
• Clean away winter debris
A Home Enhancement Checklist can help you keep track of maintenance tasks in your home. If you’re considering selling this year, I can help you create a step-by-step plan to get your home in peak condition, so it stands out, sells quickly and gets you the price you want. Let me know how I can assist you!
What’sYour HomeWorth?
AComparativeMarketAnalysis(CMA)isareportcreatedbyarealestateprofessional that estimates a home’s current value compared to similar properties currently for sale (or recently sold) in the same area. It’s a great tool for buyers, sellers or justthosewhoarecurioushowtheirhomestacksuptoothersinthearea.
ForBuyers
•Helpsmakean informedoffer
•Offersguidanceonprice
•Providesmarketclarity
ForSellers ForHomeowners ThatAren'tSelling
•Determineswhat homeislikelytosellfor
•Ensureshomeis competitivelypriced
•Providesnegotiation leverage
•Providesabaselinefor afuturedecisionto stayorsell
•Trackshomeequity andvalue
•Helpsplanfor renovations andimprovements
What’s InaCMA?
Data
Size,rooms,age,condition,etc
ComparableSales(Comps)
3-5homessoldrecently
CurrentListings
Othersimilarhomesforsale
Pending
Nearbyhomesundercontract
MarketAnalysis
Daysonmarket,otherlocaltrends
Adjustments
Price changes made to account for differences (eg, pool, garage, etc) between home and other homes for sale
ValuationRange
Suggestedpricerange
Interestedinafree, no-obligationCMA?Letme knowandI’llbehappyto runoneforyou!Andoh,by theway...I’mnevertoobusy foranyofyourreferrals!
H E R E ' S W H A T
O U R C L I E N T S
A R E S A Y I N G
Josh is the best! He has helped our family buy and sell a condo and a home (our children). He has all of the knowledge you could want from a realtor in the Sacramento region with experience in construction. He is SO knowledgeable and helpful. Him and his team make buying and selling so effortless for us. We cannot recommend Josh enough as a realtor.
-Kira Cuneo
Josh is very kind, knowledgeable, prompt, and overall a fantastic realtor. As a first time home buyer he guided me throughout the process every step of the way, answered all my questions and made sure I was always taken care of. If you’re with Josh, you’re in good hands!!
-Ramon Matta
Josh and his team are outstanding. His guidance in preparing the home for sale made a huge difference. And his staff made sure the paperwork was prepared ahead of time and ready to go. His experience, attitude and professionalism shined through. I highly recommend Josh.
-Mike Tunnell
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
“Keep It Local” is our way of giving back — celebrating the businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders who make Sacramento thrive. As neighbors and friends, we ’ re proud to honor the local heartbeat that reminds us what community truly means
RGMLegacyVeteranHouseisasafe,clean,andsupportive independent living home dedicated to helping veterans and underserved seniors rebuild stability, dignity, and community
RGMLegacyVeteranHousewasinspiredbyadeep commitmenttoserveveteransandvulnerableseniors whofacehousinginsecurity,drawingfromour personalexperiencesinhealthcare,militaryservice, andwitnessingthegrowingneedforsafe,affordable, andcompassionatehousing.
Whatwelovemostisseeingveteransandseniors regainasenseofsafety,dignity,andbelonging knowingourhomeisaplacewherepeopleare trulyseen,respected,andsupported
AfunfactisthatmyhusbandandIareboth retiredRegisteredNursesandU.S.Army veterans,andourworkinRGMLegacynaturally grewalongsideourlicensedRCFE-My Brother'sHouseLLCinOrangevale allowing ustocontinueservingseniorsandveterans together,justinadifferentuniform.
Webelievehousingismorethanaroof it’s thefoundationforhealing,independence, andhope,andeveryonedeservesasafe placetocallhome.
Wegivebackbyofferingstablehousing, transportationsupport,meals,and guidancetoveteransandseniorsatriskof homelessness,whilepartneringwithlocal agenciesandcontinuingourlifelong commitmenttoservicethroughhealthcare andcommunityadvocacy.
ReachOuttoMarytolearnaboutavailability
MaryMata,RN,MSA,USArmyVeteran
RGMLegacyLLC
916-812-8055
mmmata@comcast.net
8556PershingAve FairOaksCA95628
WKnowaVeteranorSenior hoNeedsSafeHousing?
Why I Work by REFERRAL
When looking for a new business or service, we often reach out to those we know and trust for a referral. As a real estate agent, I know trust is especially important when it comes to buying or selling a home.
More Time to Serve You
Instead of prospecting, I can spend more time getting to know my clients and their individual needs. Whether it's a first-time buyer, a family seeking more space or a couple looking to downsize everyone’s situation is different and deserves time, respect and commitment.
Exceeding Expectations
A real estate transaction can be a stressful and emotional time. As a trusted real estate professional, I will work with you every step of the way to help make the process go as smoothly as possible
Service That Continues
I'll stayintouch by sending you information each month on a variety of subjects I'll also call from time to time to check if there's anything you need
HERE FOR YOU Every Step of the Way
I’ll keep you up to date with accurate, well-researched information and stats on the local market
Community
I'm happy to share info on schools, houses of worship, medical facilities, parks, and more I can also let you know about pertinent issues in the community that may affect property values
Home Value
Icanprovide a market analysis to estimate your home’s current value I can also offer advice and suggestions on ways you can upgrade your property to enhance its resale value
Connecting You
Looking to moveout of the area? I’m part of a network of top agents in the U S and Canada and I would be happy to refer you to one in your new location who will provide the same level of service that I do
My Network
Consider me your source of referrals for all types of businesses, whether related to real estate or not. I’m happy to connect you to one in my trusted network.
Lenders, Attorneys, Escrow, Title, Home Inspectors, Pest Control, Insurance, Etc.
Painters, Roofers, Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC, Yard and Pool, House Cleaners, Etc.
Financial Planners, Tax Advisors, Medical Professionals, Etc.
Don't hesitate to call me with your questions on the real estate market!
I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve you by sharing market updates or assisting with your buying or selling needs.
THE RELATIONSHIP CODE THE RELATIONSHIP CODE
A crossword celebrating trust, gratitude, and the people who make it all possible. Acrosswordcelebratingtrust,gratitude,andthepeoplewhomakeitallpossible.
d crossword to 916-967-6400 for a chance to win a... 5 Starbucks gift card!
OUR TEAM
HEATHER GUARD TRANSACTION COORDINATOR
JOSH LASQUETE YOUR REALTOR
NICOLE SCOTT CLIENT CARE MANAGER
“By the way, if you’ve got a friend or family member ready to make a move, I’d love to take great care of them.”
JOSH LASQUETE
FIND ME , SUBSCRIBE, RING THE BELL
As a trusted realtor, my mission is to provide unparalleled service to buyers,sellers, & investors, treating each client as ifthey were my only client and ensuringthey receive the highest level of care and attention. Many of my clients are either selling one home to move into another or are first time homebuyers all together & are motivated bythe desire for more space, upgraded features, and a better neighborhood. There is often an underlying mix of excitement and emotions, along with some anxiety about the process. My goal is to bring calm to the storm that tends to brew in the space between our ears, and make their transition as smooth and seamless as possible. My strengths lie in my abilityto lead with kindness, listen deeply, follow up diligently, and act with honesty and integrity. I strive to make my clients feel like familythroughout their real estate journey & beyond. With delicate and sensitive situations, my intuition kicks into hyperdrive as I am always alert for ways to truly impact and leave impressions on the people I serve. My hope is to build strong, lasting relationships that are enriching, encouraging, & full of warmth. I am committed to beingthere for anyone who entrusts me before, during, and after as a lifelong trusted advisor.
Rooted in a passion for real estate, inspired by my childhood experience in playing the game of monopoly, and a commitment to my values of trustworthiness, loyalty, and leaving people better than I found them. I strive to make every interaction genuine, thoughtful, and impactful. With a hyper-focus on the Fair Oaks, CA region, I highlight the unique family culture, farm-to-fork dining, beautiful parks, rivers, a suburban feel, highly rated public schools, and vibrant community events. I understand the common concerns such as, home affordability & being financially prepared, , selling out of a lowinterest-rate mortgage & buying into a higher one, the logistics of preparing a home to sell while searching for the dream home. Through a casual, fun, and strategic approach, I make real estate less daunting, meeting clients where they are, listening to their needs, and connecting through shared interests. Ultimately, I am dedicated to leaving people better than I found them and impressing them with thoughtful care and attention. Let's make your real estate journey a success together!
Josh Lasquete
JOSH LASQUETE
“By the way, if you’ve got a friend or family member ready to make a move, I’d love to take great care of them.”
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