The end of the year is quickly approaching, and as the holiday season fills calendars with travel, family time, and a chance to slow down, the housing market tends to follow suit. This time of year typically brings a natural pause in activity, and the latest home sale figures for November reflect that familiar seasonal lull.
As buyers begin preparing for the new year, overall activity has cooled. Closings were down six percent compared to this time last year, though the market has by no means come to a halt. Activity continues, driven largely by motivated buyers and sellers who remain engaged despite the slower pace.
One indicator pointing toward renewed momentum is mortgage activity. Mortgage applications rose 15 percent year over year, signaling that many buyers are already positioning themselves for a more active 2026. Most Realtors will tell you the same: with a new year comes new beginnings, and for many, that includes planning a move and entering the housing market with fresh goals.
Before making too many predictions, it is worth taking a closer look at the data to better understand what may lie ahead. While closings have slowed, buyer interest remains steady, with 1,998 homes pending at the end of November, a clear sign that demand has not disappeared.
There is also encouraging news on the pricing front. After several years of rapid appreciation, prices have stabilized across much of the market. The median price for a single-family home held steady at $500,000 compared to last year, while condo prices saw a slight decrease. Compared to the sharp price increases of recent years, this more measured growth is welcome news for both buyers and sellers.
Even more notable for buyers is the continued rise in inventory. Active listings increased 19 percent year over year, and homes are spending more time on the market. More inventory and longer days on market mean increased choice, less competition, and greater negotiating power for buyers who may have felt sidelined in recent years.
While growth has moderated, the Greater Nashville region is showing clear signs of a more balanced market. With rising inventory, price stability, and growing buyer interest, all signs point to the start of the new year as an opportune time to enter the market and secure more favorable terms.
Collyn Wainwright is president of Greater Nashville REALTORS®. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® who subscribes to its strict code of ethics. You can reach Collyn at 615-383-6964 or collyn@collyn.com.
