As the temperature heats up, so does the real estate market.
The summer months are consistently among the most active periods in residential real estate. From schools being closed to favorable weather conditions and slower work schedules, the summer months make for an optimal time to make a move for many.
According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), listings and closed transactions historically peak between May and August. Increased inventory gives buyers more options, but also creates greater competition among sellers.
2026 Market Trends
The 2026 housing market has been more balanced than in recent years. While the market is not experiencing the rapid swings of recent years, it continues to evolve, making guidance and planning especially important.
Current predictions suggest that home prices will remain relatively steady throughout 2026. Most forecasts a modest increase in home values, ranging from 0.3% to 0.7%*, while some reports estimate little to no change**.
Although prices are not predicted to change greatly, existing home sales are projected to increase by about 4.4%*, signaling a gradual increase in buyer activity. With more homes on the market, buyers are likely to have greater choice, while sellers may face more competition.
The summer market is expected to bring steady activity, but with a more measured pace, making moves more predictable and giving buyers more time to choose.
What to Do as a Referral Agent
As prospective clients figure out their summer schedules and late-year plans, the time to act is now. This is the time when early conversations turn into real decisions, and being proactive allows you to stay part of that process from the beginning.
- Check in early: A quick message or call can reveal upcoming moves or life changes.
- Ask the right questions: Listen for signals such as job changes, school timelines, graduations, downsizing, interest in second homes, or other cues that may indicate someone is looking to plan a move.
- Identify referral opportunities: If someone is looking to move to a new area where they don’t have an existing network, remind them that as a referral agent, you can connect them with a great agent, anywhere in the world.
- Strengthen your network: Stay connected with trusted, reliable agents, confirm their availability and plans for the year, keep your contacts up to date, and keep an eye out for opportunities to expand your network.
- Explain your value: Let clients know you can connect them with trusted agents.
- Be ready to act: When plans are set, having a referral system in place allows you to respond quickly and confidently.
Conclusion
As summer approaches, the real estate market tends to pick up as people start lining up moves around school breaks, job changes, and lifestyle shifts. With 2026 continuing to feel more balanced and less volatile, buyers and sellers are taking a bit more time to think things through, but activity is still expected to build as the season unfolds.
For referral agents, this is really about staying in the conversation. A quick check-in, a good question, or simply staying connected can go a long way when someone’s plans start to take shape.
*Zillow (Zillow Home Value and Home Sales Forecast, April 2026)
**J.P Morgan (The outlook for the US housing market in 2026)