Home Improvement

Housing conditions are shifting in favor of buyers as inventory grows and sellers lose some leverage, yet consumers say prices and affordability still do not feel favorable. The gap between market data and buyer experience is the focus of new commentary, with observers noting that improvements on paper have yet to translate into relief for shoppers, who remain cautious amid elevated mortgage rates and still-high home prices.

Lowe's has launched a new service as the home improvement retailer works to win back customers. The company is trying to reverse weak traffic amid a slowdown in home improvement spending, as consumers put off big renovation projects and rival Home Depot continues to compete for the same shoppers. Details of the service and early customer reaction remain limited.

Realtor.com has updated its 2026 housing forecast, projecting that home price growth will cool further and fall behind the pace of inflation. The revised outlook suggests sellers may see weaker price gains while buyers could face somewhat improved affordability, though elevated mortgage rates continue to weigh on the market heading into next year.