Is the 2026 Housing Market Finally Becoming “Unstuck”? (Rookie Reply)

Is 2026 quietly shaping up to be a great time to buy a rental property? Following a sluggish year for home sales, the housing market could become “unstuck” in 2026, giving you a clear window to buy—IF you adjust your investing strategy accordingly! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today’s first question comes straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and it’s all about closing day. What do you need to know once you get a property under contract? Ashley and Tony give their best property-saving tips, like why you should never skip an inspection, always have reserves, and more. 2025 was a down year for the housing market, but with mortgage rates easing slightly and prices dropping in many markets, now might be a better time to buy. We break down what’s happening in different areas of the country and how to fine-tune your strategy! Whether you’re flipping houses or renovating rentals, wholesalers and real estate agents don’t always give you the most accurate after-repair value (ARV) estimate, which can quickly throw your numbers off when analyzing rental properties. We’ll show you how to find good comps, calculate ARV, and be more confident in your numbers! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How most rookies should be adjusting their investing strategy in 2026 How to find better real estate deals in your local market What to do before, during, and after closing on a rental property After-repair value (ARV) explained, and how to estimate it How to find (accurate) real estate comps for your investment property And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices