Category Market Update

How the Housing Market Could Shift in 2026

As we move further into 2026, the housing market is beginning to feel more balanced and familiar than it has in recent years. Inventory is improving, mortgage rates have stabilized, and price growth is moderating—creating a more predictable environment for both buyers and sellers.

Below is a breakdown of what the data currently suggests for 2026—and what it could mean for your real estate plans.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have largely held in the low 6% range for several months, providing buyers with a level of consistency they have not had in quite some time. That stability has helped restore confidence and supported renewed buyer activity.

Recent data shows the Pending Home Sales Index posting its strongest performance in nearly three years after seasonal adjustment, indicating that buyers are reengaging as rate volatility eases.

Looking ahead, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) projects that existing home sales could increase by approximately 14% nationwide in 2026, driven by improved alignment between rates, inventory levels, and buyer expectations.

Home Price Growth

Home prices continue to rise on a national level, but at a much slower and healthier pace than in recent years.

According to national data, price trends are increasingly market-specific. Roughly half of major U.S. markets are experiencing modest price declines, while others—particularly in parts of the Midwest and Northeast—are still seeing appreciation.

NAR forecasts national price growth of approximately 2–3% in 2026, suggesting a market that is normalizing and moving more in line with income growth rather than rapid acceleration.

Inventory

Inventory has improved meaningfully compared to the past few years, giving buyers more options and easing some of the urgency that previously defined the market.

Active housing inventory has returned to near-normal levels for the first time since early 2022, and overall inventory is estimated to be roughly 20% higher than this time last year.

While many markets—including mountain and resort areas—remain below pre-pandemic inventory norms, this increase has helped create a more functional and balanced environment for both buyers and sellers.

Bottom Line

The housing market in 2026 is moving in a healthier, more balanced direction, with steadier mortgage rates, moderating price growth, and improving inventory both nationally and here in Summit County. This shift is creating real opportunities—but also requires thoughtful timing and local insight.

For buyers, today’s conditions may offer a chance to act before lower rates bring increased competition back into the market.

For sellers, strong values combined with a more informed buyer pool mean that strategy, pricing, and preparation matter more than ever.

Markets are no longer driven by urgency alone; they are driven by knowledge. Staying informed about both national trends and local Summit County data can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.

If you’re considering a move in 2026 or simply want clarity on your options, I’m always happy to connect and help you plan with confidence. Contact me today!

Copper Mountain continues to attract buyers who want more than just a ski condo — they want a lifestyle investment that can be enjoyed personally and leveraged financially. Copper Mountain real estate market offers a wide range of opportunities across price points and property types. Understanding what’s available — and what truly drives value — is essential before making a purchase.

As a local Summit County real estate agent who works closely with Copper buyers, I help clients evaluate not only purchase price, but long-term usability, rental performance, HOA health, resale potential, and so much more.

Below is a current breakdown of what buyers can expect at Copper Mountain today.

Studio Condos: $475,000 – $550,000

Studios remain one of the most accessible entry points into Copper Mountain ownership and are especially attractive for buyers planning to short-term rent (STR) when not in use.

One of the most popular studio options is Telemark Condominiums, located just a short walk to Center Village. Buyers are drawn to:

• Community yard space (ideal for summer use, BBQs, and dog owners)
• Indoor hot tub
• Underground parking
• Ski lockers
• Strong rental appeal due to proximity and amenities

In addition to Telemark, several other studio options exist throughout Copper Mountain, each with varying levels of updates, amenities, and rental performance. Selecting the right studio requires careful attention to HOA rules, parking, and guest experience — details I help my clients evaluate upfront.

One-Bedroom Condos: $600,000 – $850,000

One-bedroom units offer a significant step up in livability and flexibility.

Popular complexes include:

• Passage Point
• Tucker Mountain Lodge
• Copper Springs Lodge

Some one-bedroom units are oversized floorplans, offering additional sleeping areas such as alcoves or bonus spaces. These layouts often deliver stronger rental returns and long-term value.

Two-Bedroom Condos: $825,000 – $1.2M

Two-bedroom condos offer the most variety. These properties appeal to families, multi-generational buyers, and groups seeking comfort without moving into higher-maintenance property types.

This is often where buyers must make strategic trade-offs, and having local market insight can prevent overpaying for features that do not materially impact resale or rental demand.

Three-Bedroom Properties: $1M – $2.3M

Three-bedroom properties span the widest price range because they include condos, townhomes, and duplexes.

Entry-level three-bedroom options around $1M do exist, typically in older buildings such as Snowbridge Square, where the third bedroom is often a loft. At the higher end, buyers will find newer townhomes and duplexes with:

• Private garages
• Larger square footage
• Improved privacy
• Strong appeal for longer stays and repeat renters

Understanding construction quality, HOA reserves, and future assessments is especially important in this category.

Single-Family Homes: $3M – $8M+

Single-family homes at Copper Mountain represent the most exclusive segment of the market and are limited in both inventory and availability. Entry pricing generally begins around $3M, with premier properties exceeding $8M.

Lewis Ranch

Copper Mountain’s only true ski-in/ski-out neighborhood, Lewis Ranch offers direct slope access, privacy, and expansive mountain homesites. Properties here command a premium due to their scarcity, views, and convenience, making them highly coveted for legacy buyers and long-term hold strategies.

The Masters at Copper Creek

Located along the Copper Creek Golf Course, The Masters offers a quieter, more residential feel with stunning golf course and Tenmile Range views.

Values in this category are driven by:

• Garage size and storage (a major differentiator at this level)
• Ski access vs. golf course frontage
• Lot size and orientation
• Privacy and view corridors
• Quality of construction and architectural style

What Really Drives Price at Copper Mountain

While bedrooms and square footage matter, overall pricing is influenced by several nuanced factors, including:

• Condo vs. townhome or duplex
• Top-floor units with vaulted ceilings
• Walk-out patios vs. interior units
• Ski-in/ski-out access
• Building amenities (hot tubs, ski lockers, fitness areas)
• Underground parking or private garages
• Unit condition and age of building
• Health and management of the HOA

These variables often matter more than buyers initially realize — and they can dramatically impact both enjoyment and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

Copper Mountain offers a compelling blend of lifestyle and investment potential, especially for buyers open to offsetting ownership costs through short-term rentals. The key is buying the right property, not just any property.

As a local Summit County agent with extensive experience at Copper Mountain, I provide clients with clear guidance on pricing, rental viability, HOA due diligence, and long-term market positioning — so they can buy with confidence.

Ready to explore Copper Mountain ownership?

If you’re considering buying at Copper Mountain or want a personalized breakdown of what fits your goals and budget, I’d be happy to help. Reach out anytime for a tailored strategy and on-the-ground insight.

There’s something unmistakable about Summit County during the holidays. The snow feels deeper, the lights glow brighter, and each mountain town seems wrapped in its own version of winter magic. Whether you’re carving fresh powder in Breckenridge, catching first chair at Keystone, or taking in the views from Copper Mountain, this season has a way of reminding people why Summit County remains one of the most iconic winter destinations in the Rockies.

And here’s something I see every single year:

Many holiday visitors don’t just come back again — they become homeowners.

If you’re here right now enjoying the skiing, the food, the festivities, and that crisp Rocky Mountain air, this might be the perfect moment to explore what owning your own Summit County retreat could look like.

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The Holidays Are When Summit County Truly Shines

No matter how many times you’ve visited, the holiday season here feels special:

• World-class snow across four major resorts, all just minutes apart
• Night skiing at Keystone — a favorite for families and après-ski adventures
• Charming historic Main Streets filled with shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms
• Torchlight parades, fireworks, seasonal events, and nonstop holiday cheer
• That magical, quiet moment when you step outside and hear nothing but falling snow

It’s no surprise that this is often when visitors start imagining something more permanent.

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Why So Many Holiday Visitors Decide to Invest Here

You may be here for a long weekend or a weeklong ski trip — but the value of owning in Summit County lasts far beyond the holidays.

1. Your Own Personal Slice of Paradise

No more scrambling for rentals during peak season or paying premium holiday rates. Your home is always ready — stocked, familiar, and waiting for you whenever the mountains call.

2. A True Four-Season Lifestyle

People come for the winter… and fall in love with the rest of the year. Summit County isn’t just a ski destination — it’s a year-round playground:

• Summer festivals and concerts
• Gold-medal fly fishing
• Mountain biking and hiking
• Paddleboarding and sailing on Lake Dillon
• Leaf Peeping during the Fall

Your investment works for you well beyond ski season.

3. Short-Term Rental Potential

Many second-home owners offset costs by renting their property when they’re not using it — especially during:

• Holiday weeks
• Spring break
• Peak summer weekends

Depending on location and property type, short-term rentals can significantly reduce carrying costs. It’s important to understand where rentals are permitted and where they are not — and that’s where knowledgeable local guidance matters – contact me for more information!

4. More Inventory, More Options

The market has shifted from the frenzy of recent years. Buyers today are seeing:

• Improved selection
• More room to negotiate
• Time to make thoughtful decisions

For those who’ve been waiting, this winter presents real opportunity.

5. Long-Term Lifestyle Value

Owning here isn’t just about real estate — it’s about:

• Creating family traditions
• Spending more time outdoors
• Making holiday memories that last for decades
• Having a place that slows life down in all the right ways

Yes, it’s an investment — but it’s also an investment in your quality of life.

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Curious to Explore While You’re Here?

Most people don’t plan to look at homes during a ski vacation… and yet many do. Seeing properties while you’re already experiencing the lifestyle can be incredibly helpful.

If you’d like:

• A quick tour of available homes
• Insight into different areas (Keystone vs. Breckenridge vs. Copper vs. Frisco)
• A realistic conversation about today’s market and pricing

I’m happy to help! With years of experience and deep local knowledge, my goal is simple: provide clear, honest information — no pressure, no sales pitch.

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Final Thought

Holiday memories in Summit County have a way of sticking with you — first tracks after a storm, hot chocolate by the fire, lights twinkling over a snow-covered village. For many visitors, those moments spark a bigger idea:

What if this could be our place — every winter?

If you’re curious what owning a piece of Summit County could look like, I’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

— Kelly Gafa
Colorado Real Estate Company
970.409.6228

If you’ve been waiting for something truly exceptional to arrive in Summit County, your wait is almost over. Set to debut for the 2025-2026 ski season, Kindred Resort is redefining luxury living in the Colorado mountains. Perfectly positioned at the base of Keystone Resort—just steps from the River Run Gondola—Kindred brings together a world-class hotel, exclusive private club, and luxury residences in one unrivaled alpine destination.

A New Standard of Luxury at Keystone

Kindred is more than just a resort—it’s a lifestyle. At the heart of this new development is Kindred Hotel, a 107-room luxury property managed by RockResorts, part of the Vail Resorts portfolio. Guests and residents alike will enjoy direct ski-in, ski-out access, a luxury spa and salon, slopeside heated pool and hot tubs, fine dining, and boutique shopping—all designed to complement Keystone’s mountain charm with an elevated level of sophistication and comfort.

From the design and amenities to the personalized service, every detail of Kindred has been crafted to provide a seamless blend of adventure, relaxation, and refinement.

The Kindred Club: A Private Alpine Experience

For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, The Kindred Club offers Summit County’s first and only private, year-round alpine club. Members will enjoy unmatched convenience and comfort, including a private slopeside locker room, ski valet, and member-only lounge. It’s the perfect basecamp to start your day with a continental breakfast, meet up with family and friends throughout the afternoon, or unwind after a full day on the mountain.

Memberships are now available on a limited basis, with lifetime, non-refundable options and yearly memberships starting at $6,500. The Club is expected to sell out by the end of 2025—an opportunity not to be missed for those who want to experience Keystone at its finest.

Luxury Residences for Sale

In addition to the hotel and club, Kindred Residences offer a collection of 95 luxury condominiums ranging from one to four bedrooms. Each residence features open-concept layouts, high-end finishes, fireplaces, private balconies, and breathtaking mountain views. These homes are designed for those who want the best of both worlds—modern elegance with a deep connection to nature.

With access to the resort’s world-class amenities, ski-in/ski-out convenience, and a location that simply can’t be replicated, Kindred represents a rare opportunity for buyers looking to invest in Summit County’s most anticipated new development.

Be Among the First

Kindred Resort is slated to open in December 2025, and interest is already high among both locals and second-home buyers seeking luxury and convenience in the heart of Keystone.

If you’d like to learn more about ownership opportunities at Kindred Resort, including current availability, floor plans, and pricing, I’d be happy to guide you through the details and help you determine if this exclusive new community is the right fit for your mountain lifestyle.

📞 Contact me, Kelly Gafa, your local Summit County real estate expert, at KellySellsSummit.com to schedule a private consultation or learn more about Kindred’s available residences.

It’s common to hear buyers say they’re waiting because of today’s political and economic uncertainty. But here in Summit County, waiting often costs more than it saves.

There has never been a “perfect” time to buy. Elections, shifting policies, and economic cycles are always in motion—but over the long term, Summit County real estate continues to appreciate. Buyers who pause until things feel more stable often discover that prices have risen, inventory has tightened, or the home they loved is no longer available.

Those who act during uncertain times, however, tend to win. They lock in today’s opportunities, start building equity immediately, and shield themselves from rising rents. If interest rates go down in the future, refinancing is always an option—but if prices climb, waiting only means paying more later.

In Summit County especially, where inventory is limited and demand stays strong thanks to second-home buyers and year-round recreation, timing the market is nearly impossible. The best move is focusing on what you can control: your lifestyle, your monthly payment, and your long-term goals.

When others sit on the sidelines, the buyers who step forward secure the advantage. In uncertain times, opportunity often belongs to those willing to take action.

Mortgage rates move constantly, much like stock or gas prices. They can change daily—or even multiple times a day—based on economic news, inflation, and overall market conditions. Even a small shift in rates can impact your monthly payment and what price range you qualify for.

Rates often move when new information hits the market. For example, the monthly jobs report can quickly shift mortgage pricing, while quiet periods may bring less volatility. Other factors include the Federal Reserve’s policies, the 10-year Treasury yield, government regulations, global events, inflation, and the overall health of the economy.

Because markets are forward-looking, timing the “perfect” rate is nearly impossible. Instead, the best time to lock in your mortgage rate is once you’re under contract and comfortable with the terms offered. A lock secures your rate for 30–60 days, protecting you from sudden increases while you finalize your purchase.

Understanding how and why rates move can help you make confident decisions when it’s time to buy. If you’d like to discuss your options or connect with trusted local lenders, I’d be happy to guide you—reach out anytime.

-Kelly Gafa

The current real estate landscape is undergoing a quiet but meaningful shift—one that presents a fresh window of opportunity for buyers, especially those who’ve been patiently waiting on the sidelines.

According to recent data from Redfin, home values are beginning to soften in certain markets, particularly for those who purchased during the post-pandemic peak. Homeowners who bought during the height of the real estate frenzy—when interest rates were at historic lows and bidding wars were the norm—are the most at risk of seeing a potential loss if they were to sell in today’s market. Redfin estimates that 16.4% of homeowners who purchased at the top of the post-pandemic surge could face a loss if they sold now. In contrast, only 9% of those who bought during the broader pandemic window, and just 1.8% of pre-pandemic buyers, would be in that position.

It’s important to note that these figures are theoretical. Not every homeowner is listing right now, & many are choosing to wait and see what offers the future market may bring. But for those who do need to sell, pricing strategy & market positioning are more important than ever.

More Inventory = More Buyer Choices

For buyers, this market shift is presenting long-awaited advantages. Higher interest rates over the past year have cooled bidding wars, & we’re now seeing increased market fluidity. Homes are staying on the market longer, & sellers—especially those with strong equity positions—are becoming more flexible on pricing.

We are seeing more opportunities for buyers to pay a little less than they would have just a year or two ago, and that’s a meaningful shift for anyone who’s been watching and waiting for prices to come down.

In fact, a recent Wall Street Journal report noted that there are now half a million more sellers than buyers across the U.S.—with the greatest imbalance in regions where rapid growth and development occurred over the last few years.

Sellers Waiting for Better Timing
With fewer buyers and more competition, many sellers are choosing to hold off rather than reduce their price. Some are de-listing their homes altogether with plans to relist next year, according to Redfin.

What This Means for You
As a professional real estate agent and local market expert, I’m seeing a shift that gives buyers more negotiating power than we’ve had in years. If you’ve been hesitant to enter the market because of the frenzy, now might be the moment you’ve been waiting for.

Ready to Take the Next Step
If you’re curious about what’s available or how to navigate this evolving market, I’d be happy to help you explore your options—whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or looking for a mountain getaway.

Let’s connect and talk about what opportunity might look like for you in today’s market.
— Kelly Gafa
Local Realtor | Market Expert
PHONE: 970.409.6228

Baby boomers (ages 60–78) have once again become the largest group of both home buyers (42%) and sellers (53%), according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Generational Trends Report.

Motivated by a desire to move closer to loved ones, retire, or downsize, many boomers are entering the market with strong financial footing. They’ve stayed in their homes longer—13 to 16 years—giving them time to build significant equity. With home prices up 47% in the past five years, they’re now using that equity to buy again, often with cash: 50% of older boomers and 40% of younger boomers avoided mortgages altogether.

In fact, 62% of buyers aged 70–78 and 53% of those 60–69 used proceeds from a prior home sale for their down payment. Unlike younger generations, boomers rarely report making financial sacrifices to afford a home—highlighting their stability in today’s high-cost market. That said, baby boomers share one common sentiment with every other generation: finding the right home can still be challenging. And that’s where having a trusted real estate professional truly matters. If you’re thinking about buying or selling—and leveraging the equity you’ve built over the years—now may be the perfect time to make your move. I’d be honored to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Let’s connect and start planning your next chapter today.

—Kelly Gafa Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor

Now that the end of 2022 is within sight, you may be wondering what’s going to happen in the housing market next year and what that may mean if you’re thinking about buying a home. Here’s a look at the latest expert insights on both mortgage rates and home prices so you can make your best move possible.

Mortgage Rates Will Continue To Respond to Inflation

There’s no doubt mortgage rates have skyrocketed this year as the market responded to high inflation. The increases we’ve seen were fast and dramatic, and the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate even surpassed 7% at the end of last month. In fact, it’s the first time they’ve risen this high in over 20 years (see graph below):

In their latest quarterly report, Freddie Mac explains just how fast the climb in rates has been:

“Just one year ago, rates were under 3%. This means that while mortgage rates are not as high as they were in the 80’s, they have more than doubled in the past year. Mortgage rates have never doubled in a year before.”

Because we’re in unprecedented territory, it’s hard to say with certainty where mortgage rates will go from here. Projecting the future of mortgage rates is far from an exact science, but experts do agree that, moving forward, mortgage rates will continue to respond to inflation. If inflation stays high, mortgage rates likely will too.

Home Price Changes Will Vary by Market

As buyer demand has eased this year in response to those higher mortgage rates, home prices have moderated in many markets too. In terms of the forecast for next year, expert projections are mixed. The general consensus is home price appreciation will vary by local market, with more significant changes happening in overheated areas. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:

“House price appreciation has slowed in all 50 markets we track, but the deceleration is generally more dramatic in areas that experienced the strongest peak appreciation rates.”

Basically, some areas may still see slight price growth while others may see slight price declines. It all depends on other factors at play in that local market, like the balance between supply and demand. This may be why experts are divided on their latest national forecasts (see graph below):

Bottom Line

If you want to know what’s happening with home prices or mortgage rates, let’s connect so you have the latest on what experts are saying and what that means for our area.

As the housing market cools in response to the dramatic rise in mortgage rates, home price appreciation is cooling as well. And if you’re following along with headlines in the media, you’re probably seeing a wide range of opinions calling for everything from falling home prices to ongoing appreciation. But what’s true? What’s most likely to happen moving forward?

While opinions differ, the most likely outcome is we’ll fall somewhere in the middle of slight appreciation and slight depreciation. Here’s a look at the latest expert projections so you have the best information possible today.

What the Experts Are Saying About Home Prices Next Year

The graph below shows the most up-to-date forecasts from five experts in the housing industry. These are the experts that have most recently updated their projections based on current market trends:

As the graph shows, the three blue bars represent experts calling for ongoing home price appreciation, just at a more moderate rate than recent years. The red bars on the graph are experts calling for home price depreciation.

While there isn’t a clear consensus, if you take the average (shown in green) of all five of these forecasts, the most likely outcome is, nationally, home price appreciation will be fairly flat next year.

What Does This Mean?

Basically, experts are divided on what’s ahead for 2023. Home prices will likely depreciate slightly in some markets and will continue to gain ground in others. It all depends on the conditions in your local market, like how overheated that market was in recent years, current inventory levels, buyer demand, and more.

The good news is home prices are expected to return to more normal levels of appreciation rather quickly. The latest forecast from Wells Fargo shows that, while they feel prices will fall in 2023, they think prices will recover and net positive in 2024. That forecast calls for 3.1% appreciation in 2024, which is a number much more in line with the long-term average of 4% annual appreciation.

And the Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) from Pulsenomics, a poll of over one hundred industry experts, also calls for ongoing appreciation of roughly 2.6 to 4% from 2024-2026. This goes to show, even if prices decline slightly next year, it’s not expected to be a lasting trend.

As Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer for Parcl, says:

“In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”

Don’t let fear or uncertainty change your plans. If you’re unsure about where prices are headed or how to make sense of what’s going on in today’s housing market, reach out to a local real estate professional for the guidance you need each step of the way.

Bottom Line

The housing market is shifting, and it’s a confusing place right now. Let’s connect so you have a trusted real estate professional to help you make confident and informed decisions about what’s happening in our market.