The Strongest October Housing Market in 3 Years: What Zillow’s New Report Means for Today’s Pros

Home with sale pending sign

According to a fresh report from The National Desk, the U.S. just experienced its strongest October housing market in three years. Inventory is rising, affordability is improving, and new listings and pending sales are both up 5% year-over-year.

For real estate professionals, this shift may feel like a long-awaited breath of fresh air after years of tight supply and elevated rates. And if you’re a Florida agent—or working toward becoming one—this could be the early sign that 2025 is preparing for real momentum.

A Housing Market Turning a Corner

Zillow’s report shows a market finally regaining balance nationwide. In October, three additional major metros officially transitioned into buyer-friendly territory.

19 major markets now favor buyers — nine more than last year.
Source: Zillow

Bankrate analyst Jeff Ostrowski described the data as “promising,” though he noted the market hasn’t fully recovered just yet.

Existing home sales remain around an annual pace of 4 million—well below the “healthy” 6 million benchmark.

The Lock-In Effect Is Finally Loosening

For years, sellers with ultra-low mortgage rates sat tight, unwilling to trade a 3% rate for a 6%+ alternative. But the tide is finally shifting. Mortgage rates have declined for six consecutive weeks:

30-year fixed (mid-October): 6.27%
Last year: 6.44%
Two years ago: 7.63%
Source: Freddie Mac

Zillow also reports that home values have essentially leveled off—up just 0.1% year-over-year—which is stabilizing for both buyers and sellers.

Inventory Is Finally Catching Up

The inventory shortfall that defined the post-pandemic market has dramatically improved.

Inventory shortfall vs. pre-pandemic: now 17%
Down from 51% in February 2022

Total housing inventory is up nearly 13% year-over-year. For agents, that means more listings, more activity, and more opportunities to expand business.

Affordability Hits a Three-Year High

Zillow noted that affordability—still a challenge—has improved to levels unseen since 2022.

Typical mortgage burden: 32.9% of median household income
Best since August 2022

Although still beyond the ideal 30%, analysts say lower rates and softer pricing may “grease the wheels of the market.”

What This Means for First-Time Buyers

The average first-time buyer age has hit 40 for the first time—up sharply from 33 just five years ago, according to NAR.

As Jessica Lautz of NAR told The National Desk, this delay is impacting long-term wealth-building.

“It means 10 years of lost housing wealth gains for first-time homebuyers… and slower wealth-building for generations to come.”

The 2026 Outlook: A Big Upswing?

NAR predicts a 14% surge in home sales in 2026, alongside a 4% rise in prices—suggesting that today’s market shifts may be the first signals of a stronger cycle ahead.

What This Means for Real Estate Professionals

Going into 2025, agents will find a market that rewards preparation. More inventory, more affordability, and more buyers returning all point to renewed activity for those ready to capitalize.

If you’re renewing your license or entering the field for the first time, now is the moment to elevate your skill set. Florida real estate schools like Cameron Academy continue helping thousands of students stay ahead with modern, market-ready education.

Because when the market heats back up… the professionals who learn today will lead tomorrow.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Mortgage Applications Slip as Mixed Market Signals Create Uncertainty

The latest MBA survey shows overall mortgage applications dipping 1.4% during the holiday week, even as purchase activity rose on a seasonally adjusted basis. Refinances cooled despite lower rates, which averaged 6.32% for a 30‑year fixed. Rising ARMs and shifting buyer behavior highlight a market still trying to stabilize amid softening economic indicators.

Commercial Real Estate Deal Growth Stalls Heading Into 2026

October delivered the first year‑over‑year slowdown in commercial real estate deals in nearly two years, signaling a growing disconnect between buyers and sellers as elevated rates and policy uncertainty reshape pricing expectations. While multifamily cooled and office assets traded at steep discounts, hotels and adaptive‑reuse projects stood out as rare bright spots. For professionals across real estate, mortgage, and finance, the shifting landscape underscores the need for sharper analysis and continued education heading into 2026.

US Workers’ Comp Market Faces Higher Costs and New Regulations Heading Into 2026

The US workers’ compensation market is bracing for a pivotal year in 2026 as medical inflation, rising claim complexity, and tightening state regulations push costs higher for insurers and employers. With cumulative trauma injuries increasing and states expanding presumption laws—especially for first responders and healthcare workers—underwriting strategies are being forced to evolve. At the same time, technology like predictive analytics and workplace wearables is reshaping loss prevention, while more organizations turn to captives and hybrid programs to manage volatility.

How Florida Realtors Quietly Built a Tech Empire That Now Powers North American Real Estate

Over the past 25 years, Florida Realtors has transformed from a simple support desk into one of the most influential tech ecosystems in real estate. Through member‑driven tools like Tech Helpline, Form Simplicity and the new Sabal Sign platform, the association has built a stable, fully integrated system used by agents across the U.S. and Canada. Free from outside investors and focused entirely on member needs, Florida Realtors has quietly become a tech powerhouse—proving that long-term vision, not venture capital, is what truly drives innovation in the industry.

Flood Disclosures Could Reshape Massachusetts Real Estate as Climate Risks Rise

Massachusetts is poised for a major shift in home‑sale transparency as Gov. Maura Healey pushes for mandatory flood disclosures — a change that could impact buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals statewide. With worsening climate conditions and growing flood damage in communities like Winthrop and Salem, the proposal aims to ensure buyers understand a property’s true risk before they commit. The move has wide support from insurers and municipalities, while the real estate industry remains split over its potential impact on the state’s long‑standing “buyer beware” culture.

Florida’s Insurance Market Begins to Stabilize as New Reforms Take Effect

Florida’s long‑troubled property insurance market is finally showing early signs of recovery. Thanks to recent legislative reforms that reduced litigation and attracted new insurers, some homeowners are even seeing their premiums drop. These improvements are boosting consumer confidence and creating new opportunities for real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals across the state.