Housing inventory is on the rise but who can afford to buy a house with all of the economic uncertainty? Yes, a significant number of homeowners are listing or considering selling their homes out of fear or high stress. Roughly 88% of homeowners harbor fears about selling, with top concerns including pressure to accept low-ball offers (85%), high selling costs (40%), and an inability to afford a new home.
Key Causes of Seller Fear and Hesitation:
Fear of "Missing the Peak": Sellers worry that they missed the market's highest point, leading to regret and a desire to sell before prices potentially drop further.
Logistical Fear: Many fear getting "stuck" between selling and buying, or having their home sit on the market too long.
Market Uncertainty: Sellers are worried about how long it will take to find a buyer and navigating a market with higher inventory and fewer buyers. This is a strange turnaround, considering the inventory in the previous US administration.
Financial Stress: 40% worry about the costs of selling, and 32% worry they won't be able to afford a new home and rents are not declining, either.
Despite these fears, many homeowners still view 2026 as a potentially good time to sell, suggesting the fear is driving a more cautious, high-stakes approach to the market rather than a panic-driven fire sale. (AI Overview, April 12, 2026)