The Future of Real Estate: What You Need to Know in 2026

What does the future of real estate look like as we head toward the end of 2026?

On this episode of Get Real with Eddie, we break down the trends that are shaping the real estate market — from interest rates and the ongoing housing shortage to home prices, first-time buyers, down payment assistance, AI, real estate investing, new construction, the mortgage rate lock-in effect, and the growing importance of local market conditions.

We talk about why inventory can increase while buyers are still struggling to find the right home, how first-time buyers are turning toward condos and townhomes, and why investors are changing their strategies.

We also discuss AI and automated valuation models, including why the information going into an AI system matters just as much as the information coming out. The conversation also explores the BRRR strategy, investment properties, flips, new construction, assumable mortgages, and potential ways to address the mortgage rate lock-in effect.

And perhaps one of the biggest takeaways: real estate is becoming even more local. National trends don't necessarily tell you what's happening in Illinois, Will County, Joliet, or even your individual neighborhood.

If you're buying, selling, investing, or simply trying to understand where real estate is heading, this episode gives you plenty of topics to watch as we move toward 2027.

Get Real with Eddie is your source for real estate conversations affecting buyers, sellers, investors, and the communities we serve.

Visit GetRealWithEddie.com.

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#GetRealWithEddie #RealEstate #RealEstateMarket #RealEstate2026 #IllinoisRealEstate #JolietRealEstate #WillCountyRealEstate #HomeBuying #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstateInvesting #InterestRates #HousingMarket #HomePrices #DownPaymentAssistance #ArtificialIntelligence #AIinRealEstate #NewConstruction #MortgageRates #AssumableMortgages #RealEstateInvestors

Chapters:

00:00 The Future of Real Estate in 202602:40 Inventory Is Up, But Buyers Are Still Struggling05:22 The Return of the First-Time Home Buyer08:39 How AI Is Changing Real Estate12:47 Real Estate Investors Are Changing Strategy14:42 Investors, Real Estate Licenses & Disclosure16:44 New Construction vs. Existing Homes20:01 Why Inventory Is Still So Limited23:30 Assumable Mortgages & Possible Solutions27:21 What These Trends Could Mean for 2027