As we settle into 2026, the housing market is providing a sense of relief for both buyers and sellers. When you ask, "What is my home worth compared to last year?" you are looking at a market that has transitioned from the "pandemic frenzy" into what economists are calling "The Great Housing Reset." Unlike the double-digit surges of the early 2020s, current data shows that home values have normalized. Nationally, home prices in 2026 are projected to grow by a steady 2% to 3%—matching overall consumer price inflation. This means that while your home is still gaining value, the pace is more sustainable, allowing personal incomes to finally catch up with housing costs.

2025 vs. 2026: A Year of "Rebalancing"

To understand where your value stands today, we have to look back at the "recalibration" of 2025. Last year was defined by high interest rates that kept many buyers on the sidelines, leading to a 12% to 14% decline in sales volume across several major markets. However, because inventory remained tight, home prices didn't crash; they stayed firm or grew slightly.

In 2026, the story has changed. Mortgage rates have begun to ease, currently hovering around 6.3% for a 30-year fixed loan. This has unlocked "pent-up demand," leading to an expected 14% increase in home sales nationwide this year. If you are comparing your home's worth to early 2025, you are likely seeing a property that is more liquid and easier to sell, even if the "sticker price" hasn't jumped as drastically as it did in the past.

Key Year-Over-Year Shifts

• Inventory Growth: Available homes are up roughly 20% compared to this time last year, meaning you have more competition but also more "comparables" to help set your price.
• Pricing Sensitivity: Buyers are more deliberate. In 2026, about 6% of sellers are pulling homes off the market or cutting prices when they don't get their "dream" number immediately.
• Affordability Gains: For the first time since 2020, monthly mortgage payments are expected to decline slightly as lower rates offset the modest 2% price growth.
• Regional Winners: The Northeast and Midwest continue to see higher price growth due to supply shortages, while the South and West are seeing more balanced, stable pricing.

Why Your Home Equity is Still Your Strongest Asset

Even with "modest" growth, your equity position in 2026 is likely at an all-time high. Because prices rose nearly 8% in some regions during 2025, the baseline for your 2026 valuation is significantly higher than it was just two years ago. For the average homeowner, a 3% gain in 2026 still adds thousands of dollars to their net worth.

Equity isn't just a number on a screen; it's your financial safety net. In today's market, most homeowners (nearly 80%) still have mortgage rates below 6%, meaning they are building principal faster than those who bought recently. This "equity cushion" protects you from minor market fluctuations and gives you the leverage needed for a move-up purchase or a strategic refinance.

Capturing 2026 Value with Beycome

In a market where price growth is "minimal but steady," every dollar saved on the transaction side counts double. Beycome has helped homeowners navigate this "normalization" phase by providing the tools to sell without traditional commissions. When you know what is my home worth, Beycome ensures that value stays in your pocket.

1. Direct MLS Exposure: For a flat $99 fee, your home is listed where 2026's newly active buyers are searching.
2. Unmatched Savings: To date, Beycome users have saved over $216 million in commissions—money that stays with the families who earned it.
3. Real-Time Data: Access 2026's most recent "sold" data to ensure your year-over-year comparison is based on facts, not guesswork.
4. 18,858+ Homes Sold: With one closing every 30 minutes, the platform is the proven choice for the modern, tech-savvy seller.
5. 2% Buyer Rebate: Make your home the most attractive in the neighborhood by offering a rebate that helps buyers with their closing costs.

Conclusion

Comparing your home's worth to last year reveals a real estate market that has finally "found its feet." We have moved away from the era of volatility and into an era of stability. Your home is likely worth 2% to 3% more than it was at this time in 2025, and with mortgage rates trending downward, the pool of buyers ready to pay that price is growing every day. By staying informed on these 2026 trends and using flat-fee services like Beycome to protect your equity, you can move forward with the confidence that your most valuable asset is performing exactly as it should. The "American Dream" of homeownership is alive and well—it’s just a little more balanced than it used to be.