Real Estate News 02/16/2026

U.S. home values slipped for a sixth straight month in January, per the Zillow Home Value Index, as lower mortgage rates eased monthly payments by 8.4% year over year and gave buyers a more balanced market.

In The News:

Zillow – “Zillow’s January Market Report Shows Improved Affordability for Home Buyers“ (02-11-2026)

“U.S. home values have fallen for six consecutive months, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.”

Realtor.com –“House Passes Major Housing Bill Aimed at Home Affordability and To Speed Up Construction” (02-05-2026)

“The House passed a major bipartisan housing reform bill Monday evening, setting the stage for significant updates to the nation's housing laws.”

City Journal –“The Hidden Costs of L.A.’s “Mansion Tax”” (02-13-2026)

“Los Angeles has a history of progressive housing policies that sound good in theory but prove counterproductive in practice. Measure ULA, the city’s so-called “mansion tax,” is the latest example, and it’s one of the most unreasonable.”

Reuters –“From software to real estate, U.S. sectors under the grip of AI scare trade“ (02-13-2026)

“Wall Street is in the grip of disruption worries from AI. It first started with investors dumping shares of software companies but soon spread to sectors seen as vulnerable to automation, driving sharp losses in U.S. stocks this week.”

CNBC –“Home sellers start getting lower prices at 70, research shows — and the gap widens with age“ (02-14-2026)

“For many homeowners, their house will be one of their biggest assets in retirement.”