Builders Are Cutting Prices, But Is It Time to Buy?

Oh boy, grab your hard hat and hold onto your toolbox because Eric G is diving into the wild world of the housing market and remodeling for 2026! Spoiler alert: things are getting real “interesting” out there. Builder confidence is dropping faster than my patience when I can't find my favorite tool, with a recent dip to a not-so-rosy 37 on the index. But fear not, we’re also seeing renovation spending gearing up for a little comeback, so maybe there’s hope for our home improvement dreams yet! Join me as I dissect the chaos of today’s market, the absurdity of house flips that make you question humanity, and what the future might hold as we navigate this ever-turbulent housing landscape. You won’t want to miss this midweek update filled with sarcasm, insights, and a sprinkle of good old-fashioned mockery—because really, who doesn’t need a laugh while discussing home prices? The housing market is like that friend who promises to show up but always bails last minute—totally unreliable and frustratingly unpredictable. This week, Eric G dives deep into the current state of housing and remodeling, predicting what 2026 might look like for all of us poor souls trying to make sense of it. Spoiler alert: it's not all sunshine and rainbows. With builder confidence dropping and sales expectations plummeting, it’s clear that we’re in for a bumpy ride. Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, 40% of builders are cutting prices like they’re at a clearance sale—except, you know, it’s not a great sign for the overall market. We’re talking average price drops of 6%, which is just sad and tells you everything you need to know about the state of affairs. But wait, there’s a glimmer of hope! Renovation spending is on the rise for 2026, which might just save our collective sanity. It’s like finding a five-dollar bill in your pocket when you thought you were broke. Eric also dishes out some juicy tidbits about the ongoing trade shows in the construction world—where the tools come out to play, and the latest trends do a little dance. From World of Concrete to the International Builder Show, there’s a lot happening, and Eric promises to keep us in the loop, even if it means dragging us through the mud of the current housing crisis. As if that weren't enough, Eric has a brilliant idea brewing—he’s considering a podcast series dedicated to the absolute horror shows that are some of the house flips he’s seen around Portland. Seriously, folks, it’s like a train wreck you can’t look away from. So, strap in and prepare for a wild ride as we navigate the murky waters of the housing market together. Let’s just hope we don’t need to build an ark by 2026!

Takeaways:

1. The housing market is cooling down with builder confidence falling to 37 in January, not exactly a glowing endorsement for future buyers.
2. Almost 40% of builders are cutting prices, and the average price reduction has jumped to 6%, which is just a little alarming if you ask me.
3. If you thought renovations were on the rise, you might be right—spending on home improvements is expected to rise throughout 2026. Yay for us!
4. Mortgage rates are sitting at about 6.06%, which is the lowest we've seen since late 2022, but don't get too excited about the good old days of 3%.
5. Everyone seems to be holding off on major HVAC upgrades because prices are skyrocketing, and who wants to drop a fortune on a heat pump right now?
6. Energy-efficient upgrades, like EV chargers, are losing their charm in 2026 as more homeowners already have them and new buyers are less interested.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Ford
2. Habitat for Humanity
3. Portland Fire and Rescue
4. Portland

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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

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