What’s changing in real estate as we move through 2026, and what does it mean for buyers and sellers here in Westchester? In this episode, I’m joined by Elizabeth Nunan, CEO of Houlihan Lawrence, to break down what we’re seeing nationally and how it’s translating locally. From shifting buyer mindsets to evolving market conditions, we explore how today’s market feels different from the past few years and why experience and strategy matter more than ever.
We talk about how buyers and sellers have moved from waiting on the sidelines to accepting today’s realities, with decisions now driven more by life events than market timing. Liz shares how interest rates are influencing behavior differently, why today’s buyers are more financially sophisticated, and how generational wealth is quietly reshaping demand. We also dive into the growing role of technology and AI in the buying and selling process, and why, despite all of it, the value of local expertise has never been more important.
Locally, the Westchester market continues to tell a very different story from national trends. Inventory remains tight, demand is still strong across most price points, and well-prepared sellers are seeing the benefits of strategic pricing and presentation. We also discuss what buyers and sellers should be watching as we move through the rest of the year, including timing opportunities, lifestyle priorities, and how to position yourself for success in a competitive and evolving market.
What You’ll Learn from this Episode:
- Why the 2026 market feels more “rational” than recent years, and how buyers and sellers are shifting from waiting to acting based on today’s reality.
- How interest rates are influencing behavior differently, and why buyers are focusing more on lifestyle timing rather than trying to time the market.
- The changing profile of today’s buyers, including older first-time buyers, dual-income households, and the impact of generational wealth.
- How AI and technology are transforming the home search process, pricing strategies, and client expectations while increasing the need for expert guidance.
- What’s happening in the Westchester market.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Featured on the Show:
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Episodes Related to What's New in Real Estate:
- Ep #59: Is the Northern Westchester Real Estate Market Shifting?
- Ep #61: The Power of Planning Your Home Sale in 2026
- Ep #63: Data Advantage in Real Estate: Interview with Stephanie Williams
Full Episode Transcript: