Real Estate Leaders Addressed Market Challenges
Executives at the RISMedia CEO & Leadership Exchange discussed strategies for navigating high mortgage rates.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Residential
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Real estate leaders gathered to analyze a challenging 2026 market, where mortgage rates have climbed above seven and a half percent. Panelists evaluated strategies for operational efficiency as national home sales remain on track to reach four million units.
Why it matters
The industry is grappling with elevated inflation and global tensions that are pushing prices higher and constraining supply. High costs for new technology are increasingly forcing smaller real estate entities toward consolidation.
National home sales for 2026 are projected to total 4 million units, a figure that trails the 2021 peak by 50,000 sales. The current market holds 1.62 million units in housing inventory, representing a 4.9-month supply.
The players
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
This real estate firm serves the Georgia market and reported handling over 4,600 transactions.
HomeSmart
This brokerage company operates its real estate business across 49 states.
The details
Brokerage firms are turning to AI tools and culture-focused hiring to maintain productivity in a tightening economic climate. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties reported assisting with over 4,600 transactions, while HomeSmart now maintains a presence across 49 states.
Timeline
The RISMedia CEO & Leadership Exchange occurred on October 2, 2026.
Midwest markets underwent a period of normalization over the past 60 days.
The year 2021 serves as the benchmark for peak home sales in Georgia.
National real estate faces a difficult overall environment throughout 2026.
Culture Shift
The current real estate environment marks a significant departure from the 2021 national housing peak. Recent industry data updates this previous high point, illustrating a current sales deficit of 50,000 units as firms adjust to a new, higher-interest-rate baseline.
Potential homebuyers should prepare for higher costs associated with interest rates exceeding seven and a half percent. These market conditions may also influence local agent availability as brokerages continue to focus on consolidation and efficiency.
The takeaway
Prospective buyers should prioritize securing pre-approval to account for the current interest rate climate. Those in the market should also expect brokerages to emphasize digital tools and streamlined service models in the coming months.
Further reading
For more on shifting property trends, visit the United States Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RISMedia.
Live Poll
Do you believe current interest rates make now a bad time to purchase a home?
