Rents Are Finally Cooling and That’s Good News for Everyone

After months of steady rent hikes, Zillow reports the first meaningful slowdown in rental growth.

• Rents are still up 21.3% year-over-year,

• But down 2.4% from August - the first real drop in months,

• And rental affordability is the best it’s been in four years.

Why this matters: When rent growth slows, inflation tends to follow and that’s often the first domino to fall before mortgage rates start to dip.

For renters, this is a turning point. After years of climbing costs, there’s finally breathing room again. And if rates continue easing, now is the perfect moment to revisit the “Should I buy?” question.

Pro Tip: If you’ve been renting and waiting for better timing, start your homeownership plan now, before renewed demand pushes prices higher again. The Marty Rodriguez Team can help you understand what’s possible based on today’s evolving market.

Thinking of Selling in 2026? Start Preparing Now

If selling is on your 2026 horizon, now’s the time to get ahead of the curve. A little early preparation this fall can pay off big when the market heats up next year.

Start with simple, high-impact tasks:

• Declutter and organize. First impressions still matter most.

• Refresh curb appeal. Landscaping, paint, and lighting go a long way.

• Make small upgrades. Replace dated fixtures, refinish cabinets, and modernize where it counts.

Your strategy depends on your local market:

• In low-inventory areas, minimal touch-ups might be enough.

• In competitive areas, standout updates can make your listing shine.

Not sure what your home needs? Ask The Marty Rodriguez Team! We’ll walk you through exactly what updates make sense for your property and your market.

The Real Reason Homes Feel So Expensive

It’s not just prices or mortgage rates, it’s supply.

According to Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

“The fundamental driver of housing costs is the shortage itself, it’s driven by the mismatch between the number of households and the actual size of the housing stock.”

In other words, there just haven’t been enough homes to meet demand. That imbalance, not investor activity, is what’s pushed prices up nearly everywhere.

The good news? That’s starting to change. New construction is ramping up and more resale listings are entering the market both critical steps toward restoring balance. As inventory grows, affordability and buyer confidence are expected to improve heading into 2026.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re renting, buying, or planning to sell in the new year, the market is moving toward opportunity:

• Renters can breathe easier and begin planning their path to ownership.

• Sellers can use this time to prepare strategically for 2026’s momentum.

• Buyers may see rate relief and more inventory on the horizon.

Let’s Talk Strategy for 2026

The best moves in real estate start with preparation. Whether you want to understand your home’s value, explore buying options, or simply stay ahead of local market trends, our team is here to guide you.

📞 Schedule a no-pressure strategy session with The Marty Rodriguez Team and get the clarity you need to make smart, confident decisions for 2026 and beyond.

At the Marty Rodriguez Team, we’re here to help you make smart, timely moves and make the most of every market shift.

📩Want expert guidance on whether to rent or sell?

Text or Call (626) 727-9481 for your personalized side-by-side comparison

👉 Follow us for real-time market updates: @martyrodriguezteam