The September Numbers
NAR is September 2026 report showed 3.99 million existing home sales (SAAR), a median price of $417,500, and 33 days on market. Inventory remains below historical norms but has improved from the extreme lows of 2021-2022.
The 39th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases reflects sustained demand despite affordability challenges. First-time buyer share remains depressed at approximately 26% of transactions, creating opportunities for investors who can offer flexible terms to move-up sellers.
Days on Market Implications
33 days on market is not a seller is panic zone, but it is not the 7-day frenzy either. Sellers have time to evaluate offers; wholesalers have time to work deals. This is a healthier environment for creative transactions than peak-frenzy conditions.
Use the market pace to your advantage. Sellers who have been listed for 30+ days are more open to conversations than those who just listed. Target expired listings and price-reduced properties - these sellers have already experienced market reality and may be more receptive to investor offers.
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Book a Real Estate Fit CallPrice Appreciation Continuing
Continued price appreciation supports wholesaling economics. Higher prices mean higher absolute spreads even at the same percentage margin. A 10% discount on a $417,500 property is more dollars than a 10% discount on a $350,000 property.
But appreciation also compresses buyer tolerance. Cash buyers have more options and less urgency. Price your deals tighter.
Inventory Trends
Inventory improvement creates more targets but also more competition. More listings mean more opportunities to call; they also mean more agents calling the same prospects.
Differentiate on value proposition, not just timing. What can you offer that an agent cannot?
Wholesaling in This Market
This is a workable market for wholesaling. Not as easy as 2021 frenzy (when any deal found a buyer) but healthier than 2019 normal. Focus on motivated sellers who need speed and certainty over maximum price.
The wholesale value proposition - fast, certain, as-is - remains relevant in a 33-DOM market. In fact, the value proposition strengthens as DOM increases - sellers who cannot find traditional buyers become better candidates for investor offers. Use market data to refine your targeting and your pitch. The numbers tell you where to focus; execution determines results. Market data plus professional calling equals deals.
Sources
The external data in this article draws on the sources below. Figures described in the text as estimates or industry triangulations are directional and are not attributed to a single dataset.