With March less than two weeks away, the typical real estate “slow period” is coming to a close. Whether you are looking to sell a family home or buy your very first one, the 2026 market is moving fast—but it’s not the chaotic "bidding war" era of years past. Today’s more balanced market has led many to seek out low commission realtors as a way to prioritize equity over high overhead.
With mortgage rates stabilized around 6.1% and inventory up 20% from last year, the power dynamic has shifted. Sellers need to be sharper, and buyers need to be more strategic.
At Houwzer, we believe the best move is an informed one. Here’s your two-week guide to hitting the ground running this March.
For Sellers: The 14-Day High-Impact Countdown
If you want to list by early March, you don’t have time for a kitchen remodel (and in 2026, you don't need one). Buyers are looking for move-in readiness and will likely make their own upgrades after moving in.
Week 1: Creating Digital Curb Appeal
In a world where AI tools help buyers find homes, your home’s "data" matters as much as its decor.
- The De-Personalization Rule: Pack away the family photos and quirky collectibles. You want a buyer to be able to picture themselves living there instead of visiting.
- The Energy Audit: 2026 buyers are hyper-focused on utility costs. Clean your HVAC filters, check window seals, and ensure your smart thermostat is functioning to give potential buyers peace of mind. Be sure to mention any upgrades or desirable features to your listing agent.
Week 2: The Final Polish
- Deep Clean Everything: If you only spend money on one thing, make it a professional cleaning crew. It’s easy to miss everyday areas while cleaning (and buyers will notice).
- Speak with a Houwzer agent: While you prep the house, we prep the numbers. Our 1% listing fee means you can price your home competitively while still walking away with an average of $12,000 more in your pocket than with a traditional broker.
For Buyers: The Spring Readiness Playbook
For buyers, March isn't just a deadline; it’s the opening of the floodgates. Use the next two weeks to narrow in on your must-haves, deal-breakers, and preferences so you’re ready to go once an influx of listings hit the market.
1. Lock in Your Budget
With rates hovering in the low 6s, your purchasing power is likely different from what it was six months ago.
- Get a Verified Pre-Approval: In a competitive spring market, a basic pre-qualification isn't enough. Sellers will usually require proof that you can afford the price you’re offering and waiting to get a pre-approval could knock you out of the running.
- Factor in the Fees: Your home-buying team will likely include expenses like attorney fees, inspection costs, etc. At Houwzer, we charge 1% of the sale price to work with a buyer’s agent. If the seller is offering commission at 1% or higher, you’ll pay us nothing (and possibly get money back - ask your agent for more info)!
2. Define Your Non-Negotiables vs. Nice-to-Haves
Even with higher inventory in 2026, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have to compromise on at least something in your new home.
- The 80/20 Rule: If a house has 80% of what you need, it’s likely a winner. You can always change things like flooring or appliances, but you can’t move the home to a new school district.
- Keep an Eye Out for Hidden Gems: Look for homes that have been on the market for weeks. After the first week or two on the market, many listings see showing requests dry up quickly. You can often find better value (and more room for negotiation) on a house that’s not appearing at the top of “new listing” searches anymore.
3. The 48-Hour Response Plan
The spring market is usually quite competitive, and the speed that homes sell reflects that. When a home hits the market on a Thursday, it’s often under contract by Monday.
- Set Your Alerts: While browsing Zillow can be fun, ensure your agent has you on a real-time MLS search.
- Be Flexible with Scheduling: Weekends and evenings are popular showing times, and many houses only need to show for a few days before an offer is accepted. Being the first through the door gives you a leg up, especially if a home is popular.
Ready to make your move?
The spring market is right around the corner. Whether you’re curious about your home’s value or need to get started searching for your dream home, we’re here to help. Our goal is to keep your equity where it belongs—with you.
Schedule a free, no-pressure chat with an agent