What Home Buyers Should Expect in 2026: Keizer & Salem Market Outlook

What Home Buyers Should Expect in 2026

A Salem & Keizer Real Estate Market Outlook

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Keizer or Salem in 2026, you’re probably asking the same questions I hear every week from local buyers:
Are interest rates going to drop? Will there be more homes for sale? Is it better to wait or start preparing now?

I’m Hannah Fouts-Sparks with Sparks Property Group at SMI Real Estate, and I work with buyers across Keizer and Salem every day. This outlook is based on what I’m seeing locally—not hype, not fear, just real expectations for our market as we head into 2026.

Will interest rates go down in 2026?

Short answer: rates are expected to stabilize before they significantly drop.

Most economists are projecting modest adjustments rather than dramatic cuts. For buyers in Keizer and Salem, that means waiting for the “perfect” rate could cost more than it saves—especially if home prices continue to rise slowly.

Locally, I’ve seen buyers succeed by focusing less on timing the market and more on structuring smart offers, negotiating credits, and planning for future refinancing when it makes sense.

Will there be more homes for sale in Keizer and Salem?

Inventory is expected to improve—but gradually.

In Keizer, neighborhoods near Keizer Rapids Park, Clear Lake, and Gubser Elementary remain especially tight because homeowners with low interest rates are hesitant to move. That said, we are seeing:

• More move-up sellers listing as family needs change

• New construction adding options on the edges of Keizer and north Salem

• Seasonal increases that create short windows of opportunity

This isn’t a flood of listings, but it is a healthier balance than we saw in previous years.

Will buyers still be competing in 2026?

Yes—but competition looks different than it did during peak bidding-war years.

In 2026, buyers should expect:

• Fewer extreme multiple-offer situations

• More room for inspections and thoughtful negotiations

• Better odds if you’re well-prepared and decisive

I always tell clients that competition doesn’t disappear—it just rewards preparation more than speed.

Is 2026 a good year to buy a home in Keizer?

For many buyers, yes—if you prepare early.

The buyers who do best are the ones who:

• Get pre-approved before they tour homes

• Understand neighborhood-specific pricing (Keizer is not one-price-fits-all)

• Stay flexible on cosmetic updates versus location

If you already love living near local traditions—like the Gala of Trees in Salem or driving around to see Keizer’s best Christmas light displays—buying sooner can help you stay rooted in the community instead of getting priced out later.

Why preparation matters more than perfect timing

The idea of “waiting for the right time” comes up constantly, especially around the holidays when people are busy enjoying holiday events in Salem and Keizer or taking their kids to see Santa around Keizer.

But here’s the reality I see every year:
The buyers who prepare early have more choices, less stress, and stronger negotiating power—regardless of the exact month they buy.

Preparation means clarity, not pressure.

About Hannah

I’m Hannah Fouts-Sparks with Sparks Property Group at SMI Real Estate, and I help families across Keizer and Salem buy homes that fit their lifestyle and keep them close to the community they love.

Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, relocating, or just trying to understand what 2026 might look like, I’m always happy to talk through your options—no pressure, just real guidance from someone who lives and works here.

If staying local matters to you, let’s plan for it.