We’re seeing a notable shift in the national real estate landscape: in the four weeks ending August 23, new home listings in the US rose by 0.4% and total inventory increased by 0.5%—the highest level since early Q2. Yet, even with more homes on the market, pending sales dropped 1.1% to a six-month low. High housing costs are still keeping many buyers on the sidelines, despite the uptick in inventory. The median home-sale price is up 1.9% year-over-year, now topping $400,000, and average mortgage rates remain close to 7%, a 13-month high. These conditions are creating new opportunities for buyers—there’s more room for negotiation, whether it’s on price or concessions, especially on properties that have been listed for several weeks. For sellers, realistic pricing is proving to be the smartest approach, rather than reaching for last year’s highs. After more than 40 years guiding clients through changing markets here in the Lake of the Ozarks, I know how important it is to stay informed and flexible as the market evolves.
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Camden County Market Update | Let me put my 30+ years of experience in Lake of the Ozarks real estate to work for you!
Here's a quick update on Camden County's real estate market. Homes are selling at a similar pace as last year. The number of properties changing hands remains consistent, with prices holding firm.
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What did pending home sales look like in July 2026?
July 2026 brought a noticeable shift in the housing market, with U.S. pending home sales dropping 2.3% from the previous month and 2.2% compared to last year. Interestingly, the Midwest was the only region to see a yearly increase at 1.7%. Even with continued job growth, sales are still 30% below what we saw before the pandemic, which is a significant gap. Mortgage rates averaged 6.67%, and buyers are seeing more homes on the market. After 40 years navigating the ups and downs of Lake real estate, I know these numbers mean more than just statistics—they reflect the evolving opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers alike. As always, my aim is to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, no matter where the market stands.
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States with the least—and most—housing market inventory heading into the fall
As someone who's spent over four decades helping clients navigate the Lake of the Ozarks real estate market, I keep a close eye on national housing trends that shape local opportunities. This year, national housing inventory saw a modest 2.1% rise from July 2025 to July 2026—a significant slowdown compared to last year’s 24.7% jump. Even with this increase, we’re still 9.1% below 2019 inventory levels, and areas like the Midwest and Northeast remain especially competitive. Active listings did grow by 23,465 homes, but low inventory continues to define our market. Staying informed on these shifts is a key part of making transactions as smooth and stress-free as possible for my clients, no matter the season.
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Mortgage Rate Forecast: Predictions for the Housing Market Through 2028
Looking ahead to the housing market through 2028, it appears that 30-year fixed mortgage rates will likely remain in the mid-6% range, so we shouldn’t expect significant drops in rates any time soon. For those considering a move in the Lake of the Ozarks area, this steady rate environment means home prices are projected to rise at a modest pace, while increased inventory could help ease competition among buyers. If you’re weighing the idea of refinancing, keep in mind that unless you’re looking to change your loan type or tap into your equity, the benefits may be limited. With over four decades of real estate experience here at the Lake, I always aim to help clients navigate these market shifts smoothly and with confidence.
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USA Starter Homes: A Rare Shift for Buyers | Let me put my 30+ years of experience in Lake of the Ozarks real estate to work for you!
Having spent over 40 years navigating Lake of the Ozarks real estate, I've seen firsthand how challenging it can be for first-time buyers to decide when to make their move—especially when starter homes become a rare find. While it’s tempting to wait for interest rates to drop, experience tells me that this strategy can sometimes work against you. Lower rates often mean more buyers jumping back into the market, which can lead to stiffer competition and rising prices. My goal is always to make your buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, and that means weighing not just the numbers, but also the unique timing of opportunity in our market.
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USA: Why ‘Price Stability’ Is a Myth | Let me put my 30+ years of experience in Lake of the Ozarks real estate to work for you!
The idea of ‘price stability’ in the US is more complex than it seems. As someone who’s spent decades navigating the Lake of the Ozarks real estate market, I’ve seen firsthand how shifts in spending ripple across different goods and services. When prices rise in one area, you’ll often find they fall or remain steady elsewhere. For example, while technology has become more affordable—think of the supercomputers we now carry in our pockets—other finite luxuries like hotel rooms, sports tickets, and tuition have only grown more expensive. This isn’t just about the Federal Reserve or central banks; prices are shaped by countless transactions and global trends that no single policy can control. A truly stable dollar might encourage more investment in long-term assets, potentially lowering some prices while making the rarest goods even pricier. The takeaway? Lasting price stability is a myth, and changing prices can actually signal progress and growth across our economy—not just decline. In real estate, understanding these shifts is key to making informed decisions and ensuring a smoother, less stressful experience for everyone involved.
