Thu Oct 16 2025

The headlines say “slowdown,” but let’s call it what it is: a housing correction. Prices (in real terms) are slipping, days-on-market is stretching, and cooling is broadening across regions and price tiers. What does that actually mean for buyers, sellers, and investors and how is a correction different from a crash? We unpack the data, define the terms, and show you how to play offense without taking on unnecessary risk. We break down nominal vs. real prices (and why inflation math matters), why widespread cooling doesn’t equal panic, and the key forces restoring affordability: rates, wages, and prices. Plus, how long a typical correction lasts, why “forced selling” is the real crash trigger (and why we’re not there), and what to do if your on-paper values dip. Finally, we get tactical: tightening your buy box, underwriting with flat rents and conservative appreciation, negotiating in a slower market, and deciding when to hold vs. sell, so you’re positioned for the next expans...