Podcast Summary:
Your Money Minute – "Homes Sitting On The Market Even Longer" (12/1/25)
Host: Jessica Ettinger (CNBC)
Guest: Diana Olich (CNBC)
Main Theme
This episode highlights the recent trend of homes lingering longer on the market in the U.S., with context from the latest real estate data. Jessica Ettinger and Diana Olich discuss the increase in average days-on-market, continued price growth, and which segments of the housing market remain active—all in the span of a concise, information-packed 60 seconds.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Homes Taking Longer to Sell
- Trend: Homes listed in October stayed on the market unsold for the longest period since before the pandemic ([00:00]).
- "Home sellers in October watched their properties sit on the market unsold for the longest since before the pandemic." – Jessica Ettinger [00:00]
- Specifics:
- The average number of days a home spent on the market increased to 34 days, up from 29 days last year.
- This marks the longest average in six years ([00:11]).
- "Homes are staying on the market longer and averaged 34 days, up from 29 last year. That's the longest in six years." – Diana Olich [00:11]
2. What’s Happening with Home Prices?
- Despite longer selling times, prices are still climbing:
- The national median home price in October reached $415,200.
- That’s a 2.1% increase from last year, marking the 28th consecutive month of annual gains ([00:29]).
- "Prices are still stronger. $415,200. That was the median price of a home sold in October, up 2.1% from a year ago and the 28th consecutive month of annual gains." – Diana Olich [00:29]
- All real estate is local: National figures are referenced, but local conditions may vary ([00:17]).
3. Where is the Market Most Active?
- Luxury Market Booming:
- The most sales growth is for homes priced above $1 million.
- These high-end sales were up 16% year over year ([00:46]).
- "Sales growth continues to be on the highest end of the market. $1 million plus homes up 16% year over year." – Diana Olich [00:46]
- Entry-Level Market Flat:
- Homes priced between $100,000 and $250,000 saw no significant growth ([00:46]).
- "Sales of homes priced between 100 and 250,000 flat." – Diana Olich [00:46]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the shifting pace of the market:
- "Home sellers in October watched their properties sit on the market unsold for the longest since before the pandemic." – Jessica Ettinger [00:00]
-
On persistent price growth:
- "Prices are still stronger. $415,200... up 2.1% from a year ago and the 28th consecutive month of annual gains." – Diana Olich [00:29]
-
On the resilience of the luxury segment:
- "Sales growth continues to be on the highest end of the market. $1 million plus homes up 16% year over year." – Diana Olich [00:46]
Additional Resources
For listeners seeking more detailed real estate analysis, Jessica directs them to online coverage:
- "Lots more on real estate and buying a home. @cnbc.com" – Jessica Ettinger [00:57]
Quick Timeline
- 00:00 – Introduction to today’s market trend: houses sitting unsold longer
- 00:11 – Detailed days-on-market trend and comparison to previous years
- 00:17 – National versus local market caveat; prices still rising
- 00:29 – Median home price data and long-term price growth
- 00:40 – Luxury segment details; stagnation in the entry-level market
- 00:57 – Resources for more information
Takeaway
Despite homes taking longer to sell—an average unseen since before the pandemic—the housing market remains strong in terms of prices, driven especially by the luxury segment. Entry-level homes’ sales remain stagnant, showcasing a split market. For further exploration, listeners are encouraged to visit CNBC’s real estate section.
