Episode Overview

Podcast: Your Money Minute (CNBC)
Episode Title: Spring Home Buying Season Could Be Busy 2/18/26
Host: Jessica Ettinger
Guest: Varun Krishna (CEO of Rocke, Parent Company of Redfin)
Date: February 18, 2026
Episode Theme:
This 60-second episode explores the shift from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market in U.S. real estate, highlighting recent trends in home sales, price discounts, and regional market dynamics as the spring buying season approaches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Market Shift: Seller’s to Buyer’s Market

• Jessica Ettinger opens the episode by noting a significant shift:
  • “Real estate pros say they feel a turn in the market is happening from a seller's market to a buyer's market. And the spring home buying season could be very busy.” [00:00]
• This marks a notable transition after years where sellers held most of the power.

2. Expert Forecasts and Regional Trends

• Varun Krishna (CEO of Rocke/Redfin) provides data-driven context:
  • “There’s a lot of green shoots on the horizon. If you look at the forecast looking out to 2026, existing home sales are expected to increase by up to 10%. We’re starting to see markets like Florida and Texas starting to shift toward buyers.” [00:15]
• Indicates optimism in the real estate sector and early signs of increased buyer leverage, particularly in Florida and Texas.

3. Price Trends and Negotiation Power

• Jessica Ettinger shares new Redfin data:
  • “Nearly two thirds of sellers last year sold their home for less than their original listing price.” [00:31]
• Varun Krishna underscores the magnitude of discounts:
  • “Consumers are getting the highest discounts on existing home prices than they've seen in the last 13 years.” [00:46]
• Jessica Ettinger details the average buyer savings:
  • “Redfin says the typical home buyer got a 7.9% discount off of list prices. Last year.... The typical buyer saved about $30,000.” [00:53]
• The show connects price drops to two main forces:
  1. Sellers lowering prices due to lack of buyer interest
  2. Price reductions following home inspections uncovering issues

4. Practical Implications for Buyers and Sellers

• By highlighting discounts and emerging trends, the episode suggests spring is shaping up as a favorable period for prospective buyers, especially those willing to negotiate or look at markets trending toward buyer-friendliness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jessica Ettinger:

  • “Real estate pros say they feel a turn in the market is happening from a seller's market to a buyer's market. And the spring home buying season could be very busy.” [00:00]
  • “Nearly two thirds of sellers last year sold their home for less than their original listing price.” [00:31]
  • “Redfin says the typical home buyer got a 7.9% discount off of list prices. Last year. ... Now the typical buyer saved about $30,000.” [00:53]

• Varun Krishna:

  • “There's a lot of green shoots on the horizon. If you look at the forecast looking out to 2026, existing home sales are expected to increase by up to 10%. We’re starting to see markets like Florida and Texas starting to shift toward buyers.” [00:15]
  • “Consumers are getting the highest discounts on existing home prices than they've seen in the last 13 years.” [00:46]

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 – Market turning from sellers to buyers; busy spring buying season expected (Jessica Ettinger)
• 00:15 – Forecast for home sales increase and regional trends in Florida and Texas (Varun Krishna)
• 00:31 – Majority of homes selling below list price, according to Redfin data (Jessica Ettinger)
• 00:46 – Record discounts for buyers in the past 13 years mentioned (Varun Krishna)
• 00:53 – Typical 7.9% price discount and $30,000 savings for buyers; reasons for price drops (Jessica Ettinger)

Conclusion

Takeaway:
The episode quickly but thoroughly covers the emerging shift in the U.S. housing market as 2026 approaches, with increased negotiation leverage for buyers, larger-than-usual discounts, and notable regional developments. For those considering entering or reentering the market this spring, the data suggests strong opportunities for buyer savings and a much more competitive environment for sellers.

More details and resources on home buying/selling topics can be found at CNBC.com.