Why Your Indiana Home’s Sale Price Could Go Down in 2026

By Jake Stiles

Jake Stiles has been a trusted real estate professional in Central Indiana since 2005, bringing nearly two decades of experience to every transaction. As the leader of Team Stiles, Jake is committed to helping homebuyers, sellers, and investors navigate the market with ease.

What if the price your home could sell for today simply isn’t around in 2026? That may sound hard to believe, but experts warn it is exactly what many homeowners will face if they wait too long. Sellers across the country are still holding on to yesterday’s prices, while buyers have already moved on. The gap between the two grows wider each day, and those who hold out for more may find themselves chasing an opportunity that has already slipped away.

The market is shifting. We are in a transitional period where expectations no longer align with reality. Zillow projects home prices could fall by nearly 2% between March 2025 and March 2026. Goldman Sachs predicts barely 1% growth in 2026, with some metro areas expected to see declines of 5% or more. Even the National Association of Realtors, offering one of the more optimistic views, only anticipates 2 to 4% nationwide.

Numbers like these may not sound dramatic at first glance, but when applied to real homes, the impact is clear. A 2% drop on a $400,000 property results in a $8,000 difference. That gap represents money sellers may never recover if they wait for a price that is no longer supported by the market.

The risk of waiting. One of the most common mistakes we see is starting too high, waiting months for the right offer, and finally reducing the price after buyers have moved on. The longer a home sits on the market, the more it loses momentum. Listings begin to look stale, and buyers start asking what might be wrong with the property. Sellers who wait often end up accepting less than they would have if they had acted sooner.

Why selling now matters. With forecasts indicating flat or declining prices, timing is more crucial than ever. The strongest offers are coming from today’s motivated buyers, not from those in the future. Selling now means positioning yourself ahead of the curve, rather than chasing it later. Acting early allows you to capture demand while it is still there.

Take the next step. The price you want may not be available for long. If you are serious about selling, now is the time to take action. We can show you exactly what buyers in our area are paying, how your home compares, and the strategies that will help you secure the strongest possible offer. Call 317-883-9461, email info@cbstiles.com, or visit cbstiles.com today. Don’t wait until your best opportunity is already behind you.