Interviews by Stefan Yablonski
“We are very definitely in a strong seller’s market. In the Central New York market, the inventory is low. We don’t necessarily have increased demand. It is still pretty normal demand. What we are having instead is a reduction in supply. There are fewer houses listing for the past three years. The number of buyers is out there. We are still getting two to three or four offers on listings that are marketed correctly and are in good condition. We are not expecting rates to go much below 5.8. People say they want to wait until the rates go down, but if they wait until the rates go down what happens? Everybody comes into the market and then prices go up. When the Micron effect hits, all houses will go up dramatically.”
— Chip Hodgkins, Hunt Real Estate ERA, Manlius
“I think the real estate market is looking very good this year. Mortgage rates have dropped a little bit and the prospect of an additional nuclear energy plant are all positive signs for a strong market. Home ownership is now more in reach for many people than ever before.”
— Tom Wiegand, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CNY Realty, Oswego
“I expect 2026 to be a more balanced year between sellers and buyers. We have progressively seen more inventory and it’s predicted to continue to have more sellers listing their homes and buyers are getting close to 6% for interest rates. Some price ranges will still be tight with multiple offers, but there will be more choices overall.”
— Constance Ryan, Century 21 Galloway, Oswego
“We are seeing more of a buyer’s market in recent months. However, with the official groundbreaking of Micron, the market may take a turn back to a seller’s market. More inventory would be nice. It will be interesting to see how the upcoming spring market kicks off. Usually, we see an uptick in listings as well as new buyers entering the market.”
— Constance Ryan, Century 21 Galloway, Oswego
“I think 2026 is going to be a seller’s market all across Upstate New York. There is a massive lack of inventory in the marketplace right now that is directly impacting the overall market. It’s going to be interesting to see the impact of Micron on the market. I do think we are still a few years away from that. Right now, there is the need for temporary housing for the construction workers that will be coming in.”
— Tim J. Perkins, TJ Perkins Real Estate, Syracuse
“The year 2026 is carrying a lot of promise in the Central New York real estate market. With the mortgage rates trickling down to close to 6%, buyer interest is beginning to grow. I think if we dip into the 5% (mortgage rate percentages) we could see a buyer frenzy like we saw in 2021, because it’s still a seller’s market and inventory still running low.”
— Ed Fayette, Century 21 Galloway, Oswego
“It looks really strong, just like we’ve seen the past couple of years. In the last three or four years we have seen a 10% to 12% appreciation year to year. And so 2026 looks like it is going to be the same. There isn’t more inventory and that is what is driving up the growth. With interest rates dipping a little bit we are hoping it is even stronger market. Based on the average of the top five mortgage companies, 5.8 is the magic number for interest rates. If the rates get down to 5.8 that will unlock some of these sellers that are waiting to move up. There is some more inventory this year, but prices are still going to continue to increase.”
— Ben Gray, The Gray Team at eXp Realty, Liverpool
“Right now, there is a dearth of available housing, basically anywhere in Central New York. The outlook is that it is likely to be a seller’s market throughout the remainder of this year. We are anticipating what Micron might start bringing in as far as the building of the facility at first and then the subsequent opening of the facility. In general, we need more houses. I believe interest rates are going to go down slightly. That will help with making more funds available to more people in the marketplace. However, that’s not going to do anything for the inventory as it exists in the marketplace. The dearth of inventory is causing people not to buy; it’s not the fact that they can’t get mortgages.”
— Thomas Haggerty, Century 21 Leah’s Signature, Liverpool
“Prices are high because the inventory is very low right now. We are hoping it is a bit more even playing field for buyers than it has been for recent years. What happens internationally is in some way tethered to interest rates. They have ticked up beyond 6%. Internationally it is hard to say, but locally I am hoping things are a little bit calmer. We anticipate a good year.”
— Stephen Gleason, NNY Homes Inc., Watertown
“We are very optimistic about 2026. The inventory is still rather low. But waterfront prices have been great. They have just soared. I think people are holding on to places. Because you never know what the future is. But when we do get a listing, they are selling for a very good price. It is shaping up to be a real good year.”
— Joan Gerni LaLone, NNY Homes Inc., Watertown
“I think it’s hopeful. This nicer weather will help to bring more listings. Buyers are ready and rates are down a little bit. It’s going to be a good year. I’ve been pretty busy this year. It’s been one of my busiest years so I am very hopeful it will continue. I think there will be a lot of changes with Micron and the infrastructure improvements. I’m very hopeful for a great 2026. I am also a very positive person.”
— Karen Whalen, Keller Williams Realty, East Syracuse
“The real estate market is very strong and stable currently. It is still a seller’s market because of the lack of inventory. The prices have stabilized, that’s good for the buyers. There is more activity happening right now. With lower interest rates everything has been very strong and positive.”
— Bill Galloway, Century 21 Galloway, Oswego
