Spring is traditionally the selling season, but this year’s headlines may be telling a different story. In this edition, we will explore what rising seller fatigue means as it brings distress to some and opportunities to others. We will also feature a deep dive into the history of the 30-year mortgage and its lasting impact on the U.S. market. There is plenty to uncover in this issue, so let’s get started!

The “Can’t Sell” Era and What Rising Seller Distress Signals for Investors

What happens when homeowners want to sell their house, but simply can’t? That exact question may just be defining today’s housing market. A recent MarketWatch report states that online searches for “can’t sell my house” are higher now than during the 2008 crisis. While the economy is much different in 2026 than in 2008, frustration among sellers seems to be similarly increasing as they face slowing buyer demand.

Many homeowners are now “locked in” to their much lower mortgage rates from prior years and may not want to sell their home just to buy again at today’s higher rates. However, life events like divorce, relocation, and financial strain won’t stop everyone from holding off on selling. Recently, properties have been sitting on the market longer than usual, with a typical home now spending over 60 days on the market according to Realtor.com, while simultaneously price reductions are becoming more common nationwide. According to Redfin, nearly 20% of sellers nationally have had to drop their asking prices in an attempt to attract more interest. This is up significantly from May of 2024, when only 6.4% of listings nationwide had price cuts. Obviously this doesn't apply to every market, but it does signal a broader trend.

Important to note is that while the rise in "can't sell" searches is alarming, it doesn't necessarily signal a 2008-style wave of foreclosures. According to ATTOM’s Year-End Report, foreclosure filings did increase by 14% in 2025, but that was up from historical lows. For the majority of sellers, the issue isn’t being “underwater” but rather struggling to find buyers at the desired sales price. Currently the market appears to be at a standstill, with sellers holding onto high expectations while buyers are constrained by increased borrowing costs and limited affordability. Broader financial pressures, including rising energy, food and other staple costs may also be making buyers more cautious.

For investors, this seller fatigue may present a window of opportunity. This is now a market turning away from blind bidding and towards a market where negotiation, price reductions, and favorable terms could be back on the table. At the same time, some homeowners who can’t sell may decide to rent out their homes instead, creating more “accidental landlords.” This can increase the number of rental properties on the market and slow down rent growth, especially in areas with a lot of inventory. For investors, this means it’s important to focus on specific markets, since some areas may see weaker rental performance even if buying opportunities improve.

The “can’t sell” trend is more than just a jarring headline; it could be an early signal of shifting market dynamics and a push to strategize for long-term investors. This could bring the rare opportunity to buy a discounted home today while pairing with sustained rental demand tomorrow. Staying ahead means tracking days on market, price reductions, and absorption trends to best identify where value lies.

Did You Know: History of the 30-Year Mortgage

Everything You Need to Know in 60 Seconds!

The invention of the 30-year mortgage didn’t just make it easier to own a home … it also reshaped the entire housing market. Before the 1930’s, buying a home was much different, with most mortgages lasting only 3-5 years, requiring large down payments of 50% or more and ending with a massive "balloon payment”. Let’s take a look at how the 30-year mortgage came to be:

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Until Next Month!

The Stars and Stripes Homes, Inc. Team