By Jeffrey Quiggle

I’ve reported and published stories on current trends in real estate and the housing market for a number of years, and I always find it useful to take a look at mortgage rates and significant behavior shifts home buyers are making.

Real estate technology company Zillow also pays close attention to developments in home buying and selling — and the company has spotted an intriguing new one.

Before I get to that, though, let’s check in on current mortgage rates.

“The 30-year FRM (fixed-rate mortgage) averaged 6.09% as of Feb. 12, 2026, down from last week when it averaged 6.11%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.87%,” reported government-sponsored enterprise Freddie Mac.

“The 15-year FRM averaged 5.44%, down from last week when it averaged 5.50%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.09%,” the company added.

Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater offered his perspective on what he sees happening now with in real estate.

“Bolstered by strong economic growth, a solid labor market and mortgage rates at three-year lows, housing affordability continues to measurably improve,” Khater wrote.

“These factors have caught the attention of many prospective homebuyers, driving purchase application activity higher than a year ago.”

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Zillow sees new, changing real estate trend

Zillow recognizes one current trend that home buyers are setting, which is very different from the prevailing trend 20 years ago when the company was founded in Seattle.

At that time the “McMansion” was at its popularity peak.

“Homes featured dramatic two-story foyers, arched doorways, decorative columns and complex rooflines designed to project prosperity from the street,” Zillow wrote. “Listings highlighted formal living rooms and formal dining rooms, spaces reserved for special occasions rather than everyday use.”

“Home theaters were status upgrades: the bigger the screen, the better,” Zillow continued. “Oversize primary suites, Jacuzzi tubs and walk-in closets were must-haves, while energy efficiency and climate resilience were rarely mentioned.”

Zillow forecasts big shift for home buyers

Two decades on, Zillow’s numbers reveal a major shift in what matters to buyers.

Instead of prioritizing spaces meant to impress visitors, people are now choosing homes that better fit the rhythms and needs of their everyday lives.

“If the past 20 years transformed homes from status symbols into personal sanctuaries, the next 20 will be about adaptability,” said Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton.

“Our homes will be better able to evolve with changing families, changing climates and changing lifestyles,” she added. “We expect future homes to be more flexible, resilient and deeply personal. The smartest homes won’t feel high-tech; they’ll feel intuitive, lived-in and supportive.”

More on mortgages, housing market:

• Zillow sounds alarm mortgage rates, housing market

• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices predicts housing market pivot

• Redfin sends strong message on mortgage rates

With affordability becoming a growing concern, buyers are choosing homes that deliver more function rather than simply more space — especially when larger properties come with higher heating, insurance, and upkeep costs.

New builds are trending smaller and more budget‑friendly, with both lot sizes and square footage dropping noticeably since 2018.

Home buying trends in 2006

• Pantone selected Sand Dollar as its 2006 color of the year, and it became a defining shade of mid‑2000s décor. (Source: Walker Edison)

• Interior walls often featured warm neutrals such as beige, tan, and cream, contrasted with bright white trim. (Source: Zillow)

• Kitchens and bathrooms commonly included polished granite countertops, dark cherry or mahogany raised‑panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and oil‑rubbed bronze fixtures. (Source: Zillow)

Home buying trends in 2026

• Bold personal style now takes center stage. Mentions of “color drenching” — painting walls, ceilings, and trim in one deep, saturated shade — have risen 149% in Zillow listings.

• Zillow’s recent paint‑color analysis shows buyers are willing to pay more for homes featuring darker tones such as olive green, navy blue, and charcoal gray rather than standard white walls.

• Wellness and sustainability are emphasized.

• Activities once tied to gyms or spas have moved into the home. References to spa‑like bathrooms are up 22%, and mentions of golf simulators and pickleball courts have each climbed 25%, signaling a shift away from the traditional “man cave” toward spaces designed for movement and recreation.

• Energy efficiency, once a secondary consideration in 2006, has become a major value driver heading into 2026.

• Listings that highlight zero‑energy‑ready homes are up 70%.

• Mentions of whole‑home battery systems have increased 40%.

• EV charging stations appear 25% more often.

• Climate‑resilient features — from flood‑mitigation elements to fire‑resistant materials — are gaining traction as buyers seek homes built to withstand long‑term environmental uncertainty.

Source: The Street