A 1999 Cristal champagne bottle and two flutes glow against festive golden lights.

Winter 2026 Real Estate Market Update

  • Candice Rich
  • January 29, 2026

Gold lion-head door knocker with a large circular ring.

 

Candice Rich Luxury Homes promotional graphic with the headline “New Year. New Home. New Lifestyle.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

ArAs we step into the heart of winter, I wanted to share perspectives on what’s unfolding across our real estate landscape for 2026

 

I hope you find this edition informative!

 

2026 HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK

 

Sculptural modern building with sweeping dark and pale metal facades.

 

What the Housing Data Is Actually Pointing To

 

After several years of stalled decision-making, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by balance rather than extremes. Buyers and sellers are not entering an easy market, but they are entering one with more clarity, more choice, and healthier alignment across key fundamentals.

 

Here are a few signals shaping the year ahead:

 

  • Inventory is rebuilding without destabilizing prices, creating more choice and improved negotiating conditions rather than volatility.
  • Mortgage rates are expected to remain within a narrower range, with improving spreads quietly supporting affordability even without dramatic rate cuts.
  • Income growth is beginning to outpace home price growth, a necessary step toward gradual affordability improvement.
  • Market conditions are becoming more predictable, shifting the advantage toward informed strategy rather than urgency.

 

While the national outlook is improving, outcomes in 2026 will be driven far more by local market dynamics than headlines.....

 

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

 

THE NEXT ERA IN LUXURY LIVING:

What Buyers Want in 2026

Luxury living room with marble floors, two fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling city views.

 

Luxury Buyer Priorities to Watch

 

What I’m seeing locally: Homes that combine strong design, functionality, and location continue to stand out, even in a more selective market.

 

Insights from The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing:

 

Luxury buyers are prioritizing homes that support how they live day to day. Well-designed kitchens and entertaining spaces remain central, with professional appliances, secondary prep kitchens, wine storage, and integrated gathering areas now considered baseline expectations rather than upgrades.

 

Lifestyle-driven design continues to shape demand, with greater emphasis on wellness, flexibility, strong indoor–outdoor flow, and proximity to walkable districts, nature, and curated amenities.

 

Innovative features gaining traction include:

  • Flexible living spaces that adapt to multiple uses
  • AI-driven home automation managing lighting, energy, and security
  • Expanded wellness features beyond traditional gyms
  • Immersive entertainment spaces such as golf simulators and tasting rooms
  • Discreet security features emphasizing privacy and peace of mind

 

Looking ahead, ultra-high-net-worth buyers remain largely opportunity-driven, while the broader luxury market is becoming more strategic, investing in enduring quality while keeping finishes adaptable over time.

*** Excerpts taken from article written by The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing

 

 

FEATURED PROPERTIES FOR SALE

 

WELCOME TO

SUMMIT OVER BAY HARBOR

 

Modern hillside residential development with glass balconies and a pool terrace.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Resort Township, MI 49770

 

Blush Models Units 14 - 31

Jade Models Units 2 - 13

____________________________________________

 

Rising above Little Traverse Bay, The Summit Over Bay Harbor offers a rare opportunity to create a bespoke waterfront residence in one of Northern Michigan's most prestigious resort settings.

 

Residences at The Summit Over Bay Harbor are offered as custom build opportunities, allowing buyers to select architectural details, interior finishes, and premium upgrades tailored to their lifestyle.

 

Designed for those who value elevated living, privacy, and unforgettable surroundings, each residence captures sweeping water views and dramatic sunsets from multiple levels.

 

Perfectly located across from The Cliffs at Bay Harbor and minutes from Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, and Harbor Springs, this is Northern Michigan luxury living at its finest.

 

See a sampling of some of our Units Below!

 

Modern hillside homes overlook the water beneath a vivid sunset.

 

An Exclusive Look at 4 of 31 Residences

 

Modern kitchen and dining area with ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit #31

6 BED | 6.2 BATH

$3,695,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,586 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 1,139 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. An additional 720 square feet of unfinished lower-level space provides flexibility for storage or future customization, bringing the total square footage to approximately 7,445 square feet...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Modern bedroom with corner windows overlooking the ocean and coastline.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit # 22

6 BED | 6.2 BATH

$3,495,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,586 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 1,139 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. An additional 720 square feet of unfinished lower-level space provides flexibility for storage or future customization, bringing the total square footage to approximately 7,445 square feet...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAIL

Open-plan kitchen and dining area with a stone island and ocean views through expansive windows.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit #5

3 BED | 3.2 BATH

$2,995,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,078 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 598 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light and frame the bay as a living work of art. The main living level is ideal for hosting, anchored by a gourmet kitchen, premium appliances, generous island, fireplace, wet bar, and private balcony suspended above the water...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Open-plan kitchen and living area with a large island, dining table, and open-riser staircase.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit #7

3 BED | 3.2 BATH

$2,845,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,078 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 598 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light and frame the bay as a living work of art. The main living level is ideal for hosting, anchored by a gourmet kitchen, premium appliances, generous island, fireplace, wet bar, and private balcony suspended above the water...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Contact me for further details 313-218- 5300

 

#1 LUXURY FIRM IN MICHIGAN

 

 

As we close out 2025, we just want to say thank you. What we accomplished together this year was nothing

short of incredible!

 

Market graphic: ranked number one luxury firm in Michigan for 2025 sales above $700K.

 

Home where you live

 

Blonde woman in a navy outfit smiling and holding open a doorway.

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate

Certified Luxury Home Guild Marketing Specialist

Hour Detroit Best of 2025 Winner

CLHMS Elite Guild Marketing Specialist

Oakland County Real Producers Top 1000, 2025

PropertySpark named one of the top 50 Michigan real estate agents on social media.

Map of the United States with red location pins.

Michigan communities collage featuring Ann Arbor, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Detroit, and other locations.

With 11 offices across the State of Michigan now, as well as a robust International network of highly vetted referral partners, remember I can assist you wherever your real estate needs may take you. 

 

Contact Me First!

 

 

Candice Rich, CNE®, CLHMS®

Global Luxury & Relocation Advisor

 

O: 248.724.6124

C: 313.218.5300

[email protected]

Candicerich.com

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

 

 

 

 

Gold lion-head door knocker with a large circular ring.

 

Candice Rich Luxury Homes promotional graphic with the headline “New Year. New Home. New Lifestyle.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

ArAs we step into the heart of winter, I wanted to share perspectives on what’s unfolding across our real estate landscape for 2026

 

I hope you find this edition informative!

 

2026 HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK

 

Sculptural modern building with sweeping dark and pale metal facades.

 

What the Housing Data Is Actually Pointing To

 

After several years of stalled decision-making, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by balance rather than extremes. Buyers and sellers are not entering an easy market, but they are entering one with more clarity, more choice, and healthier alignment across key fundamentals.

 

Here are a few signals shaping the year ahead:

 

  • Inventory is rebuilding without destabilizing prices, creating more choice and improved negotiating conditions rather than volatility.
  • Mortgage rates are expected to remain within a narrower range, with improving spreads quietly supporting affordability even without dramatic rate cuts.
  • Income growth is beginning to outpace home price growth, a necessary step toward gradual affordability improvement.
  • Market conditions are becoming more predictable, shifting the advantage toward informed strategy rather than urgency.

 

While the national outlook is improving, outcomes in 2026 will be driven far more by local market dynamics than headlines.....

 

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

 

THE NEXT ERA IN LUXURY LIVING:

What Buyers Want in 2026

Luxury living room with marble floors, two fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling city views.

 

Luxury Buyer Priorities to Watch

 

What I’m seeing locally: Homes that combine strong design, functionality, and location continue to stand out, even in a more selective market.

 

Insights from The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing:

 

Luxury buyers are prioritizing homes that support how they live day to day. Well-designed kitchens and entertaining spaces remain central, with professional appliances, secondary prep kitchens, wine storage, and integrated gathering areas now considered baseline expectations rather than upgrades.

 

Lifestyle-driven design continues to shape demand, with greater emphasis on wellness, flexibility, strong indoor–outdoor flow, and proximity to walkable districts, nature, and curated amenities.

 

Innovative features gaining traction include:

  • Flexible living spaces that adapt to multiple uses
  • AI-driven home automation managing lighting, energy, and security
  • Expanded wellness features beyond traditional gyms
  • Immersive entertainment spaces such as golf simulators and tasting rooms
  • Discreet security features emphasizing privacy and peace of mind

 

Looking ahead, ultra-high-net-worth buyers remain largely opportunity-driven, while the broader luxury market is becoming more strategic, investing in enduring quality while keeping finishes adaptable over time.

*** Excerpts taken from article written by The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing

 

 

FEATURED PROPERTIES FOR SALE

 

WELCOME TO

SUMMIT OVER BAY HARBOR

 

Modern hillside residential development with glass balconies and a pool terrace.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Resort Township, MI 49770

 

Blush Models Units 14 - 31

Jade Models Units 2 - 13

____________________________________________

 

Rising above Little Traverse Bay, The Summit Over Bay Harbor offers a rare opportunity to create a bespoke waterfront residence in one of Northern Michigan's most prestigious resort settings.

 

Residences at The Summit Over Bay Harbor are offered as custom build opportunities, allowing buyers to select architectural details, interior finishes, and premium upgrades tailored to their lifestyle.

 

Designed for those who value elevated living, privacy, and unforgettable surroundings, each residence captures sweeping water views and dramatic sunsets from multiple levels.

 

Perfectly located across from The Cliffs at Bay Harbor and minutes from Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, and Harbor Springs, this is Northern Michigan luxury living at its finest.

 

See a sampling of some of our Units Below!

 

Modern hillside homes overlook the water beneath a vivid sunset.

 

An Exclusive Look at 4 of 31 Residences

 

Modern kitchen and dining area with ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit #31

6 BED | 6.2 BATH

$3,695,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,586 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 1,139 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. An additional 720 square feet of unfinished lower-level space provides flexibility for storage or future customization, bringing the total square footage to approximately 7,445 square feet...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Modern bedroom with corner windows overlooking the ocean and coastline.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit # 22

6 BED | 6.2 BATH

$3,495,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,586 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 1,139 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. An additional 720 square feet of unfinished lower-level space provides flexibility for storage or future customization, bringing the total square footage to approximately 7,445 square feet...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAIL

Open-plan kitchen and dining area with a stone island and ocean views through expansive windows.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit #5

3 BED | 3.2 BATH

$2,995,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,078 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 598 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light and frame the bay as a living work of art. The main living level is ideal for hosting, anchored by a gourmet kitchen, premium appliances, generous island, fireplace, wet bar, and private balcony suspended above the water...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Open-plan kitchen and living area with a large island, dining table, and open-riser staircase.

3575 Charlevoix Avenue

Petosky, MI 49770

Unit #7

3 BED | 3.2 BATH

$2,845,000

 

This expansive offering features approximately 5,078 square feet of interior living space, complemented by a 598 square foot rooftop terrace designed for entertaining, relaxation, and evening gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light and frame the bay as a living work of art. The main living level is ideal for hosting, anchored by a gourmet kitchen, premium appliances, generous island, fireplace, wet bar, and private balcony suspended above the water...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Contact me for further details 313-218- 5300

 

#1 LUXURY FIRM IN MICHIGAN

 

 

As we close out 2025, we just want to say thank you. What we accomplished together this year was nothing

short of incredible!

 

Market graphic: ranked number one luxury firm in Michigan for 2025 sales above $700K.

 

Home where you live

 

Blonde woman in a navy outfit smiling and holding open a doorway.

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate

Certified Luxury Home Guild Marketing Specialist

Hour Detroit Best of 2025 Winner

CLHMS Elite Guild Marketing Specialist

Oakland County Real Producers Top 1000, 2025

PropertySpark named one of the top 50 Michigan real estate agents on social media.

Map of the United States with red location pins.

Michigan communities collage featuring Ann Arbor, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Detroit, and other locations.

With 11 offices across the State of Michigan now, as well as a robust International network of highly vetted referral partners, remember I can assist you wherever your real estate needs may take you. 

 

Contact Me First!

 

 

Candice Rich, CNE®, CLHMS®

Global Luxury & Relocation Advisor

 

O: 248.724.6124

C: 313.218.5300

[email protected]

Candicerich.com

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

 

 

 

 

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Candice Rich is a skilled negotiator, trusted real estate advisor, and former private practice Accountant known for her strategic approach, market expertise, and dedication to personalized representation.