The housing market can often feel wildly unpredictable, but Tara Hebenstreit, a Festus-based Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty-Gundaker, said 2026 will see exciting new developments.
“We’re going to be looking at technology, AI, videos, content of your videos, storytelling your community, also targeting building this relationship with your client,” she said.
Hebenstreit said she thinks there will be an increased number of first-time homebuyers from younger generations this year.
Hebenstreit also said homebuyers should see the community around them as an investment.
“My goal this year is every buyer I work with, the first thing is they’re not just buying a home. They’re buying into a community,” she said. “Them getting to know the community, what it has to offer is going to be really important this year.”
Hebenstreit also sees a lot of growth in local commercial real estate.
“I’m going to start focusing on the commercial side. Commercial’s big, the growth is here in our community down south,” she said. “Commercial is going to be important, bringing the businesses to our area.”
Hebenstreit said the 2026 market will not necessarily depend on the time of year.
“We don’t have a spring market or a summer market, or a fall market or a winter market,” she said. “It’s going to be when the buyer is ready and willing and able to purchase.”
Beginning in February, Hebenstreit said those who list with her will receive $200 off closing costs that will go to their favorite charity.
Hebenstreit has been with Coldwell Banker for more than a decade and specializes in properties in Jefferson, Ste. Genevieve and St. Francois counties.
Her office is at 502 S. Truman Blvd. in Festus. She can be reached by phone at 573-535-8038 or by email at tara.hebenstreit@cbrealty.com.