Featuring the perspectives of:
Todd Emerson
General Manager, Harry Norman, REALTORS®
Christa Huffstickler
Founder and CEO, Engel & Völkers Atlanta
Sherry Noles
Regional Vice President for Atlanta, Coldwell Banker Realty
How do you think buyer and seller expectations will evolve in 2026 compared to what we’ve seen over the past few years?
Todd Emerson: “Balanced” will be the theme in 2026, which will greatly influence buyer and seller expectations. Throughout 2025, the market transitioned to one of greater equilibrium as available inventory continued to grow, returning to levels seen prior to the pandemic. More choice for buyers means greater opportunity to negotiate and the ability to take more time before making a buying decision. Buyers will continue accepting that higher mortgage rates “are the new normal.” Sellers, on the other hand, will need to price with great precision. Gone are the days of aspirational pricing justified by scarcity. Moving into 2026, both buyers and sellers should base their decisions on data, not emotion.
Christa Huffstickler: In Atlanta, buyer and seller expectations will continue to evolve toward data-backed realism and value-conscious decisions. Buyers have become more financially disciplined after years of inflation, interest rate hikes and market volatility. By 2026, they’ll expect agents to provide hyperlocal data, intelligent pricing strategy and stronger support for navigating financing options like rate buydowns or creative lending products.
Sellers will also need to shift their mindset. Gone are the days of instant multiple offers with waived contingencies. They’ll expect real estate agents to bring more than just MLS exposure — they’ll want full-service marketing, strategic pricing and local knowledge to help stand out in a more competitive market.
In metro Atlanta, where price growth is stabilizing, both sides will expect transparency, professionalism, and negotiation skill. The agents who thrive will be those who can meet these rising expectations with smart tech tools, clear communication and deep neighborhood expertise.
Sherry Noles: I believe 2026 will bring a gradual stabilization to the market. In fact, economists indicate a modest appreciation in prices and a gentle, steady increase in closed sales as mortgage rates drop. Thus, it should be a more normal market than we have seen over the past couple of years.
Home prices will still increase but at a more sustainable pace. Buyers will likely be more cautious weighing affordability and condition. Sellers will benefit when the list price is an accurate reflection of current comparables rather than past peak periods.
Inventory will continue to build but may not be distributed evenly through all communities. Some markets will still have pockets of tight supply. However, the buyers will gain more choice than in recent previous years. This shift will create less urgency and bidding battles and create a better environment for negotiations.
Buyers will be more value driven and expect reasonable negotiations along with conditions. Sellers will continue to be successful if the pricing is based on realistic expectations of the current market and listings are professionally positioned. In 2026, the market will feel more balanced as mortgage rates moderate and activity increases for both sides, with steady price gains and a more balanced process rather than extremes.
What role do you see AI, data analytics and emerging tech playing in how agents serve clients and run their businesses by 2026?
Emerson: The agents who embrace and incorporate AI into their businesses are the ones who will thrive in 2026 and beyond. Gone are the days of simply using AI to help generate better listing descriptions. In the future, agents will use AI for things like creating better and faster marketing content designed specifically for multiple platforms, a more integrated and seamless client experience from initial contact that extends beyond the closing, deeper pricing and marketing analysis, identifying buyer trends to better position listings to sell and anticipating when a homeowner might be getting ready to sell, to name a few. Agents will also transition to operating more like data-driven advisors versus traditional salespeople, where they help their clients interpret and contextualize AI-generated data. Tech won’t replace Realtors — it will expose those who are truly adding value.
Huffstickler: By 2026, agents will rely heavily on AI and data analytics to stay competitive and provide superior service. Tools powered by artificial intelligence will help predict pricing shifts at the ZIP code and even street level — especially valuable in our city’s diverse submarkets.
AI will also streamline operations: scheduling, document prep, lead nurturing and even listing creation will be partially or fully automated. Client communication will become more efficient, but personalization will remain key. Virtual tours and AI-generated staging will be expected as standard, particularly in Atlanta’s urban core and luxury markets.
Data analytics will help agents identify emerging investment pockets, advise on cost-of-living and school data and provide scenario planning for things like interest rate volatility or insurance hikes (a growing concern in Georgia).
Noles: AI will be a game changer for the agents who embrace its abilities. There will be a variety of ways AI can assist agents with everyday tasks, lead generation, social media, scheduling, organization, market information and so much more.
What steps will the industry need to take in 2026 to strengthen consumer trust and reinforce the value of Realtor representation?
Emerson: The industry must double down on transparency, awareness, education and professionalism. Consumers are demanding clarity around agent compensation, representation and value — so Realtors need to communicate what they do better than ever.
Huffstickler: Realtors in Atlanta, and nationally, will need to double down on education, transparency and consistency to reinforce their value by 2026. Consumers are savvier than ever and more likely to question fees, processes and the ROI of professional representation.
To build trust, we need to communicate clear value metrics: negotiation success rates, average days on market, pricing accuracy and client satisfaction. Certifications and ongoing education — especially in tech, legal updates and financial literacy — should be showcased more visibly.
With Atlanta’s diverse and growing population, cultural competency and ethical, inclusive practices will also become a trust marker. Consumer expectations around fair housing, data privacy and non-discriminatory access to listings will be higher.
Brokerages and associations need to standardize quality, enforce accountability and promote the “trusted advisor” role, not just sales execution. Realtors must position themselves as advocates who guide clients through complex legal, financial and lifestyle decisions — not just open doors and write offers.
Noles: The agents’ value offered will remain paramount. Transparency with consumers is imperative to gain trust. Agents should be knowledgeable in the market, strong advocates for the consumer, and be able to provide data and analytics to the consumer.
The Realtor should be able to communicate the market conditions confidently, while providing real data that ties decisions to realistic outcomes. Furthermore, the agent should have professional consistency with communication and follow through with all aspects of the process.
Where will the hot neighborhoods for homebuyers be in 2026?
Emerson: Suburbs such as Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs are expected to remain top picks for homebuyers in 2026, driven by a combination of economic strength, lifestyle appeal and strategic location. These communities benefit from strong job growth, particularly in tech, health care and finance, with major employers like NCR, Microsoft and Northside Hospital expanding their footprint in the area. This economic momentum fuels housing demand and supports long-term property value growth.
Huffstickler: By 2026, emerging infrastructure, affordability and walkability will define Atlanta’s hottest neighborhoods for homebuyers. Buyers will seek not just homes — but lifestyle ecosystems. Areas blending affordability, transit, schools and local culture will top the list.
West End and Oakland City will continue to heat up as BeltLine expansion draws young professionals, investors and first-time buyers. Expect more retail, bike paths and renovated homes driving value. Chamblee and Doraville in North DeKalb will shine due to MARTA expansion, international dining and infill development, all with better price-per-square-foot than nearby Brookhaven. Upper Westside (Bolton, Riverside) is undergoing rapid transformation, with new mixed-use developments, breweries and improved access to Midtown and Buckhead. East Point and Hapeville are gaining traction among artists, remote workers and buyers priced out of Grant Park or Decatur. With close proximity to the airport and the film industry’s growing footprint, these areas are poised for appreciation. And South Fulton and Stonecrest may see a rise as affordability and infrastructure improvements attract long-term buyers and build-to-rent developers.
Noles: New construction will remain sought after throughout metro Atlanta. Areas such as Cherokee, Forsyth and Gwinnett are fast-growing counties and are expected to continue that trajectory in 2026. Inside the Perimeter will be hot in the areas where live, work and play communities are offered.
How will the CCP/private listings debates evolve in 2026?
Emerson: The most recent news of the National Association of REALTORS® modifying its MLS policies will certainly add an additional element to the CCP/private listings debates. Beginning in 2026, local MLSs will be the ones deciding policy on things like granting access to non-Realtor members, whether to accept open listings, public display of listings and how listings will be transmitted to third-party aggregators. Since it will now be up to each individual MLS to decide what they will/will not allow, I think it will result in even more confusion for both agents and consumers. However, at the end of the day, I believe convenient access to information and overall transparency will continue to be very important to consumers.
Huffstickler: The debate over coming soon and private listings will become more structured and scrutinized by 2026 — especially in Atlanta’s competitive submarkets.
On one side, private listings offer exclusivity for sellers. On the other, they limit access and transparency for buyers, often disadvantaging those without well-connected agents. Trust and fairness will drive the conversation. Agents will need to balance client interests with ethical listing practices and make sure their processes stand up to scrutiny — especially as lawsuits and DOJ reviews put more pressure on industry standards.