February presents a rare strategic window for US homebuyers. While mortgage rates have recently dropped to three-year lows, recent pending home sales data indicates that the buyer masses have not yet flooded the market. This article explores how to leverage this temporary lull to negotiate aggressive concessions, target high-inventory regions like the South and West, and secure a property before spring competition drives prices upward.

The landscape of US real estate commissions has fundamentally shifted by early 2026, creating new standards for buyers and sellers alike. Following recent industry settlements, mandatory buyer representation agreements and fully negotiable commission structures are now the norm. This guide clarifies who pays whom, explains the necessity of written contracts before touring homes, and explores why sellers should still consider offering agent compensation to maximize their market reach.