The short answer
A 12-month market trend is the percentage change in local home values over the past year. It is the most useful short-term indicator because it smooths out seasonal swings, like slow winters and busy springs, and shows whether a local market is rising, flat or softening.
Using the 12-Month Trend in the Field
- 1
Separate direction from seasonality
Month-to-month numbers are noisy because of school calendars and weather. The 12-month view shows the real direction.
- 2
Set listing expectations
If the local trend is up about 2%, a seller who wants to price 10% above the last comparable sale is setting up an expired listing.
- 3
Answer "the market is crashing"
Local data often tells a calmer story than national headlines. Show the actual number for their area.
- 4
Watch for micro-market gaps
Metro-wide trends can hide ZIP-level reality. One ZIP code can be down while a neighboring one is up.
How Touchpoint Valuation automates this
Touchpoint Valuation's full report shows the recent local trend alongside the home's value history, giving you and the homeowner a shared reference point.
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Real Estate Trends & Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Realtors Need to Know →
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