The Midwest is Quietly Winning in 2026 – Here’s What the Data Says
A lot of attention has been on the Sunbelt over the last few years, but the 2026 data is telling a different story. Ohio is quietly becoming one of the strongest markets in the country right now.
Fortune recently reported that Florida and Texas are now the biggest losers in the housing market, while Ohio is emerging as the surprise winner. Cincinnati and Columbus are modest buyer's markets, but Cleveland is one of the rare balanced markets in America.
At the same time, the fix-and-flip market is showing strain in the Sunbelt, with the Q2 2026 Fix-and-Flip Index falling to its second consecutive quarterly decline. Flippers in Texas and the Southeast reported longer selling times and more sales below estimated after-repair values. But in the Midwest and Northern California, flippers are still selling above ARV.
What does this mean for wholesalers?
· More buyer interest in the Midwest – As investors pivot away from saturated Sunbelt markets, Ohio is positioned to absorb that capital.
· Tax-delinquent owners are more motivated – With rising inventory across Ohio and days on market increasing, sellers are becoming more open to cash offers.
· Off-market deals still dominate – The best deals never hit Zillow or Redfin. Direct mail, skip tracing, and relationships are still the best way to find motivated sellers.
I've been tracking tax-delinquent lists and skip-tracing owners in Cleveland and Toledo, and the conversations are noticeably different now compared to six months ago. More owners are picking up the phone.
For those actively sourcing in the Midwest—are you seeing the same shift? Are sellers becoming easier to engage, or is the softening market making them more hesitant?