by Denise Olivares-Molina | Mar 30, 2026 | 2026 Housing Market, 2026 Mortgage Rate, Advice for Buyers, Affordability, Costs, Current Trends, First Time Home Buyers, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Equity Loans, Home Prices, Home value, Housing Market Shifts, Housing Market Updates, Infographic, Interest Rates, Pricing, Real Estate Finances, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Tips, Real Estate Trends in 2026, Weekly
Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan. But there are still things you can do to get the best rate possible in today’s market. It starts with having the right information.
So, what’s causing the bumps in rates? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.
Mortgage Rate Volatility Is Normal
Data from Freddie Mac shows the recent volatility. After trending down for well over a year, there was a rise this month (see graph below):
While it’s easy to be distracted by the changes, here’s what you need to remember.
It’s normal for rates to bounce around a bit here and there. For example, if you look back at the graph, you’ll see that even within the past year there have been times like this when rates inched up. We’re in one of those moments right now and you need to be aware of that.
Especially when there’s economic uncertainty or big global events happening, volatility like this is expected. As Investopedia explains:
“Mortgage rates don’t move in isolation. When global events inject uncertainty into financial markets . . . that can ripple through to borrowing . . . mortgage costs can respond quickly to geopolitical developments. As long as uncertainty remains elevated, rate swings may continue.”
And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t a wise move.
You can’t control what happens with mortgage rates. But there are still things you can do to help you get the best rate possible in today’s market. And here’s where to focus your effort.
Your Credit Score
Your credit score plays a big role in the rate you qualify for. Even a small improvement can make a noticeable difference in your monthly payment. As Bankrate puts it:
“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”
So, make sure you do what you can to keep your credit score up. If you’re not sure what your score is or how you can improve it, talk to a trusted loan officer.
Your Loan Type
There are also different types of home loans – and each one can have unique requirements, benefits, and rates for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) explains:
“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose.”
That’s why it’s so important to explore your options with a lender. You may even want to talk to multiple lenders to see how the options vary.
Your Loan Term
The length of your loan matters too. Most lenders typically offer 15, 20, or 30-year loans. Freddie Mac offers this advice:
“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.”
Again, to figure out what makes the most sense for your budget and long-term goals, have a lender walk you through all your options.
Bottom Line
Thinking about buying right now? The best advice is to accept that you can’t control where rates are going to go from here.
What you can do is work with a trusted lender and take steps that’ll help you get the best rate possible.
So, if you want to move today, let’s make it happen. We just need to control the controllables and focus where it counts.
Thank you for reading
Denise Olivares-Molina
by Denise Olivares-Molina | Jan 13, 2026 | Advice for Sellers, Affordability, Current Trends, For Sellers, Forecasts, Home Prices, Home value, Homeowner Information, Housing Market, Housing Market Updates, Investment, Investment Strategy, Investments, Real Estate Finances, Real Estate Goals, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Tips, Real Estate Trends in 2026, Weekly
Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news? It’s finally happening.
In 2025, affordability was the best it’s been in 3 years. And experts agree the momentum will keep going in 2026. And that’s based on their analysis of the key factors shaping the housing market in the year ahead: mortgage rates, inventory, and home prices.
Lower Mortgage Rates Are Already Here
Mortgage rates have already come down from their peak. By some counts, they dropped by almost a full percentage point over the course of the last year. And that’s a big deal, even if it doesn’t sound like it. But how low will they go? And should you wait for them to come down more? Here’s your answer.
Forecasts suggest they’ll stay pretty much where they are now and hover in the low 6% range throughout 2026 (see graph below):
Where they go from here really depends on what happens with the economy, the job market, and any changes in monetary policy the Fed makes in the year ahead. The important thing is, they’re already lower than they were just one year ago and that’s ideal if you’re planning a 2026 move.
- For buyers: A lower rate reduces monthly payments and increases buying power. And, that combo helps more people qualify for homes that previously felt just out of reach.
- For sellers: It may be time to accept that rates in the 6s are the new normal. And if you need to move, it’s doable, especially with your equity.
Even More Options Are on the Way
In 2025, the number of homes for sale improved by about 15%. As inventory rose, buyers regained things they hadn’t had in years: options, time to consider those options, and negotiating leverage. That helped restore more balance to the housing market.
Not to mention, the inventory gains are a big piece of what’s helped price growth slow down – which in turn improves affordability.
While the inventory gains this year aren’t expected to be as steep, experts at Realtor.com say the supply of homes for sale should grow by another 8.9% this year.
- For buyers: That means even more choice and more negotiating power.
- For sellers: Pricing your house right will be essential to draw in buyers.
Home Price Growth Is Slowing to a More Sustainable Pace
With more homes for sale, there isn’t as much upward pressure on prices right now. And we’ve seen that shake out over the past year. Even so, the overwhelming majority of experts say, nationally, prices will continue rising in the year ahead – just at a slower pace. On average, they say prices will rise by 1.6% in 2026 (see graph below):
And that’s reassuring if you’ve been fed content on social media saying prices are going to come crashing down. But here’s what you need to remember most about this. It’s going to vary a lot by area.
So, lean on a local agent for the latest on what’s happening where you are. Some markets will see prices rise more than this. Others may see prices come down slightly. It really all depends on conditions in your local market
But overall, prices will continue to rise at the national level. And that’s good for the market as a whole. As Realtor.com explains:
“For homebuyers and sellers, the shift signals a more balanced market—one where price growth steadies, rate relief offers breathing room, and negotiating power tilts subtly toward buyers.”
- For buyers: Expect more moderate price growth, not the sudden and intense spikes just a few short years ago. That gives you fewer surprises and more predictability, which makes budgeting a whole lot easier.
- For sellers: This slower price growth restores balance without putting your equity at risk. And that’s a win.
More Homes Will Sell
All of this adds up to a better affordability equation in 2026. And that’s exactly why experts are saying we should see more homes sell (and more people buy) this year.
As Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow, says:
“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026.”
The bottom line is, more people are finally going to be able to make their move this year. So, the question is: will you be one of them? The market is giving you an opportunity you haven’t had in a while. Maybe it’s time to take advantage of it.
Bottom Line
Affordability won’t change suddenly overnight. But, with several key trends working together, it should slowly and steadily improve in the months ahead.
That’s exactly why, in 2026, you should see a market with more balance, more predictability, and more breathing room than you’ve had in years.
Want more information about the opportunities unlocking in our local market?
Let’s chat.
Thank You For Reading
Denise-Olivares-Molina
