Video

January 2, 2026
Airs live on YouTube
January 2, 2026

The Game Is Officially on for Homebuyers in 2026

Market Update

Coming Soon

Follow us on YouTube to watch live!

The new year is here, and the housing market is waking up.

Mortgage rates stayed steady through the holidays, landing around 6.2% for a conventional 30 year fixed loan. After years of ups and downs, stability like this matters more than many buyers realize.

There are also financing options available today that often go unnoticed. FHA and VA loan programs remain below 6%, which can significantly improve affordability for first-time buyers and veterans.

As financial markets return to full activity on Monday, fresh economic data brings more clarity and helps buyers plan with greater confidence.

Inflation continues to cool, even though prices remain elevated. That is why things still feel expensive, but the pace of increases has slowed, which supports longer-term decision-making.

Lower gas prices have also helped household budgets, easing some of the pressure many families have felt.

Most reputable forecasts suggest mortgage rates will remain in the low 6% range throughout 2026. While the market looks different than it once did, opportunity still exists for buyers who understand today’s conditions and prepare accordingly.

The market is waking up, options exist, and informed buyers are better positioned to move forward with confidence.

Video Transcript for
The Game Is Officially on for Homebuyers in 2026
RSS Feed
Featuring:
Bill Gaylord
, NMLS
680603
|
Gaylord-Hansen Team at CrossCountry Mortgage

The information contained is the viewpoint of the presenter(s). Individuals should consult their own financial representative.

Estimated Mortgage Payment is for exemplary purposes only. Contact a licensed loan officer for exact numbers and APR. Additional rates and terms may apply and are subject to change without notice. Loan scenario assumes a purchase price of Zillow's list price and a 10% down payment. Points and fees not included. Property tax, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA fees are approximate and may vary. Other fees may apply. Product displayed is a conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgage using the current average rate as shown on Mortgage News Daily (mortgagenewsdaily.com).

Estimated Qualifying Income assumes a homebuyer has a FICO score above 740, no other credit debt, and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 43%.

For exact numbers and APR or to run a loan scenario based on your own credit and income, contact our office at (858) 259-8700.

Rate Source: Mortgage News Daily. Rates displayed are approximate, subject to change, and do not necessarily reflect rates available to you. MND’s methods involve an objective component based on lenders' raw prices as well as a subjective impression from their network of originators. For more information about how these rates are calculated, visit www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/mortgage-rates/about.

Mortgage News Daily (MND) is a trademark of Brown House Media, Inc. Zillow is a trademark of Zillow, Inc. CrossCountry Mortgage has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Brown House Media, Inc. or Zillow, Inc.

Equal Housing Opportunity. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Certain restrictions apply. Call (858) 259-8700 for details. All borrowers must meet minimum credit score, loan-to-value, debt-to-income, and other requirements to qualify for any mortgage program. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC is an FHA Approved Lending Institution and is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or the federal government. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of or at the direction of the Veteran Affairs Office or any government agency. Certificate of Eligibility required for VA loans. By refinancing, the existing loan total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.

Additional Resources

A picture from mortgage university
Watch Now:
Read More:
The Real Reason Home Sales Slowed in January. And It’s Not What You Think.
Don’t confuse a weather-impacted month with a market losing steam.
A picture from mortgage university
Watch Now:
Read More:
Move-Up Buyers Are Choosing New Construction
At some point, a house that once felt perfect just… doesn’t anymore.
A picture from mortgage university
Watch Now:
Read More:
Headlines vs. Reality: Why Rates Are Near 6%
Mortgage market recap for February 13, 2026