Video

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

The Game Is Officially on for Homebuyers in 2026

Market Update

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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
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Featuring:
Bill Gaylord
, NMLS
680603
|
Gaylord-Hansen Team at CrossCountry Mortgage

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.

Additional Resources

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Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff
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Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?
If you’ve been skipping over newly built homes in your search, you might be doing so based on outdated assumptions.