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 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

A picture from mortgage university
Watch Now:
Read More:
More Starter Homes Are Hitting the Market
After several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers.
A picture from mortgage university
Watch Now:
Read More:
Only an Expert Agent Can Give You an Accurate Value of Your Home
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful.
A picture from mortgage university
Watch Now:
Read More:
What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit Scores [INFOGRAPHIC]
Data shows 7 out of 10 prospective homebuyers don’t know the minimum credit score required by lenders or that it varies by lender and loan type.