Mortgage rates are 6.5% in 2026.

Buy now or wait? Here’s the real answer.

Waiting feels safe. It’s not free.

Rent keeps rising. Prices may not fall.

This is the reality in 2026.

Rates ~6.5% · Median price ~$420K · Buyers are still buying.

Why people choose to wait

Rates might drop. Prices might soften. You save more.

Why people are buying now

Stop rent. Build equity. Refinance later if rates drop.

Waiting can cost more than you think

$18K rent spent to save ~$24/month. Do the math.

When waiting actually makes sense

Low credit, high debt, low savings, unstable income.

You can refinance later

Rates drop → payments drop. The house stays yours.

Affordable markets still exist

Homes ~$200K = payments under $1,600/month.

Are you ready to buy?

Good credit. Low DTI. Savings. Stable income.

The honest answer

Ready financially? Buy. Not ready? Wait and fix it.