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.
Want the full breakdown?
See how much house you can afford in 2026.