Questions on every home buyer's and homeowner's mind

Should I wait to buy because of the interest rates?

Is the market going to crash?

     What's going to happen to home values?

Do I really need an agent?

Many first-time buyers today are left wondering if current interest rates are high or low, especially with the 30-year mortgage recently cooling to 6.14% after peaking at nearly 8% in late 2023. While we are seeing some of the lowest levels since early 2026, it is important to remember that the 'ideal' rate of 6% provides a necessary balance for the economy. Rates significantly lower than this can trigger the kind of unchecked demand and risky lending that led to the 2008 crash, whereas much higher rates risk total market stagnation. Ultimately, today’s rates represent a 'sweet spot' that maintains home values without sacrificing the rigorous buyer vetting that keeps our local market stable. 

This segues into the next question, "Is the market going to crash?"

The market doesn't "crash" in the sense that everything comes to a sudden halt and houses are worth zero overnight. It's a market, it goes up and down. The positive we took from the 2008 market crash was learning the importance of not messing with the interest rates and actually verifying that someone is making the money they say they are before giving them a loan. 

 While some Sun Belt markets are seeing modest dips, the national consensus for 2026 is stability. Economists project home prices to stall or rise slightly (roughly 1% to 2%), which is a "normal" market pace. For you, this means the days of 20% annual appreciation are over, but your investment is safe. We’re moving into a balanced market where you finally have room to breathe and negotiate.

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Do I really need an agent?

In an easy market where everything sells in five minutes, people question the value of an agent. But in a balanced 2026 market, you need a strategist more than ever.

• Negotiation Power: With inventory up 20% from last year, I can now negotiate seller credits or rate buydowns that weren't possible two years ago.

• Hyper-Local Insights: National headlines don't buy houses. Whether you're looking at beachfront in Belmont Shore or a condo in Naples, the market is different on every block.

• The Math: I help you run the "Buy vs. Rent" numbers to ensure you aren't just house poor but are actually building equity.

Summary of the 2026 Market Outlook

Metric	Current Status (Feb 2026)	2026 Forecast
30-Year Fixed Rate	6.11% - 6.14%	Expected to settle near 6.3%
Home Prices	Stable / Minor Gains	0% to +3% nationally
Inventory	Rising	Moving toward a 5-month supply (Balanced)

What a 5-Month Supply Means for You

When the market hits that 5-month sweet spot, the vibe of the transaction changes for both sides:

• For Buyers: The panic is gone. They don't have to see a house at 9:00 AM and make an offer by noon. They have time to do a proper inspection and can actually ask for repairs or closing cost credits without being laughed at.

• For Sellers: The home likely won't sell in 48 hours with 10 backup offers. They get to focus on the Price, Presentation, and Promotion. A 5-month supply means they are competing with other sellers for a limited pool of buyers.

• For the Market: This level of inventory usually leads to price stability. Prices aren't skyrocketing (Seller's Market), but they aren't plummeting (Buyer's Market) either.