[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fbwk2pqjjqsc7":3,"$f2bp5hud6gd5a6":124},[4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64,68,72,76,80,84,88,92,96,100,104,108,112,116,120],{"id":5,"name":6,"slug":7},1,"Uncategorized","uncategorized",{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},5,"For Buyers","buyers",{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},6,"For Sellers","sellers",{"id":17,"name":18,"slug":19},7,"Foreclosures","foreclosures",{"id":21,"name":22,"slug":23},8,"Infographics","infographics",{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},9,"Home Prices","home-prices",{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},11,"First-Time Buyers","first-time-buyers",{"id":33,"name":34,"slug":35},34,"Senior Market","senior-market",{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},35,"Mortgage Rates","mortgage-rates",{"id":41,"name":42,"slug":43},38,"Move-Up","move-up",{"id":45,"name":46,"slug":47},41,"For Sale by Owner","for-sale-by-owner",{"id":49,"name":50,"slug":51},42,"Featured","featured",{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55},45,"New Construction","new-construction",{"id":57,"name":58,"slug":59},52,"Luxury \u002F Vacation","luxury--vacation",{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},53,"Rent vs. Buy","rent-vs-buy",{"id":65,"name":66,"slug":67},80,"Time-sensitive","time-sensitive",{"id":69,"name":70,"slug":71},81,"Outdated","outdated",{"id":73,"name":74,"slug":75},147,"Internal","internal",{"id":77,"name":78,"slug":79},148,"Do Not Autopost","do-not-autopost",{"id":81,"name":82,"slug":83},320,"Inventory","inventory",{"id":85,"name":86,"slug":87},321,"Agent Value","agent-value",{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},322,"Affordability","affordability",{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},323,"Buying Tips","buying-tips",{"id":97,"name":98,"slug":99},324,"Downsize","downsize",{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},325,"Economy","economy",{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},326,"Equity","equity",{"id":109,"name":110,"slug":111},327,"Forecasts","forecasts",{"id":113,"name":114,"slug":115},328,"Selling Tips","selling-tips",{"id":117,"name":118,"slug":119},339,"Expired\u002FWithdrawn\u002FCanceled","expiredwithdrawncanceled",{"id":121,"name":122,"slug":123},340,"Price It Right\u002FOverpricing","price-it-rightoverpricing",{"items":125,"totalCount":293,"hasMore":294},[126,147,163,181,197,214,230,245,260,277],{"id":127,"slug":128,"title":129,"description":130,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":133,"bannerImage":131,"body":134,"agentsBottomLine":135,"bodyImage":136,"isInfographic":137,"categories":138,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":145,"updatedAt":146},109374,"the-housing-market-is-stronger-than-you-think","The Housing Market Is Stronger Than You Think","\u003Cp>You've probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately.\u003C\u002Fp>","","blog","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002FHeader-Image-Spring-2021-Buyer-Guide-3--original.png","\u003Cp>You've probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately. High rates. Stretched budgets. Headlines that make buying or selling sound like a terrible idea. But the data tells a very different story. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>This isn't 2020 or 2021. It was never going to be. Those were the \"unicorn years\" – historic low mortgage rates, bidding wars on everything, homes flying off the market in days. That kind of market was a once-in-a-generation anomaly, not a baseline. So, when people compare today to that, of course it looks rough.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But compared to almost any other housing market in modern history? This one is holding up remarkably well.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Homeowners Are Sitting on a Mountain of Equity\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>One of the biggest reasons this market hasn't cracked is the financial strength of the American homeowner. According to \u003Cem>Federal Reserve\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffred.stlouisfed.org\u002Ftags\u002Fseries?t=real+estate\">data\u003C\u002Fa>, homeowner equity and mortgage debt were nearly identical in 2008. That means, if someone hit a rough patch, they had almost nothing to fall back on. That’s what made that crash so bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Today? Total homeowner equity across the country sits at $35 trillion – dwarfing total mortgage debt (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-Why-2026-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a market\">That gap means most homeowners aren’t stretched thin or one bad month away from trouble. They own a meaningful chunk of their home and that gives them options. If they needed to sell, many could because they have a cushion. And that cushion grows over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fnews\u002Ftrends\u002Fhome-equity-millionaires-housing-market\u002F\">found\u003C\u002Fa> that homeowners who've been in their home just 5 years have built up around $180,000 in equity on average. Stick around 6-10 years, and that jumps to over $340,000.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Data from \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.attomdata.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-trends\u002Fhome-sales-prices\u002Fq1-2026-home-equity-and-underwater-report\u002F\">\u003Cem>ATTOM\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdata.census.gov\u002Ftable\u002FACSDT1Y2022.B25027?q=mortgage\">\u003Cem>Census\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> shows two-thirds of homeowners either own their home outright or have more than 50% equity.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>That's not a fragile market. That’s a population of homeowners who are financially positioned to sell, to stay, or to make their next move from a place of strength rather than pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Low Rates and Low Foreclosures\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>At the same time, \u003Cem>Federal Housing Finance Agency\u003C\u002Fem> (FHFA) \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fhfa.gov\u002Fdata\u002Fnmdb\">data\u003C\u002Fa> shows more than half of all active mortgages still carry a rate below 4% (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>): \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-The-Lock-In-Effect-original.png\" alt=\"a chart with text on it\">That's a big reason inventory stays tight. Those homeowners aren't in a rush to trade their rate for a higher one. They’re sitting comfortably in a strong financial position, not scrambling.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That comfort shows up in the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F13\u002Fwhat-the-foreclosure-headlines-arent-telling-you\u002F\">foreclosure\u003C\u002Fa> numbers, too. Despite a slight recent uptick, foreclosure volumes remain dramatically below historical norms, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.attomdata.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-trends\u002Fforeclosures\u002Fmay-2026-foreclosure-market-report\u002F\">according\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Cem>ATTOM\u003C\u002Fem>. Homeowners aren't losing their homes in droves. They have equity, they have breathing room, and most have options that keep them out of financial distress.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Prices Are Stabilizing, Not Crashing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Here’s another point on the resilience of the market. \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem> research shows home \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F06\u002F17\u002Fthink-home-prices-will-crash-heres-what-the-experts-actually-expect\u002F\">prices\u003C\u002Fa> are still rising, but the pace has slowed, now closer to 2% year-over-year nationally (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-A-Resilient-Market-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a line graph\">That slowdown is good news, as Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem>, explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“We’re in the middle of a long-term housing market correction, \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>not a housing market crash.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem> After the pandemic-era frenzy sent prices soaring and inventory to historic lows, \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>the market needed a reset.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>","\u003Cp>This market isn't broken, and waiting for a crash that isn't coming has a cost. Every month spent on the sidelines is a month someone else is building equity, locking in a price, or getting ahead of what most experts expect to be a housing surge once broader economic conditions settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, a local real estate agent can help you figure out what this market means for your specific situation and what your next move could look like.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260630\u002F20260701-Why-2026-original.png",false,[139,140,141,142,143,144],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":17,"name":18,"slug":19},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},"2026-07-01T10:30:00Z","2026-06-30T16:52:07Z",{"id":148,"slug":149,"title":150,"description":151,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":152,"bannerImage":131,"body":153,"agentsBottomLine":154,"bodyImage":155,"isInfographic":137,"categories":156,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":161,"updatedAt":162},108579,"what-rising-inflation-means-for-your-move","What Rising Inflation Means for Your Move","\u003Cp>Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260602\u002FHeader-Image-Winter-2020-Buyer-Guide-11--original.png","\u003Cp>Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Inflation Went Up – Here’s What That Actually Means\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>The government tracks inflation in a variety of ways. One is something called \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bea.gov\u002Fdata\u002Fpersonal-consumption-expenditures-price-index\">PCE\u003C\u002Fa> – the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index. It measures how much more (or less) people are paying for goods and services compared to a year ago. And just based on your own expenses, you can probably guess which way that’s trending.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That’s the one everyone is talking about right now. Check out the yellow line to see how that’s spiked since February (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>). A big driver of this jump is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed gas and energy prices significantly higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260602\u002F20260604-Inflation-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with blue and yellow lines\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Now, you may have noticed there’s a second line. The blue line shows core PCE. That’s the same measure, but with gas and energy prices stripped out. The \u003Cem>Federal Reserve\u003C\u002Fem> (the Fed) actually watches this number most closely because energy prices swing around a lot and can be misleading.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And here’s the somewhat encouraging part.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Core PCE is rising, but not nearly as fast as the overall number. \u003C\u002Fstrong>That suggests a good chunk of the inflation spike we’re seeing right now is tied directly to what’s happening overseas. So, when that situation settles down, inflation may settle a bit, too.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Why This Matters for Mortgage Rates\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Here's the housing connection. When inflation is high, the Fed tends to keep the Federal Funds Rate elevated or even raise it to try to taper spending and cool inflation back down. And while it's not a one-for-one relationship, that Federal Funds Rate can have an impact on your mortgage rate when you buy. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Right now, based on the information we have, there's roughly a \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cmegroup.com\u002Fmarkets\u002Finterest-rates\u002Fcme-fedwatch-tool.html\">50\u002F50\u003C\u002Fa> chance the Fed actually raises the Federal Funds Rate before the end of 2026, according to \u003Cem>CME FedWatch\u003C\u002Fem> (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260602\u002F20260604-Theres-Roughly-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of blue squares\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While it’s too soon to say where this goes for certain and if we’re headed for a rate hike, it does mean mortgage rates are probably not coming down as soon as most people were hoping.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you've been waiting for rates to drop significantly before making a move, this report is a reminder that \"higher for longer\" is still very much on the table. It really all depends on where the economy goes from here. According to \u003Cem>Bankrate\u003C\u002Fem>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“Oil prices and bond yields have dropped a bit . . . but they're still way up compared to the start of spring. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>Until there’s a resolution to the war, look for both inflation and mortgage rates to stay high.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>But This Is Not 2008 – Not Even Close\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Just remember, a tough economy does not equal a housing crash. The conditions today are very different from what led to the 2008 collapse. Here's why:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F23\u002F3-things-that-are-not-going-to-happen-in-todays-housing-market\u002F\">Inventory\u003C\u002Fa> is still relatively low. There's no flood of homes hitting the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Most homeowners today have strong \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F20\u002Frecord-high-mortgage-debt-sounds-scary-heres-what-the-headlines-leave-out\u002F\">equity\u003C\u002Fa> in their homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Lending standards are far stricter than they were before 2008.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Today's challenge is affordability, not a wave of \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F13\u002Fwhat-the-foreclosure-headlines-arent-telling-you\u002F\">distressed\u003C\u002Fa> underwater sellers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Uncomfortable and unhealthy are not the same thing. The market feels hard right now, but \"hard\" and \"crashing\" are very different.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>You Still Have Options. Here’s What To Do.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>High rates don't mean homeownership is out of reach. It just means the path looks a little different. There are real strategies that can help, depending on your situation:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Ask your lender about different loan options. \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F08\u002Fthinking-about-an-adjustable-rate-mortgage-heres-what-you-need-to-know\u002F\">Adjustable-rate mortgages\u003C\u002Fa> (ARMs) or rate buydowns may help lower your monthly payment in the short term.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Explore first-time buyer programs, down payment assistance, or seller concessions that could help offset costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Stay in close touch with a trusted agent and lender. When rates shift, and they will, you’ll want to be ready to move fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>The right strategy, tailored to your goals, matters a lot more than waiting for the perfect moment that may never come.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Inflation is still above where the Fed wants it, and that means mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated for a while. But for people who need to move, strategy matters far more than trying to perfectly time the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Wondering what this means for your specific situation? \u003Cstrong>Reach out today.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Let's cut through the noise together and make a plan that actually works for you.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260602\u002F20260604-Inflation-original.png",[157,158,159,160],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},"2026-06-04T10:30:00Z","2026-06-02T19:52:50Z",{"id":164,"slug":165,"title":166,"description":167,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":168,"bannerImage":131,"body":169,"agentsBottomLine":170,"bodyImage":171,"isInfographic":137,"categories":172,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":179,"updatedAt":180},108573,"the-mid-year-housing-market-update-why-forecasts-changed-in","The Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Why Forecasts Changed in 2026","\u003Cp>If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260602\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-1393815299-original.png","\u003Cp>If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Mortgage rates have risen. Home sales haven't picked up like expected. And many buyers and sellers are wondering when things are going to feel easier or be more \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F27\u002Fthe-truth-about-affordability-today\u002F\">affordable\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The truth is: a lot changed over the first half of this year.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Back at the end of 2025, economists were forecasting a much stronger housing market for 2026. They expected mortgage rates to come down, affordability to improve more dramatically, and home sales to rebound.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But lingering inflation, economic uncertainty, and growing geopolitical tensions overseas pushed mortgage rates higher than expected. And because rates stayed elevated for longer, many buyers continued to hold off.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That’s why \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fanniemae.com\u002Fmedia\u002F56986\u002Fdisplay​\">experts\u003C\u002Fa> recently revised their housing \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2026-04\u002Fforecast-04-2026-us-economic-outlook-04-13-2026.pdf\">forecasts\u003C\u002Fa> for the rest of the year (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260602\u002F20260603-2026-Housing-Forecast-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of sales and sales\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, what does this actually mean for you? Let’s break it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Mortgage Rates May Remain Elevated\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>While just about everyone wants mortgage rates to go back to the uppers 5s or low 6s we saw at the start of the year, as of right now, the experts don’t think that’s likely to happen this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Instead, forecasts have been updated from the low 6s they originally projected. Many industry organizations are saying rates will stay in roughly the mid 6s this year. The good news is, that’s still lower than rates were a \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F13\u002Fwondering-if-you-should-still-buy-a-home-right-now-heres-what-to-keep-in-mind\u002F\">year ago\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Of course, this is based on what we know today. If the conflict overseas comes to an end or inflation drops, this could change. \u003Cstrong>But if you’re waiting for lower rates, it may not pay off in the way you expect.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Existing Home Sales Revised Lower\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Back in late 2025, experts expected we’d sell an average of 4.5 million homes this year. Now? That’s dropped down a bit to 4.2 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That tells us something important: \u003Cstrong>buyers are still hesitant because affordability remains challenging.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Higher mortgage rates have made monthly payments harder to manage, especially for first-time buyers. And that’s slowed the pace of the market compared to what was originally expected. \u003Cstrong>But even though the forecast was revised down, we’re still expected to sell more homes than last year. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Once geopolitical tensions resolve and rates begin to settle down, many experts believe that group of buyers will be ready to jump back in. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“There is sizable pent-up demand that could be released into the market.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>There has already been a few glimmers of renewed hope lately. In recent months, pending homes sale have been improving \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fresearch-and-statistics\u002Fhousing-statistics\u002Fpending-home-sales\">month-over-month\u003C\u002Fa> despite higher rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>So, if you’re able to afford a home at today’s rates, it could still make sense to buy now.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Because otherwise, if you wait, you’ll have more competition (and potentially fewer homes to choose from) when those others buyers jump back in.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>New Home Sales Also Slowed\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Builders also expected to have a stronger year. Earlier \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fimg03.en25.com\u002FWeb\u002FMortgageBankersAssociation\u002F%7Bb5ccc78d-ebee-4f8a-9c9c-a9485297bc38%7D_Mortgage_Finance_Forecast_May_2026.pdf\">forecasts\u003C\u002Fa> projected new home sales would top 700k in 2026. Now, economists expect we'll be just shy of that \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2026-04\u002Fforecast-04-2026-us-economic-outlook-04-13-2026.pdf\">number\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Again, mortgage rates are a major reason why.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>But the upside for buyers is that builders may be even more motivated to sell. \u003C\u002Fstrong>That means builder \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F21\u002Fnewly-built-home-prices-hit-a-5-year-low\u002F\">incentives\u003C\u002Fa>, negotiation opportunities, and pricing flexibility may continue in many markets. So, if you live somewhere where there’s more new construction, this may actually be a bright spot for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Builders could be more ready to negotiate, and that gives you more leverage to get a better deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Home Prices Are Still Expected To Rise\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>This is one of the most important takeaways from the entire forecast. Even though sales activity is slower, on average, experts did \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>not\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem> \u003C\u002Fem>revise their home \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fanniemae.com\u002Fdata-and-insights\u002Fsurveys-indices\u002Fhome-price-expectations-survey-hpes\">price forecast\u003C\u002Fa> downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>They still expect prices to rise nationally this year.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Why? Because while buyer demand has softened, the number of \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F23\u002F3-things-that-are-not-going-to-happen-in-todays-housing-market\u002F\">homes for sale\u003C\u002Fa> is still relatively limited overall. That imbalance is helping support prices, even in a slower market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Of course, conditions vary depending on where you live. Some markets are cooling more than others. But nationally, experts are still projecting steady \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F18\u002Fare-home-prices-going-to-fall\u002F\">price growth\u003C\u002Fa> — not a major decline. And that should be a comfort whether you’re buying or selling.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Because sellers don’t want a major drop in prices. And while buyers may \u003Cem>think \u003C\u002Fem>they do, generally you feel better about a big purchase when it doesn’t depreciate right away.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>The housing market hasn’t rebounded as quickly as experts originally hoped. But that doesn’t mean it’s stalled.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Higher inflation and lingering economic uncertainty caused economists to revise their forecasts for this year. But importantly, when those two things settle down, many experts believe the market will regain its momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So don’t see this revision in forecasts as a sign of trouble. See it as a temporary reaction to overall conditions and uncertainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If you want to know what’s happening in our local market, and what it could mean for your plans for the rest of this year, let’s connect.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260602\u002F20260603-2026-Housing-Forecast-original.png",[173,174,175,176,177,178],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},{"id":109,"name":110,"slug":111},"2026-06-03T10:30:00Z","2026-06-02T19:06:32Z",{"id":182,"slug":183,"title":184,"description":185,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":186,"bannerImage":131,"body":187,"agentsBottomLine":188,"bodyImage":189,"isInfographic":137,"categories":190,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":195,"updatedAt":196},108281,"the-truth-about-affordability-today","The Truth About Affordability Today","\u003Cp>Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260526\u002FHeader-Image-20220208-Blog-original.png","\u003Cp>Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here’s the full picture of what’s happening and why. The good – and the bad. So, you know what it truly means for your move. Because while rates are certainly a big part of affordability, they’re not the only factor at play.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Mortgage Rates Have Been Rising\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>After a year or more of rates trending down, they’ve started to \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F03\u002F25\u002Fyou-cant-control-whats-happening-with-mortgage-rates-but-you-can-control-this\u002F\">climb again\u003C\u002Fa>. And, if you’re looking to buy, that’s not what you want to see. But it \u003Cem>has \u003C\u002Fem>happened. And here’s why.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Uncertainty is the enemy of mortgage rates.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And with lingering global uncertainty, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and inflation refusing to fully cool off, there’s a lot that’s having an effect on rates. Colin Robertson, Founder of \u003Cem>The Truth About Mortgage\u003C\u002Fem>, put it plainly:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\"You can't have $100 a barrel oil and not expect inflation to rise, which translates to higher bond yields and mortgage rates.\"\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Take a look at the graph below. It uses \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mortgagenewsdaily.com\u002Fmortgage-rates\u002F30-year-fixed\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from \u003Cem>Mortgage News Daily\u003C\u002Fem> to show just how much all of those factors have had an impact:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260526\u002F20260527-Recent-Volatility-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with a line and a green arrow\">It’s a pretty sharp contrast from where we’ve been, in a relatively short window. And it's probably making you wonder: \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>Should I just wait this out? Will rates fall when the uncertainty eases\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It's possible. But it all depends on how the ongoing geopolitical conflict plays out and whether inflation continues to run hot afterwards – and for how long.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Rates probably aren't heading down until both of those things improve. And even when that does happen, experts agree rates likely won’t be dramatically lower – maybe in the low to mid-6s. That's the reality, and it's worth knowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>should you wait for lower rates\u003C\u002Fem>?\u003C\u002Fstrong> The general consensus is, if you can afford to buy and you find a home you like, it’s still worth it. Because no one knows for sure when rates will start to come back down – and how long do you really want to put your life on hold?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Wages Are Outpacing Home Prices\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>You've probably heard that inflation is making everything more expensive, and there's no shortage of headlines about the cost-of-living outpacing paychecks. It's a legitimate concern. And maybe you’re feeling the pinch yourself. But here's what doesn't make the headlines. It's not all bad news.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Data from the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.atlantafed.org\u002Fresearch-and-data\u002Fdata\u002Fwage-growth-tracker#panel=1\">\u003Cem>Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem> shows wages have actually been growing faster than home prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1rem;\">\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Recently, wages have been increasing at around 4% year-over-year. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>And home price growth is closer to 2% year-over-year.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>As a buyer, you want your income to rise faster than prices because that helps make your purchase more manageable financially, and it quietly chips away at the affordability challenge over time. That’s exactly what we’re seeing lately. And every little bit is going to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A big reason wages have been gaining ground on home prices? \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F18\u002Fare-home-prices-going-to-fall\u002F\">Home prices\u003C\u002Fa> have actually stayed pretty steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Existing Home Prices Have Held Steady\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Check out the graph below. It shows home price \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2026-05\u002Fehs-04-2026-breakouts-of-single-family-condo-and-co-op-2026-05-11.pdf\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from the \u003Cem>National Association of Realtors \u003C\u002Fem>(NAR) over the past 4 years. Notice anything? There's been no dramatic runup, and no crash either. Just relative stability and slow growth:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260526\u002F20260527-Existing-Home-Prices-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of blue lines\">\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Part of what's keeping prices this stable is that buyers finally have \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F22\u002Fmore-options-are-popping-up-this-spring\u002F\">more choices\u003C\u002Fa>. That means less competition, more negotiating power, and more time to find the home that actually fits your life, not just the one you had to grab before someone else did.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And that gives you a chance to hopefully find something that works for your budget, even with today’s rates. At the same time, you're not losing ground pricewise while you take time to make a careful decision.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Yes, rates have been volatile, and global instability is keeping them from settling down anytime soon. There’s no sugar coating that. But the full picture of affordability is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Want to run the real numbers for your situation?\u003C\u002Fstrong> Let's talk. Reach out and let's set up a quick, no-pressure conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260526\u002F20260527-Recent-Volatility-original.png",[191,192,193,194],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},"2026-05-27T10:30:00Z","2026-05-26T15:49:40Z",{"id":198,"slug":199,"title":200,"description":201,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":202,"bannerImage":203,"body":204,"agentsBottomLine":205,"bodyImage":206,"isInfographic":137,"categories":207,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":212,"updatedAt":213},106860,"3-things-that-are-not-going-to-happen-in-todays-housing-market","3 Things That Are Not Going To Happen in Today's Housing Market","\u003Cp>There’s a lot of uncertainty right now and that’s leading to some dramatic headlines.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260421\u002FHeader-Image-20230116-Blog-original.png","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260429\u002FSTM-Banner-20230116-Blog-original.jpg","\u003Cp>There’s a lot of uncertainty right now and that’s leading to some dramatic headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make you feel a little less sure about your decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A recent study by CNBC asked homebuyers what they’re most worried about, and three themes kept coming up again and again:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Mortgage rates\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>The number of homes for sale\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Home prices\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>But a lot of what you may be hearing on those is based more on misconceptions. Not facts. So, let’s break it down and separate fact from fiction.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Misconception #1: \u003Cem>“I’ll Just Wait, Because Mortgage Rates Are Going To Fall Dramatically”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>One idea doing its rounds on social is that mortgage rates are going to drop dramatically soon. So, it’s better to wait to buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But is that \u003Cem>really \u003C\u002Fem>what’s expected?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While mortgage rates have come down a bit in the last few weeks, forecasts don’t show a major drop ahead. \u003Cstrong>The most likely scenario is that rates stay somewhere in the low 6% range this year.\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And that’s not a big change from where rates are now (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>): \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260421\u002F20260423-Mortgage-Rates-Projections-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260421\u002F20260423-Mortgage-Rates-Projections-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with numbers and lines\">\u003C\u002Fa>Of course, this depends on where inflation and the economy go from here. But, based on what we know today, waiting for a big drop in rates may not work out the way some people hope. As \u003Cem>U.S. News\u003C\u002Fem> explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Mortgage rates aren't expected to change much over the next several quarters . . .”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>Not to mention, even with rates where they are today, it’s already \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F13\u002Fwondering-if-you-should-still-buy-a-home-right-now-heres-what-to-keep-in-mind\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">more affordable\u003C\u002Fa> than a year ago. So, even if they don’t change much, it’s still better than it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Misconception #2: \u003Cem>\"There Are Too Many Homes for Sale Right Now”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>You’ve probably heard inventory is up. And nationally, it is. The number of homes for sale is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002FMarch-2026-data\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">8% higher\u003C\u002Fa> than this time last year. But that's not a bad thing. In fact, it’s one of the reasons buyers have a bit more \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F11\u002Finventory-is-making-a-comeback-in-2026\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">breathing room\u003C\u002Fa> right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The problem is the headlines are making something good, sound bad. They’re focusing on how this is the most inventory we’ve had since 2019 or how many homes builders are building. And that can make it sound like the number of homes for sale is rising too far, too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But that’s not what the bigger picture shows.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002FMarch-2026-data\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>Data\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> from\u003Cem> Realtor.com \u003C\u002Fem>proves that, even though inventory is up compared to last year, it’s still nearly 14% lower than it was during the last normal housing market (2017-2019):\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260421\u002F20260423-Despite-the-Progress-original.png\">While it can vary a lot based on where you live, only \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002FMarch-2026-data\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>9 states\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> have more inventory than pre-pandemic today. \u003C\u002Fstrong>That’s a key reason why there still aren’t enough homes for sale to trigger something like the crash back in 2008.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Misconception #3: \u003Cem>“Home Prices Are About To Crash”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>You’ve probably seen this one, too. The confusion is coming from the fact that some metros are experiencing slight price declines. And influencers are running with that and saying prices are crashing. But that’s not the reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Most areas are seeing prices rise, not fall. \u003C\u002Fstrong>And that’s because:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Many homeowners aren’t selling because they don’t want to give up the low mortgage rate they locked in a few years ago. And that’s keeping a lid on how much inventory can grow.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Since inventory is still below pre-pandemic norms, there aren’t enough homes for sale to cause a price crash.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>And even in markets with more inventory, some sellers are choosing to pull their homes off the market instead of cutting prices.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>And those are 3 big reasons prices aren’t headed for a crash.\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And even in the markets experiencing \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.resiclubanalytics.com\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">mild declines\u003C\u002Fa>, the drops aren’t enough to cancel out the big gains most homeowners have seen in the last 5 years\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>(\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260421\u002F20260423-Recent-Home-Price-Declines-original.png\">That’s not a crash. That’s just prices moderating after a few record-breaking years.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Online posts are going to make things sound worse than they are. If you want a true, data-bound look at what’s really happening in today’s market, lean on a real estate agent.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Let’s connect so you have someone to separate fact from fiction today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260421\u002F20260423-Mortgage-Rates-Projections-original.png",[208,209,210,211],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":81,"name":82,"slug":83},"2026-04-23T10:30:00Z","2026-04-23T10:30:18Z",{"id":215,"slug":216,"title":217,"description":218,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":219,"bannerImage":131,"body":220,"agentsBottomLine":221,"bodyImage":222,"isInfographic":137,"categories":223,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":228,"updatedAt":229},106362,"wondering-if-you-should-still-buy-a-home-right-now-heres-what-to-keep-in-mind","Wondering If You Should Still Buy a Home Right Now? Here’s What To Keep in Mind.","\u003Cp>With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260410\u002F20260413-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here's Why\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what's happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at \u003Cem>First American\u003C\u002Fem>, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.firstam.com\u002Feconomics\u002Faffordability-reached-best-level-since-2022-in-january\">explains\u003C\u002Fa>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>But what does that \u003Cem>really \u003C\u002Fem>mean for you? Should you wait for everything to settle back down before you buy a home?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The short answer is \u003Cstrong>no\u003C\u002Fstrong>. You don’t have to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Your Window To Buy Didn’t Close\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>It’s true that a month or so ago, when rates were just shy of 6%, buying felt a bit more affordable. And now that \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mortgagecalculator.net\u002F​\">rates\u003C\u002Fa> are hovering around the mid-6s, monthly payment costs \u003Cem>are \u003C\u002Fem>higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But zoom out for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Let’s say you’re taking out a loan for $500k. Even with rates in the mid 6s, you’re still saving roughly $300 on your monthly payment compared to buyers who made their purchase early last year.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>That means this recent increase in rates hasn’t erased the progress we’ve seen. Buying is still more affordable than it was just one year ago \u003C\u002Fstrong>(\u003Cem>see below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260410\u002F20260413---Affordability-Is-Still-Better-original.png\" alt=\"a blue and green chart with white text\">Sure, your monthly payment would’ve been a little less expensive a few weeks back. But hindsight is always 20\u002F20.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The goal moving forward shouldn’t be to perfectly time the market. Things change too quickly for that. Instead, the real goal is to make the best decision you can based on where things are today. And the best advice anyone can give is: brace for volatility.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>When It Comes To Rates, Expect the Unexpected\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Mortgage rates are going to continue to be move around in the weeks or months ahead as new information and economic reports come out.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Try to remember, you can’t control global events or where rates go next week (or even next month). But you can \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"\u002F2026\u002F03\u002F25\u002Fyou-cant-control-whats-happening-with-mortgage-rates-but-you-can-control-this\u002F\">control\u003C\u002Fa> how you prepare. If you do that, it becomes less about the headlines, and more about your situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>If You Want or Need To Move, You Still Can\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>The simple truth is, if you want or need to move, you still can.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Some buyers are choosing to move forward right now because their needs haven’t changed. A growing family, a job relocation, a lifestyle shift – those things still matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>And for buyers who do decide to move forward, there are ways to make it work.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For example, you could explore options like \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F08\u002Fthinking-about-an-adjustable-rate-mortgage-heres-what-you-need-to-know\u002F\">adjustable-rate mortgages\u003C\u002Fa> (ARMs) to get a lower rate upfront. That may or may not be the right fit for you, but it highlights an important point: there are strategies that can help you move, even now.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What matters most is having a plan.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>And working with the right agent and lender is a big part of that. With expert help, you’ll: \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Understand your budget and what the math looks like at today's rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>Explore your financing options, including ARMs and assistance programs.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp> Have trusted guidance from experts who'll keep you up to date throughout the process.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","\u003Cp>Even though there’s some uncertainty, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If you need to move, you still can. \u003C\u002Fstrong>Let’s connect so we can explore all your options and make your move happen.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260410\u002F20260413---Affordability-Is-Still-Better-original.png",[224,225,226,227],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},"2026-04-13T10:30:00Z","2026-04-10T13:59:11Z",{"id":231,"slug":232,"title":233,"description":234,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":235,"bannerImage":131,"body":236,"agentsBottomLine":237,"bodyImage":238,"isInfographic":137,"categories":239,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":243,"updatedAt":244},106164,"thinking-about-an-adjustable-rate-mortgage-heres-what-you-need-to-know","Thinking About an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Need To Know.","\u003Cp>If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260406\u002F20260408-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is. And that's exactly why more buyers are opting for \u003Cstrong>adjustable-rate mortgages\u003C\u002Fstrong>, or ARMs.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here's what you need to understand about how they work, and whether they make sense for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>What Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>Since a lot of people aren’t familiar with this type of loan, let’s start with a definition.\u003Cem> \u003C\u002Fem>This is how \u003Cem>Business Insider\u003C\u002Fem> explains the main difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same for the entire time you have the loan. This keeps your monthly payment the same for years . . . \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>adjustable-rate mortgages work differently. You’ll start off with the same rate for a few years, but after that, your rate can change periodically. This means that if average rates have gone up, your mortgage payment will increase. If they’ve gone down, your payment will decrease.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>Basically, one doesn’t change much over the life of your loan.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And one could change... either by a little, or a lot.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Of course, things like taxes or \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F02\u002Fhome-insurance-costs-are-rising-what-buyers-should-plan-for\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">homeowner’s insurance\u003C\u002Fa> can still have an impact on a fixed-rate loan, but the baseline of your mortgage payment is fairly steady. But the big difference is that with an ARM, your monthly payment \u003Cem>could \u003C\u002Fem>change over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Why Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Are Getting More Attention\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>So, why do some buyers choose this option? It's simple. It’s because of the upfront savings. \u003Cem>Business Insider\u003C\u002Fem> explains it like this:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Because ARM rates are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates, they can help buyers find affordability when rates are high. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>With a lower ARM rate, you can get a smaller monthly payment or afford more house than you could with a fixed-rate loan.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>And right now, according to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mortgagenewsdaily.com\u002Fmortgage-rates\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cem>Mortgage News Daily\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> \u003C\u002Fem>and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wsj.com\u002Fpersonal-finance\u002Fadjustable-rate-mortgages-charts-18eec3b5?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqezhpwYIRdqGktCk57tQZLvePMirii90gyXh0x1--WcCX2K8xQZ08E4ZstiIHs%3D&gaa_ts=69c6a8ab&gaa_sig=gjygWDT6jM3E2HSptP2VqO4tdHtVoF4KMiPUYSmq03X-B4MrCLZpeaeqsJjvaIFXHsPyqhMa2cmZVYlm2A_iZw%3D%3D\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cem>Wall Street Journal\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>, the upfront rate on an ARM is lower than a 30-year fixed mortgage (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260406\u002FMortgage-Rates-Are-Usually-Lower-with-an-ARM-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with green and blue lines\">If you’re wondering how that shakes out in real dollars and cents, here’s what \u003Cem>Redfin \u003C\u002Fem>says. According to their research, the typical buyer could save about \u003Cstrong>$150 per month \u003C\u002Fstrong>by taking out an ARM instead of a 30-year fixed mortgage.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For some people, that’s enough to make a difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>More Buyers Are Choosing Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>A growing number of buyers are willing to trade the uncertainty later for a lower payment now. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mba.org\u002Fnews-and-research\u002Fnewsroom\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Data\u003C\u002Fa> from the \u003Cem>Mortgage Bankers Association\u003C\u002Fem> (MBA) shows the share of buyers choosing ARMs has increased, especially over the last few years (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>This doesn’t mean ARMs are becoming the go-to option for everyone. It only means some buyers are opting for this type of mortgage, so they can still buy today.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260406\u002FMore-Buyers-Are-Using-ARMS-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with a line going up\">And if you remember the housing crash, seeing ARMs gain popularity again may raise concerns. But rest easy. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford once rates adjusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Today, lending standards are stricter, and lenders evaluate whether borrowers could still handle the payment if rates rise. So, the return of ARMs doesn’t signal another widespread crash. It just reflects how some buyers are adapting to today’s affordability challenges.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>The Trade-Off – What You Need To Consider\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If you’re considering an adjustable-rate mortgage yourself, just remember it really all depends on your situation and your risk tolerance.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>An ARM may make sense if you plan to move before your rate would adjust or if you expect you’ll make a higher income in the future. But there are trade-offs you need to think through.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>For example, once the fixed period ends, your rate can adjust, and your payment could increase, potentially by a meaningful amount depending on where rates are at that time.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And keep in mind, there’s also no guarantee mortgage rates will come down in the future, which means refinancing later isn’t always an option. That’s why it’s important to think through your plan, understand your long-term earning potential, and work closely with a trusted lender before you choose an ARM.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>ARMs are getting more attention again because they can make buying a home more affordable in the short term. But they’re not right for everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The key is understanding how they work, what the risks are, and whether they fit your plan. And that’s why you need to talk to a trusted lender and financial advisor before you make any decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260406\u002FMortgage-Rates-Are-Usually-Lower-with-an-ARM-original.png",[240,241,242],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2026-04-08T10:30:00Z","2026-04-06T20:20:04Z",{"id":246,"slug":247,"title":248,"description":249,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":250,"bannerImage":131,"body":251,"agentsBottomLine":252,"bodyImage":253,"isInfographic":137,"categories":254,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":258,"updatedAt":259},105587,"you-cant-control-whats-happening-with-mortgage-rates-but-you-can-control-this","You Can’t Control What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates. But You Can Control This.","\u003Cp>Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260324\u002FHeader-Image-GettyImages-1804662425-original.png","\u003Cp>Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan. But there are still things you can do to get the best rate possible in today’s market. It starts with having the right information.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, what’s causing the bumps in rates? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Mortgage Rate Volatility Is Normal\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freddiemac.com\u002Fpmms\u002Farchive\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Data\u003C\u002Fa> from \u003Cem>Freddie Mac\u003C\u002Fem> shows the recent volatility. After trending down for well over a year, there was a rise this month (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>): \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260324\u002F20260325-Volatility-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260324\u002F20260325-Volatility-original.png\" alt=\"a graph showing a line of a moving rate\">\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While it’s easy to be distracted by the changes, here’s what you need to remember.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It’s normal for rates to bounce around a bit here and there. For example, if you look back at the graph, you’ll see that even within the past year there have been times like this when rates inched up. We’re in one of those moments right now and you need to be aware of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Especially when there’s economic uncertainty or big global events happening, volatility like this is expected. \u003C\u002Fstrong>As \u003Cem>Investopedia \u003C\u002Fem>explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Mortgage rates don’t move in isolation. When global events inject uncertainty into financial markets . . . that can ripple through to borrowing . . . mortgage costs can respond quickly to geopolitical developments. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>As long as uncertainty remains elevated, rate swings may continue\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t a wise move.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>You \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>can’t \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>control what happens with mortgage rates. But there are still things you \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>can do \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>to help you get the best rate possible in today’s market. And here’s where to focus your effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Your Credit Score\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Your credit score plays a big role in the rate you qualify for. Even a small improvement can make a noticeable difference in your monthly payment. As \u003Cem>Bankrate \u003C\u002Fem>puts it:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>So, make sure you do what you can to keep your credit score up. If you’re not sure what your score is or how you can improve it, talk to a trusted loan officer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Your Loan Type\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>There are also different types of home loans – and each one can have unique requirements, benefits, and rates for qualified buyers. The\u003Cem> Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u003C\u002Fem> (CFPB) \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumerfinance.gov\u002Fabout-us\u002Fblog\u002F7-factors-determine-your-mortgage-interest-rate\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">explains\u003C\u002Fa>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>That’s why it’s so important to explore your options with a lender. You may even want to talk to multiple lenders to see how the options vary.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Your Loan Term\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>The length of your loan matters too. Most lenders typically offer 15, 20, or 30-year loans. \u003Cem>Freddie Mac\u003C\u002Fem> offers this advice:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>Again, to figure out what makes the most sense for your budget and long-term goals, have a lender walk you through all your options.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Thinking about buying right now? The best advice is to accept that you \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>can’t \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>control where rates are going to go from here.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>What you \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>can do \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>is work with a trusted lender and take steps that’ll help you get the best rate possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, if you want to move today, let's make it happen. We just need to control the controllables and focus where it counts.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260324\u002F20260325-Volatility-original.png",[255,256,257],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2026-03-25T10:30:00Z","2026-03-25T10:30:12Z",{"id":261,"slug":262,"title":263,"description":264,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":265,"bannerImage":266,"body":267,"agentsBottomLine":268,"bodyImage":269,"isInfographic":137,"categories":270,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":275,"updatedAt":276},104781,"should-you-wait-for-lower-rates","Should You Wait for Lower Rates?","\u003Cp>Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260305\u002FHeader-Image-20230420-SG-20220727-Blog-original.png","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260318\u002FSTM-Banner-20230420-SG-20220727-Blog-original.jpg","\u003Cp>Mortgage rates have \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F22\u002Fmortgage-rates-recently-hit-a-3-year-low-heres-why-thats-still-a-big-deal\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">already dropped\u003C\u002Fa> into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and thought, “\u003Cem>Great. I missed it\u003C\u002Fem>,” you’re not the only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>A lot of buyers are treating the 5s like some kind of magic number. As if moving from 6.1% to 5.99% suddenly changes \u003Cem>everything\u003C\u002Fem>. And from a mindset perspective, it does feel different.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But here’s the part most people don’t actually run the math on.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>The Payment Difference Isn’t What You Think\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Let’s say you’re looking at a $500,000 home loan. At \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mortgagenewsdaily.com\u002Fmortgage-rates\u002F30-year-fixed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">6.1%\u003C\u002Fa>, generally speaking, your principal and interest payment is roughly $3,030 per month. At 5.9%, it’s about $2,966 per month.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That’s a difference of only \u003Cstrong>$64 a month.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Not $300.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Not $500.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Sixty dollars.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Let that sink in for just a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260305\u002F20260309-Waiting-for-Mortgage-Rates-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260305\u002F20260309-Waiting-for-Mortgage-Rates-original.png\" alt=\"a blue and green rectangular box with white text\">\u003C\u002Fa>Yes, over time that $64 a month can add up. But it’s far from the dramatic swing many buyers imagine when they say they’re “\u003Cem>waiting for the 5s\u003C\u002Fem>.”\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The psychological impact of seeing a 5 in front of your rate can feel big. The financial impact? It might be something you don’t even notice when it’s all said and done.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Experts Aren’t Predicting a Big Drop\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Another important piece to think about: most housing economists aren’t forecasting a long-term return to 5% territory anytime soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While rates will move up and down, likely hitting the high 5s here and there, the broader expectation is for mortgage rates to hover in the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fanniemae.com\u002Fmedia\u002F56656\u002Fdisplay\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">low 6% range\u003C\u002Fa> this year, not stay in the 5’s or decline much more.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260305\u002F20250309-Mortgage-Rates-Should-Hover-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260305\u002F20250309-Mortgage-Rates-Should-Hover-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with numbers and lines\">\u003C\u002Fa>While it certainly could happen, the reality is, waiting for a deep drop may not deliver the payoff you’re hoping for, if you’re holding out\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>The Bigger Question to Ask\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Instead of asking, “\u003Cem>Did I miss the 5s\u003C\u002Fem>?” A better question is: “\u003Cem>Does today’s payment work for me?\u003C\u002Fem>” \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If the monthly payment fits comfortably in your budget, and you’ve found a home that meets your needs, the difference between 6.1% and 5.9% likely isn’t the deciding factor. It might be one of them, but it shouldn’t be everything. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And remember, mortgage rates aren’t permanent. If they drop meaningfully later, refinancing is always an option. But you can’t refinance a home you didn’t buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Waiting Might Feel Safe, But It Isn’t Always Strategic\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>It’s natural to want the best possible rate. Everyone does. But sometimes buyers overestimate how much a rate in the high 5s will change things in today’s market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Don’t miss the fact that rates have already come down. A year ago, they were in the 7s. Now? They’re hovering in the low 6s. And for a lot of people, that percentage point difference that’s already here is the real \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F04\u002Fits-getting-more-affordable-to-buy-a-home\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">game changer\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you paused your plans when rates were higher, now may be the right time to re-run your numbers. Not because rates are “perfect.” But because the monthly payment math might work better than you think, even with rates in the low 6s. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Before assuming you’ve missed your moment, take another look at the numbers.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>You may find it never disappeared.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for that magic number for rates, that strategy may not pay off as much as you’d expect.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Let's connect so you can double check the math at your price point. You may realize payments are already within your range.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260305\u002F20260309-Waiting-for-Mortgage-Rates-original.png",[271,272,273,274],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},"2026-03-09T10:30:00Z","2026-03-18T15:56:10Z",{"id":278,"slug":279,"title":280,"description":281,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":282,"bannerImage":131,"body":283,"agentsBottomLine":284,"bodyImage":285,"isInfographic":137,"categories":286,"isVideo":137,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":291,"updatedAt":292},102870,"top-3-reasons-to-buy-a-home-before-spring","Top 3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring","\u003Cp>If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you may be focused on the spring market.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260203\u002F20260205-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you may be focused on the spring market. And hoping that when spring does hit, you’ll see:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Mortgage rates drop a little more.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>More homes hit the market.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>But here’s what most buyers don’t realize. \u003Cstrong>Buying just a few weeks earlier could mean paying less, dealing with less stress, and feeling less rushed.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here are three reasons why accelerating your timeline over the next few weeks could actually be a better play.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>1. Holding Out for Lower Rates May Not Pay Off \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>A lot of buyers are hoping mortgage rates will fall even further. But that’s not the best strategy. Here’s why. Experts are pretty aligned on this: \u003Cstrong>rates are expected to stay roughly where they are.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Forecasts throughout the industry all point to the same thing: \u003Cstrong>rates are projected to be in the low-6% range this year \u003C\u002Fstrong>(\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>)\u003Cstrong>: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260203\u002F20260205-Expect-Mortgage-Rates-To-Stay-Roughly-the-Same-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260203\u002F20260205-Expect-Mortgage-Rates-To-Stay-Roughly-the-Same-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a graph showing the rate of a mortgage\">\u003C\u002Fa>That's not a bad thing, especially if you consider how much rates have already \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F22\u002Fmortgage-rates-recently-hit-a-3-year-low-heres-why-thats-still-a-big-deal\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">come down\u003C\u002Fa>. Over the past 12 months, \u003Cstrong>they’ve dropped roughly a full percentage poin\u003C\u002Fstrong>t. And for many buyers, that means affordability has already improved more than they may realize. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So why wait a few more weeks just for more buyers to jump in and act as your competition? You already have a window right now. As Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at \u003Cem>Redfin\u003C\u002Fem>, explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“House hunters should know that \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>this may be near the lowest mortgage rates fall for the foreseeable future\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>2. Spring Means More Competition + More Stress\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Speaking of competition,\u003Cstrong> the spring market is popular for a reason, but with popularity comes pressure. \u003C\u002Fstrong>With more buyers active at that time of year, you’ll have to move faster once you find a home you like. And no one likes feeling rushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But buy now and you have more time to browse. Fewer people are looking, so homes sit longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>You can see this play out in the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fdata\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from Realtor.com (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>). In winter months, it takes an average of about 70 days for a home to sell. In spring? That drops to about 50 days. That’s a 20-day swing – and that pace is going to be more stressful.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260203\u002F20260205-Buyers-Have-More-Time-To-Browse-in-the-Winter-original.png\">Homes sell faster in the spring, and slower in the winter.\u003C\u002Fstrong> And that can be a worthwhile perk for buyers who want to get ahead before their decisions start to feel rushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>3. Prices Tend To Rise When Competition Heats Up\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>And here’s something most buyers forget to factor in. \u003Cstrong>Prices usually respond to demand.\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Cstrong>So, when demand is higher, prices are too. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>Bankrate \u003C\u002Fem>explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Spring and early summer are the busiest and most competitive time of year for the real estate market . . . home prices tend to be steeper to reflect the increased demand.”\u003C\u002Fem> \u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>In fact, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2025-10\u002Fehs-09-2025-overview-2025-10-23.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from the \u003Cem>National Association of Realtors\u003C\u002Fem> (NAR) shows that in 2025, buyers who purchased in the beginning of the year saved \u003Cstrong>roughly $30,000–$35,000\u003C\u002Fstrong> compared to those who bought when prices peaked in the spring or early summer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260203\u002F20260205-Buying-a-Home-Is-Generally-Less-Expensive-in-the-Winter-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260203\u002F20260205-Buying-a-Home-Is-Generally-Less-Expensive-in-the-Winter-original.png\" alt=\"a graph with a green line\">\u003C\u002Fa>And let’s be honest, for a lot of buyers today, every little bit of savings helps. That’s why buying just a few weeks earlier, before prices ramp up, will be better for you and your wallet.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Buying a few weeks before spring isn’t about rushing. It’s about choosing to be ahead of the curve and knowing you want more leverage, less stress, and meaningful savings.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you’re ready and able to buy now and want to get the ball rolling, let’s connect.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260203\u002F20260205-Expect-Mortgage-Rates-To-Stay-Roughly-the-Same-original.png",[287,288,289,290],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2026-02-05T11:30:00Z","2026-02-05T16:09:32Z",421,true]