How Stable Mortgage Rates Empower Buyers and Sellers Through 2026

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate surpassed 7% following a mid-September Fed rate hike, marking the highest cost since January 2025. Rates are expected to stay elevated through 2026, influenced more by bond markets than Fed actions. Despite affordability challenges, serious buyers and sellers remain active. Experts advise against waiting for rate drops, recommending financial preparedness and flexible loan options instead.