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The 5% Zone Is Back: What This Means for Home Buyers in 2026

The 5% Zone Is Back: What This Means for Home Buyers in 2026

For the first time since 2022, mortgage rates have dipped back into the 5% range. For buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, this could be the signal to revisit your search.

Spring is approaching, new homes are becoming available, and early buyers are beginning to take a closer look at what is possible again.

So what does this actually mean for you?

Over the past few years, many buyers adjusted to rates in the 6% and 7% range. Some decided to wait, hoping the timing would feel better before making a move. Now that rates are moving below 6%, monthly payments may look different than they did even a few months ago. And sometimes, that small shift is enough to reopen the conversation.

If rates remain in the high 5% range, we expect more buyers to re-enter the market this season. As activity increases, availability can move quickly. That is why many buyers are choosing to explore their options now rather than later.

In addition to improved rate conditions, new home buyers may also have access to builder-supported financing incentives, including options that can help reduce interest rates, assist with closing costs, or create more flexibility in structuring a loan. These opportunities are designed to make homeownership more accessible and more comfortable.

While no one can predict exactly where rates will move next, waiting for a return to 3% may not be the most practical strategy. Instead of trying to perfectly time the market, the better question is whether today’s conditions align with your goals, timeline, and lifestyle.

If you stepped back while rates were climbing, this may be the moment to revisit what is possible. Not with pressure. Not with urgency for urgency’s sake. But with clarity and confidence.

At De Young Properties, our team is here to help you explore available homes, understand your financing options, and determine what makes sense for your family. Whether you are ready to move this spring or simply want updated information, we are here as a resource.

The 5% zone is back.

If you have been watching and waiting, now may be the time to start the conversation.

Contact De Young Properties to schedule a consultation and explore what 2026 could mean for you.