Still Thinking About Buying a Home? Here’s What To Keep in Mind Right Now

With all the headlines about the economy, global uncertainty, and affordability challenges, it’s only natural to question whether now is the right time to make a move.

But while recent events can influence the housing market, they don’t mean buying is off the table — it just means your strategy may need to change.

Mortgage Rates Have Ticked Up Slightly — Here’s Why

After falling for much of 2025, mortgage rates have edged back up and have remained elevated for about the past month. Experts say that shift is being driven by a mix of global uncertainty and broader economic pressure. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, notes, recent geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices are adding to inflation concerns, which is helping push mortgage rates higher.

So, what does that actually mean for you? Should you hold off on buying a home until the market settles down? The answer is no. Waiting isn’t your only option.

Your Opportunity To Buy a Home Hasn’t Passed

It’s true that about a month ago, when mortgage rates were just under 6%, buying a home felt a bit more affordable. Now that rates are hovering in the mid-6% range, monthly payments are higher. But it’s important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

Let’s say you’re borrowing $500,000. Even with mortgage rates in the mid-6% range, your monthly payment would still be about $300 lower than it would have been for a buyer who purchased early last year.

That means this recent uptick in rates hasn’t wiped out the progress we’ve made. In fact, buying a home is still more affordable than it was a year ago (see below).

Yes, your monthly payment may have been slightly lower a few weeks ago. But it’s easy to look back and wish you had timed things differently.

The reality is, trying to perfectly time the market rarely works because conditions can shift so quickly. The better approach is to make the strongest decision you can based on where the market stands today — and to be prepared for some volatility along the way.

When It Comes to Mortgage Rates, Expect Volatility

Mortgage rates are likely to keep moving in the weeks and months ahead as new economic data and global developments unfold.

While you can’t control world events or predict where rates will go next week or even next month, you can control how prepared you are. And when you focus on that, the headlines matter less and your personal goals matter more.

If You Need To Move, You Still Have Options

The bottom line is, if you want or need to move, you still can. Many buyers are still moving forward because their personal needs haven’t changed. Whether it’s a growing family, a job relocation, or a shift in lifestyle, those factors still matter.

And for buyers who decide to move forward, there are still ways to make it happen.

For example, you might consider options like an adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM), which can offer a lower rate upfront. That may or may not be the right solution for your situation, but it reinforces an important point: there are still strategies that can help make a move possible, even in today’s market.

What matters most is having the right plan in place.

Working with the right agent and lender is a major part of that. With the right guidance, you’ll be able to:

• Get a clear understanding of your budget and what today’s rates mean for your monthly payment
• Review financing options that may be available to you, including ARMs and buyer assistance programs
• Rely on experienced professionals to keep you informed and supported throughout the process

Bottom Line

Even with some uncertainty in today’s market, you’re not out of options.

If moving still makes sense for your situation, it’s absolutely possible. The key is working with a trusted agent and lender who can help you explore your options and build the right plan.

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