02/28/2026
After years of rising costs, there’s good news for buyers. Affordability is finally showing signs of improvement. Here’s what’s shifting:
📉 Mortgage Rates Are Easing
Rates have settled into the low 6% range, down from last year’s highs above 7%, helping lower monthly payments.
💵 Monthly Payments Are Declining
The average mortgage payment is down year over year, giving buyers a little breathing room.
📈 Income Growth Is Catching Up
Wages are rising faster than home prices in many areas—boosting purchasing power.
🏡 Home Prices Are Stabilizing
Price growth has slowed, and bidding wars aren’t as intense as they were during the pandemic peak.
🔑 More Inventory = More Leverage
Buyers are seeing more options and stronger negotiating power than in recent years.
The market isn’t crashing, but it is rebalancing. And that could create real opportunity if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines. Curious what affordability looks like in your area? Let’s take a look at the numbers together.