Hello from your friends at the Jorgenson Group! If you’re sitting on the fence wondering whether to buy a home now or hold off until 2026, you’re in the right place. We’re here with warm coffee in hand (or iced latte, depending on your Texas weather) to walk through the factors – with a little humor, a little heart, and a lot of real-talk. Let’s dive in.
First up: interest rates & borrowing costs. Right now, rates are elevated compared to post-pandemic lows, and the outlook is that although they might soften a bit, a dramatic drop isn’t guaranteed. According to one forecast, mortgage rates may hover around 6 % for a while. (See the National Association of Realtors outlook.) National Mortgage Professional+1 That means if you buy now, you lock in something today rather than chasing a “maybe” lower rate in 2026. On the flip side, waiting could give you better flexibility if you expect rates to fall – but that’s not a sure bet.
Next: home prices and market timing. The forecast for home‐price growth is modest at best and possibly a slight decline in some areas. For example, Zillow projects U.S. home values could fall by about -1 % in the 12 months from mid-2025 to mid-2026. ResiClub+1 Meanwhile, other analysts expect mild price increases of 2-3 % annually. Norada Real Estate+1 So, what does that mean for you? If you buy now, you may avoid getting edged out by rising prices (even modest rises add up). But if you wait, you might find a slightly “softer” price environment, especially in certain locales – though you risk missing out on value in faster‐moving markets.
Third: supply, demand & market sentiment. Supply of homes for sale has been tight in many regions, giving sellers more leverage, but things are slowly shifting. Forecasts point to more homes coming on the market and transactions picking up in 2026. The Close+1 If that happens, waiting might position you in a less frantic buying environment. On the other hand, less competition doesn’t guarantee lower prices everywhere, and you may still face high borrowing costs or miss a “good” home now that fits your family.
From our team’s perspective at the Jorgenson Group, we always tell clients: consider your personal timeline, financial readiness, and lifestyle needs. If you find a home you love now, and your budget supports the payment + maintenance + flexibility, buying may make sense. Waiting solely for “better market conditions” can be risky if you expect to move for a job, start a family, or lighten your commute soon. Conversely, if you’re in a no-rush scenario and can wait for more inventory or rate improvements, 2026 might offer a gentler entry point.
In the end (with a little lighthearted honesty): there’s no perfect “sit this one out” answer. If you wait hoping for huge savings, you might just miss your dream home – or watch rates stay stubborn. If you buy now, you won’t regret the home-cooked meals in your new kitchen, even if the market only inches upward. So, from all of us at the Jorgenson Group: let’s talk your goals, check your budget, review your local market, and decide together whether “now” or “wait” is your best move. We’re excited to help you make the choice with confidence—and maybe share a laugh or two along the way.
