10/15/2026
Mortgage Rates Demand a 12-Month Plan
One thing I’ve learned after 20+ years in mortgage lending is that planning ahead—especially when it comes to mortgage rates—makes all the difference for homebuyers. Recently, buyers across the US have been encouraged to shape their budgets around what feels comfortable for monthly payments, not just hopes that rates will fall. Why? Because rate and price rarely align perfectly, and timing both is nearly impossible.
If you’re searching for a home over the next 12 months, it’s wise to expect rates could move by about 1 percentage point in either direction. That shift alone can swing your buying power by more than $60,000. For example, with a $2,000/month budget, you might qualify for around $334,000 at 6%, but only about $273,000 at 8%. Flexibility in your approach is key to keeping your options open and protecting your affordability.
Even on shorter timelines, it’s smart to build in smaller buffers—about three-quarters of a point over 6 months, or half a point over 3 months. These changes still have a meaningful impact on what you can afford.
Before making an offer, I always recommend clients run the numbers across several payment scenarios, look into buydowns or concessions, work on lowering debt, and prioritize building savings to remain flexible. My focus is on finding creative solutions to keep your homeownership journey on track, no matter what the market throws your way.