08/18/2026
Waiting for the “perfect” market can feel like the safest choice, but a lot can change while you wait.
Over the past four years, mortgage rates in this lender’s same-week August comparison have stayed surprisingly close. During that same time, home prices, rents, family needs, jobs, and lifestyles have continued to change.
That does not mean buying is the right move for everyone today. It does mean the decision may be better based on your own financial situation instead of trying to predict exactly where rates will go next.
Can the monthly payment fit comfortably into your budget? Do you plan to stay in the home for several years? Will you still have savings after closing? Is the home a good fit for your life right now?
Buyers may also find opportunities today that were harder to come by a few years ago, including more room to negotiate and sellers who may be open to concessions.
If buying a home has been on your mind, a conversation about your current situation can be more useful than waiting for the market to look like it did in 2020 or 2021.
Rates shown were provided by a mortgage lender for the same week in August each year. Mortgage rates vary based on loan type, borrower qualifications, lender, and market conditions.
