Is 2026 Your Year to Make a Move? Here's What the Housing Market Has in Store

If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right time to buy or sell, 2026 might finally be your moment. After what felt like years of uncertainty in the housing market, we're seeing signs that things are about to get more interesting, particularly right here in California's Central Valley.

The Market Is About to Wake Up

Here's the reality: a lot of people have been waiting. Waiting for rates to drop. Waiting for prices to stabilize. Waiting for the "perfect" moment. But life doesn't wait forever. People get new jobs, families grow, and sometimes you just need more space or a change of scenery.

The difference in 2026? More of those waiting buyers and sellers are expected to finally take action. And when they do, it creates opportunity for everyone.

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Mortgage Rates: The Slow Descent

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: mortgage rates. Every buyer we talk to wants to know when they're coming down. The good news? They already have been.

Earlier this year, rates were flirting with 7%. Today, they're lower. And the consensus among experts is that we'll see continued easing throughout 2026. But here's what you need to understand: this won't be a dramatic drop.

Think of it this way: rates rise like they're on an escalator, but they come down like they're taking the stairs. One step at a time.

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You'll want to prepare for some ups and downs along the way. New economic reports, inflation data, and Federal Reserve decisions can all cause short-term fluctuations. But if you zoom out and look at the bigger trend, forecasts point to rates potentially settling into the low 6% range, with some predictions even suggesting we could touch the high 5s.

Here's why that matters to your wallet: Even a half-point decrease in your mortgage rate can save you hundreds of dollars every month on your payment. Over the life of a 30-year loan, we're talking tens of thousands of dollars.

At Lend Mortgage Solutions, we stay on top of every market shift so you can strike when the timing is right. Our local expertise across California and the Central Valley means we know exactly how to structure your loan to maximize your purchasing power, no matter what rates do.

Home Prices: Growth Without the Frenzy

Now for the other piece of the puzzle: prices.

Nationally, home prices are still expected to rise in 2026, but not at the breakneck pace we saw a few years ago. Why? Because as mortgage rates ease, more buyers will jump back into the market. That increased demand naturally puts some upward pressure on prices.

But, and this is important, we're not heading for another price explosion. The growth will be measured and sustainable.

Some markets are even experiencing slight price corrections right now. However, a widespread crash isn't on the horizon. Even in areas seeing small declines, prices are still significantly higher than they were five years ago. The appreciation we've seen over the past half-decade has created a strong foundation.

Of course, real estate is always local. What happens in your specific neighborhood or city can vary quite a bit. Inventory levels play a huge role: areas with limited supply will see stronger appreciation, while markets with more available homes may see softer growth. Before you start your home search, make sure you know what to save for when buying a home so you're financially prepared.

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The national trend is clear though: prices will continue climbing, just at a more reasonable, predictable pace. And that predictability is actually great news. It means you can budget with confidence, knowing that prices aren't going to suddenly surge and price you out overnight.

Why This Matters for You

After a couple of quiet years where the market felt frozen, 2026 is shaping up to be different. More movement means more options. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, upgrade to something bigger, or finally make that move you've been dreaming about, the conditions are aligning.

The combination of easing mortgage rates, steady but moderate price growth, and increased market activity creates a more balanced environment, one where both buyers and sellers can find opportunity.

Ready to Make Your Move?

The real question is: are you going to be one of the people who makes 2026 your year?

If you're ready to explore what's possible, let's talk. At Lend Mortgage Solutions, we specialize in providing transparent, integrity-driven mortgage solutions right here in California and the Central Valley. We work with you to understand your unique financial situation and create a loan program that fits your goals, not someone else's template. Worried about qualifying? Understanding how credit scores impact your home buying power can help you know where you stand.

Our clients, realtors, and business partners trust us because we put people first and always shoot straight. No surprises, no hidden agendas, just honest guidance from people who know this market inside and out.

Let's connect and map out your path forward.

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