Key Terms Every Homebuyer Should Learn [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re one of the thousands of homebuyers waiting for rates to fall, you should know it’s already happening. And they recently crossed an important milestone. Rates officially dipped their toes into the 5s – something that hasn’t happened in about 3 years. This moment marked a critical threshold. Now, rates are sitting in the low 6% territory. And expert forecasts project they’ll hover near this range throughout the year. Here's why that’s so good for you. Why Current Rates Are Such a Big Deal A mortgage rate doesn’t just affect the interest you end up paying on your home loan. It shapes your entire buying experience. When rates were up around 7% just one year ago, a lot of buyers felt priced out. Payments were higher. Budgets felt tighter. Affordability was a bigger challenge. That’s especially true for first-time homebuyers, who felt the biggest pinch. But according to industry experts, that’s starting to change now that rates are slowly inching down. Let’s break down why. Right now, borrowing costs are in their lowest range in almost 3 years . And that can change the type of home you can afford. At 6% or below, you'll see: Lower monthly payments. The payment on a $400k home loan is down over $300 compared to when rates were around 7%. More buying power, thanks to the extra breathing room in your budget. In other words, you can now make a stronger offer, purchase in a different location, or buy a home that checks more of your boxes. And that feels like a big shift compared to when rates were at 7%. This Opens the Door for 550,000 Buyers To drive home just how much this helps potential homebuyers like you, consider this research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It shows that when mortgage rates sit around this level, millions more households can afford a home. When rates are at 6% or below: 5.5 million more households can afford the median-priced home And roughly 550,000 of those people will likely buy a home within 12 to 18 months That’s not just speculation. That’s pent-up demand finally getting the green light they’ve been waiting for. You’ve got the chance right now to get ahead and buy before more people notice the game has just changed. Because whether rates stay in the low 6s or dip back down into the upper 5s, the math is already working in your favor. And the difference from a low 6% to a high 5% isn’t as big as you may think. But the difference from 7% to 6%? That is very much a big deal, and it’s a number that’s already working in your favor. An Important Call Out Mortgage rates don’t operate in a vacuum. Home prices, local inventory, property taxes, home insurance, and your personal finances still matter. And a rate in this territory doesn’t mean every home suddenly works for every buyer. That’s why getting pre-approved and running your numbers with a trusted lender is key. Still, this rate environment puts more buyers in play than we’ve seen in years . So, if buying didn’t work for you before, it’s worth taking another look. Bottom Line Mortgage rates dropping to a 3-year low isn’t just a headline. For many buyers, where rates are now could be the difference between watching from the sidelines and finally getting the keys to their next home. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to re-run your numbers and see what’s possible now, this is it. Let’s take a look at what today’s rates mean for your budget and your options.

When you see a house that’s been sitting on the market for a while, the reaction is almost automatic. You start thinking: What’s wrong with it? Why hasn’t anyone bought it yet? Am I missing something? That mindset made sense a few years ago. But in today’s market, you may actually miss out. More Time on Market Isn't Automatically a Concern Anymore A few years ago, homes sold in just a matter of days. Sometimes, hours. Anything that lingered longer than that raised concerns. But that’s no longer the baseline. Inventory has grown. Buyers have more choices. And homes are taking longer to sell across the board. Those are some of the reasons why the typical time it takes a home to sell has climbed this year: 

Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news? It’s finally happening. In 2025, affordability was the best it’s been in 3 years. And experts agree the momentum will keep going in 2026. And that’s based on their analysis of the key factors shaping the housing market in the year ahead: mortgage rates, inventory, and home prices. Lower Mortgage Rates Are Already Here Mortgage rates have already come down from their peak. By some counts, they dropped by almost a full percentage point over the course of the last year. And that’s a big deal, even if it doesn’t sound like it. But how low will they go? And should you wait for them to come down more? Here’s your answer. Forecasts suggest they’ll stay pretty much where they are now and hover in the low 6% range throughout 2026 ( see graph below ): 

Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t . And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back. According to a Bankrate survey , 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage . That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet, “ my credit isn’t good enough ” comes up often. Maybe you’re in the same boat. You look at your score, see it’s not where you want it to be, and assume buying your first place just isn’t realistic right now. But here’s what you need to know. Even though a lot of people assume you need flawless credit to buy a house, that’s not necessarily the case. You Don’t Need Perfect Credit To Buy a Home So, where’s this myth come from? Part of the confusion stems from the fact that the typical homebuyer today does have a fairly strong credit score. In fact, according to data from the NY Fed, the median credit score for all buyers is 775. But that doesn’t mean you need a score that high to qualify. Looking at recent homebuyers, a number were able to get a mortgage with scores below that threshold. Data shows 10% of scores were around 660. Which means some were higher than that and some were lower, but the median in that lowest 10th percentile was around that range ( see graph below ): 

Momentum is quietly building in the housing market . New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home in the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%. That 2% increase might not sound like a big jump, but in a market where buyer demand has been cooling for the past few years, it’s a sign things are starting to shift . More people are feeling ready (or at least closer to ready) to take the leap and buy a home in 2026 . And if you’re in that camp and buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, this is your nudge to connect with a local agent and a trusted lender to start laying the groundwork now. Planning To Move in Early 2026? Start with These 4 Steps If you’re eager to get the ball rolling right away, here's what to tackle first: Get pre-approved . A pre-approval gives you a real understanding of your buying power and what your payment could be at today’s rates. But keep in mind, Experian says most pre-approvals are only good for 30-90 days, so this step makes the most sense as you’re ready to get serious. Run the numbers. Look closely at all your expenses to come up with your budget. Consider what you’re spending on other bills and what your monthly mortgage payment would be once you buy. That way you go in with open eyes and you don’t stretch too far. Define your non-negotiables . Once you know the numbers work, figure out your must-haves. This includes your desired location, commute, layout, school district, lifestyle needs, etc. Getting clear on these now makes decisions easier once you start looking at homes. Contact me. Let’s discuss the process and help you be prepared emotionally and educated properly for what is to come in the home buying process. I will help you understand pricing, competition, timing, and strategy before you ever write an offer. Thinking about Buying Later in the Year? This Is Still Your Window To Prepare Even if buying feels like a late-2026 goal, this moment still matters. The buyers who feel the most confident later are usually the ones who quietly prepared earlier. That doesn’t mean big financial commitments or major lifestyle changes. It just means setting yourself up for success in the future when the timing is right for. Here are a few low-stress ways to do that: Work on your credit. While you don't need to have perfect credit to buy a home, your score can have an impact on your loan terms and even your mortgage rate. So, working to bring up your score has its perks. Paying down debt now and making payments on time can help bring your score up. Automate your savings. If you have to remember to transfer money into your homebuying savings manually, you may forget to do it. So, you may want to set up automatic transfers to drive consistency and remove the temptation to spend the money elsewhere. Lean into your side hustles: Do you have a gig you do (or have done before) to net some extra cash? Taking on part-time work, freelance jobs, or picking up a side hustle can help give your savings a boost. Put any unexpected cash to good use: If you get any sudden windfalls, like a tax refund, bonus, inheritance, or cash gift from family, put it toward your house fund. You’ll thank yourself later. The common thread here? The right prep work makes a difference. Bottom Line If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, let’s start the conversation today. Not to rush a decision, but to make sure you know how to get ready for your moment to buy a new home. Because every move (whether it’s next year or later) is smoother when it starts with a plan. And if you need help coming up with one that works, let’s connect. 

Finding the right home feels exciting – but being pre-approved for your loan is what makes it possible. Whether you’re planning to buy soon or still just thinking about it, getting pre-approved is one of the best moves you can make. Here’s why. 1. What Is Pre-Approval, Really? Pre-approval is much more than a guess. It means a lender has reviewed your finances ( things like your income, assets, credit score, debts, and savings) and told you how much they’re willing to let you borrow for your loan. It’s basically a reality check for your home search, so you can make sure it aligns with your budget and shop confidently when you’re ready to go. 2. Why It’s a Power Move (Especially Right Now) The housing market’s been shifting lately with mortgage rates moving, prices moderating, and inventory rising. So, knowing what you’re working with in the current market is a big reason why pre-approval matters. Here’s what it gives you: Clarity: You’ll know what you can afford before you fall in love with a house that’s potentially out of reach. Confidence: Sellers will take your offer seriously when they see you’re pre-approved because you’re not a risky buyer. Control: If rates come down and you want to jump on the moment, you’re already a step ahead with your plan. As Experian explains: “. . . you'll want to make sure you receive your preapproval letter before you start looking at homes so you can submit a strong offer as soon as you find what you want. The process can take anywhere from a day to a few weeks, so if you procrastinate, you may lose out to a competing offer.” And once you find a home you want to put an offer on, pre-approval has another big perk. It not only makes your offer stronger, it shows sellers you’ve already undergone a credit and financial check. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says: “Preapproval carries more weight because it means lenders have actually done more than a cursory review of your credit and your finances, but have instead reviewed your pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements. A preapproval means you’ve cleared the hurdles necessary to be approved for a mortgage up to a certain dollar amount.” Translation: Pre-approval helps you make stronger, more informed decisions – and it helps you avoid missing out on a home or getting stuck on the sidelines when the right one hits the market. Because the reality is, competition might be lower these days, but desirable homes (especially the ones that are priced well) still go quickly. 3. Don’t Wait Until You’re “Ready” Think of it this way: pre-approval doesn’t mean you’re buying a house tomorrow. It just means you’ll be ready when the time comes. And most pre-approvals are good for 60–90 days and can be refreshed easily if your plans change. So, here’s a good place to start. Ask yourself this question: “If the perfect home came along today, would you be ready to make an offer ?” If your answer is “not quite,” then pre-approval is your next step. Bottom Line Pre-approval doesn’t box you in. It opens doors. In today’s market, buyers who win aren’t the ones who wait. They’re the ones who plan. So, if you’re even thinking about buying a new home in Granite Bay, Roseville, Loomis, or anywhere in the Sacramento valley in the next few months, get ahead of the game by connecting with your me and a trusted lender, or ask for a referral to a lender I work with regularly so we can get you set for success. I will help you understand what how the process works and walk you through every step along the way, so when the right home pops up, you’re ready to win the house, and not lose the opportunity to buy it because you were not prepared properly. 

There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes just for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives. Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial move, it also comes with some emotional benefits spreadsheets just can’t capture. Maybe that’s why a 2025 survey from Fannie Mae notes : “Consumers were twice as likely to mention lifestyle benefits (67%)—like security, customization, and outdoor space—than financial benefits (34%) when explaining why their homes have become more important in recent years.” Here are a few reminders of what owning a home gives you that renting never will. 1. A Milestone You Get To Be Proud Of Buying a home is a big deal. First home, fifth home – it doesn’t matter. It’s a moment you’ll remember. And when you finally get those keys and walk through the door, that feeling of “I did this” hits different. It’s not just a purchase. It’s an accomplishment. 2. A Place That Feels Like Your Reset Button Life is busy. Having a place that’s truly yours where you can shut the door, take a breath, and settle into your own routine is something renters rarely talk about until they finally experience it. Home becomes the place you go to recharge, not just the place your mail is delivered. 3. Space That Fits the Way You Actually Live Need a quiet corner for work calls? A backyard big enough for the dog that thinks it’s a person? A shorter drive to see the people who are most important to you? When you own, you get to choose a space that fits your life now and where it’s heading – and it just feels right. 4. Freedom To Make It 100% Yours Want to paint the kitchen navy? Go for it. Thinking about a wall of floating shelves or a bold wallpaper moment? Do it. Need space for a home gym or a reading nook? Make it happen. Homeownership gives you the freedom to shape your space instead of asking for permission to change it. Bottom Line Buying a home isn’t only about dollars and data points – it’s about building a life you love. So, if you’re thinking about a move in 2026, keep the emotional side in the conversation too. And when you’re ready to explore your options of a new home in Granite Bay, Roseville, Folsom, or anywhere in the Sacramento valley give me a call. Let’s connect so you have an experienced pro on your side to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. 

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while. After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting. Here’s what the experts are saying you have to look forward to. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com : “After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market. ” The National Association of Realtors (NAR): “ Top economists have one word to sum up the housing market for 2026: opportunity. Lower mortgage rates and a rising supply of homes are expected to open up the housing market . . . something the real estate industry and potential home buyers and sellers have been waiting for, following three years of stagnation.” Mark Fleming , Chief Economist at First American: “. . . for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction. ” Mischa Fisher , Chief Economist at Zillow : “Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026. ” Why Local Insight Matters More Than Ever Just remember, while the national outlook is improving, conditions will still be different based on where you live. Some markets will move faster than others. Some will see stronger price growth. Others will remain flat. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS , explains: “ Market performance will hinge on local economic conditions, making 2026 one of the most geographically divided markets we’ve seen in years.” That’s why understanding what’s happening in your specific area is key. The national trends set the stage, but local dynamics determine how they play out for you. And that's why you need an agent. Bottom Line If you want to talk through what’s expected for our local market here in Granite Bay, Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis, and other surrounding areas in Sacramento, amdwhich trends you’ll want to take advantage of, let’s connect.

You may not want to put your homebuying plans into hibernation mode this winter. While a lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to buy a house , new data shows January may actually be the best time of year for budget-conscious buyers. Kind of surprising, right? Here’s why January deserves a serious look. 1. Prices Tend To Be Lower This Time of Year Lending Tree says January is the least expensive month to buy a home. And there’s something to that. January has historically offered one of the lowest price-per-square-foot points of the entire year. But the spring? That’s when demand (and prices) usually peak. And that’s not speculation – it's a well-known trend based on years of market data.