Is 2026 the Year to Lock in a Rate?

30-year fixed rates are projected to gradually ease, remaining mostly above 6%.
Fannie Mae forecasts ~5.9% by year-end, while Zillow and Realtor.com expect low- to mid-6% range.
Rate reductions may modestly ease payments but won’t offset high prices, taxes, and insurance.
Rates tie closely to Treasury yields and Fed policy, with sharp declines unlikely without slowdown.
Buyers prepared financially can build equity sooner, rather than waiting for minor rate improvements.